London in February - 1st visit
 

Hi, my wife and I are planning a long weekend (Thursday through Monday) in London this February. We're thinking of staying in the Knightsbridge section at a hotel costing between 130 to 170 pounds - any suggestions and is Knightsbridge a reasonable choice? Also, we'd like to take in a play or the opera on Friday or Saturday night - any suggestions on how we go about finding out what's scheduled and how we get tickets? One more thing, what can we expect in terms of weather? Thanks for the help...

Weather is generally damp and cool; can be cold. I love the little Goring hotel (near Buckingham palace)--about that price range. Truly wonderful place in every way--everyone we've sent there adores it. Suggest you use the hotel concierge to deal with tickets (unless it's a really unobtainable ticket). Concierges have a way of getting anything--even last minute-- without much hassle for you. I've practically always gotten to see what I've wanted, without worrying about it much. Worth a tip.

Just returned from London and stayed at the Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge. Great location and the executive room at 145 including VAT and breakfast was a great deal. Use Tickmaster UK online for your theatre and event tickets. It was a breeze.

For one of the most comprehensive websites on what's playing and tickets around London visit WWW.whatsonstage.com <BR>I found this site a couple of years ago and think it's great...You can view seating plans, read reviews, post reviews, buy tickets,everything..They call themselves "Britains National Performing Arts Information Service" You can also sign up for e-mail that lets you know whats opening and closing around London. Of course to me half the fun of the theatre in London is queing up at the Half-Price ticket booth in Leicester Square!!! <BR>Lori

was in London a couple of years ago in late January for a long weekend. The weather was wonderful. Took a lined rain coat but didn't need it during the day. Never rained once. I think we were lucky. <BR> <BR>Also, we just walked around the theatre district and went to the box office at the theatre we wanted to go to and bought tickets for the same night. We had great seats also. I guess we didn't get half price but I thought the tickets were very reasonable. Especially if your used to going to NYC and paying those prices. <BR> <BR>We stayed near Kensington. Sorry I can't remember the name of the hotel but I loved the area.

Mike, my mom and I stayed at the Knightsbridge Green Hotel in April and really enjoyed it. The hotel is right across the street from Hyde Park, a block or so from Harrod's and the Knightsbridge tube stop is very close. I believe that it was about 130 pounds. Let me know if you have any questions. Take a look at www.allthingsbritish.com It should be able to link you to the theater information. <BR> <BR>Tammy

Thanks for the suggestions/info. The Goring Hotel sounds great, if not a bit pricey... We're looking forward to our trip.

if you haven't purchased your airfare yet, you might want to check out the packages offered by virgin atlantic. your dates weren't listed on their website, but a 3 day 4 night london jaunt in october was priced at $599/person (american dollars, not british pounds). it included roundtrip airfare, choice of three hotels, and transfers to and from airport and hotel. you might give them a call to see what they can offer you for february. <BR>

We've done London in February a couple of times: yup, cool and damp - rainy too. We were prepared: warm wool jackets with hoods, flannel scarves, gloves, warm socks and sweaters. We weren't uncomfortable (oh yeah unless you're staying in a hotel that caters to Americans, be prepared for 'cool' indoor temperatures. The Brits don't think the room needs to be at 80 to be comfortable; 65 and wear a sweater!) and had fun everytime we went. <BR> <BR>Using the whatsonstage site, I booked (through the theatres) tickets to Beauty and the Beast and Starlight Express a couple of months ago for our trip two weeks ago. The tickets were at will-call, no problems, seats were as described, the girls loved B&theB, I loved Starlight Express. <BR> <BR>Not only Virgin Atlantic, but BritAir has deals too (airfare & hotel). Check with both to see what's cookin'. <BR> <BR>Oh yeah in Feb '98 when we were in London, the temperature was in the high 60's, bright and sunny. Warmer there than in Arizona. Froze our twillies off in July the year before...go figure.

Mike, <BR>I just call the theaters directly or go through Ticketmaster UK (they have a website too, but I called them) for theater tickets. We're going over in the Spring 2000 and already lined up front row, center tickets (they call them "stalls") for Mamma Mia, Lion King and Fosse via this method. You can also contact a ticket agency, we used Edwards & Edwards in the past and they were fine, good seats, etc. As for weather, probably cool, rainy, damp .. but it could also be pleasant and sunny, who knows! We've been in Dec. not Feb. and it got dark really early (like 4:30) so be prepared for that, it also stayed dark till 8 a.m. I think.