Hello Travelers, <BR> <BR>I am heading to London for the first time next week. I need a basic hotel that is reasonably priced. Any suggestions? <BR> <BR>Also, in what part of town would you stay if you were going for the first time? <BR> <BR>Any insights into must things to do if you only had two days would also be appreciated. One or two cultural things, plus suggestions for good places to drink a few pints, listen to some music, and see some of London's underbelly. <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR> <BR>Randy <BR> <BR>

We stayed at the White House in London and were very pleased, great location for the tube/buses, good breakfast, and for summer, airconditioning. I would recommend it. I was there three years ago so I don't have current prices but I'm sure it was in the $100-$150 range. London is like NYC, Hard to find a good reasonable hotel, they seem to be low end seedy or really expensive, this one was in-between and very comfortable.

Hi! We just stayed at the Travel Inn County Hall. Great location--on the Thames,next to the London Eye,across from Parliament and Big Ben, and up the street from Waterloo Station. Large rooms, clean, and very pleasant---approximately 62 pounds a night! We would stay there again.

Quick tips: <BR>Use the buses (go to the top of double deckers)so you can look while you go from place to place. <BR>From the Tower of London (which is packed with interesting things) take a boat ride down the Thames to Westminister (or vice versa) this will give you a good overview of the city and you'll get a glimpse of many of the famous buildings that two days might not give you time to see up close. Try to see the horseguards parade instead of the changing of the guard (Get the A-Z pocket London guide for all times and locations) Have lunch in St.James Park and just watch people go by.

Randy, <BR> <BR>How lucky you are to be going to such a great city! I was just there again in April, after having been away for about 15 years. It was great. <BR> <BR>In the past I'd always stayed in Bloomsbury, and I still recommend that area--you're within walking distance of the British Museum and the theater district, and even Piccadilly. We stayed in the Earl's Court area of Kensington, and we were just too far out. I went with a more budget hotel, and I kicked myself the whole time--yet I didn't want to spend the time finding a new hotel and moving. <BR> <BR>Only two days? It depends on what you're interested in. Get on one of the double-decker buses that allow you to hop on and off. They're all over the city. Definitely try to see Westminster Abbey, British Museum, perhaps St. Paul's. Tower of London needs about half a day, but you could do a quick trip there. If you like art: the National Gallery. If you like modern art: the Tate, which now has a new wing. <BR> <BR>My favorite pubs: the Museum Tavern, across the street from the British Museum, and the Lamb (frequented by Dickens), on Lamb's Conduit Street near the University of London.