London for the first time
 

My husband and I will be in London for the first time at the end of June. We can't decide on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic. Any suggestions? We've made reservation at the Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt, which was chosen for it's location on the Cromwell Road in Kensington. Does anybody know if this was a good choice? I'd also like to know what exactly is a London Pass, what does it entitle me to, and is it worth it? I've been reading other messages concerning walking tours of London. How does one go about arranging one? Also, it appears that Traveler's checks are not the way to go. Am I right? Thanks for any help you can give me.

The hotel is a good choice. Very central , close to 2 tube stations and in a very nice area with lots of restaurants and services..and very close to the V&A, Natuaral History Museum, Harrod's etc.

Whether to chose BA or Virgin may depend on where you are departing. Most people seem to prefer Virgin,, but I fly from MCO and VA flights are more crowded and have many more distractions!! From anywhere else , I think they are probably about equal so go with the cheapest!

Sorry , I don't do passes so I can't be any help there

Traveler's checks are not of any use that I can see..use your ATM and credit cards. I do like to arrive with some local currency so I eat the few dollars it takes to get some from my local bank!

BA is snootier than Virgin, but I think the accommodations are equivalent.

The London Pass: see londonpass.com - It's a good deal if you get a twofer (which you frequently can). If you don't, it's hard to see enough sights to break even (and a lot of important attractions are free anyway).

Traveler's checks: forget about them and get cash out of ATMs.

Virgin or BA? Really 6 of 1, half dozen of the other. Go w/ whichever one gets you the best fare. Some (me included) think VS (Virgin) has the better service, and you do get full credit for your ff miles, which you don't on economy tix on BA. But the differences are minor - just get a good fare.

The Rad. Edwardian is an excellent choice in a really good location.

Forget about the London Pass - the general concensus is it really isn't much value - especially the transport portion because you have more choice of travel discounts/special passes after you are in London. All the major galleries and museums in London are free anyway so if you are typical tourists you will be going to as many free sites as paid ones.

And you are right about travelers checks - use your ATM card to get cash and credit cards for everything else.

Ditto to the above, and call your bank to find out if they have any agreements with British banks for using their ATM's without fees. If your bank is Bank of America, use Barclay's ATM's and you will get a good exchange and you will pay no fees.

Regarding walking tours, they do not need to be arranged, all you have to do is show up at the right time and place. I have done several of these and enjoyed them very much. Be advised that the Jack the Ripper tour will be very crowded, especially at that time of year. Here's the scoop on walking tours:

http://london.walks.com/

Thanks to everyone. You're Great!!!