Paul

Will be visiting London(first trip)at the end of October to celebrate 30th anniversary. We will be likely be staying at the Grosvenor House Hotel. Two questions: Is this hotel convenient to the major attractions in the city? What is the weather generally like in late October (ie., do we need to bring winter clothes)?

dodger

First let me commend you on your choice of Hotels. First rate on Park lane. It is not centrally located but I would not let that be a problem. You are accross the street from Hyde park and at the other end of the park is Keningston Palace. You can spend a lot of money taking taxi's to the Main attractions or you can do what most everyone else does and that is to take the tube.Right on the corner is a station and I strongly recommend that you purchase a one week travel card. Take a passport sized photo. This pass allows unlimited use of the tube and buses in central London. You can walk to central London from your hotel but a number of sights are beyond walking. Be prepared for cool, wet and windly weather. But you will find that the weather is ever changing. A jacket with a hood is what I take and never have been sorry. Have fun and if I can be of help you can e mail me.

Mike Long

Let me ad just a note to the previous message. First, regarding the travelcard, I suggest the Visitor's Travelcard which must be purchased before you go. It has greater time and distance ranges. Ask your travel agent. May I also suggest a half day tour touching on the major attractions to help you get your bearings. Have a great trip!

Kathleen Nolan

Agree. with all of the above but I also have questions. We'll be making our third trip to London in mid-November. Having stayed previously on Park Lane and in our budget days, Bloomsbury, we've decided to try the "small townhouse with country home decor" this time. Problem? Too many choices and hope someone can help us decide. We've "narrowed" list to Abbey Court and Pembridge Court nr Notting Hill tube, the Cranley (on list only because British Air has an amazing deal for half the Cranley's rack rates, only $91 per person per night; also have similar prices for two nearby first-class larger hotels,Bailey's and the Gloucester)and three places on Sumner Place -- Number 16, Five Sumner Place and Aster Place (3 Sumner). The Montague in Bloomsbury also looks good but it's priced higher. Does any one stand out as being so superior that we should definitely choose it? Pembridge Court is starred in Fodor's but the Cranley does make the listings. My Fodor's doesn't mention the others but their internet descriptions sound good. And lastly, will a raincoat with a lining do for mid-November weather? Thanks.

dodger

Kathleen, I have given up on the rating system for hotels and apartments in London. We, for the past few years, have rented an apartment. You really never know what you will end up with. Sorry, but I am not familar with the places mentioned, however, I have stayed in the nottinghill gate area. Lots of good places to eat nearby. I prefer my old leather jacket with a liner and fold and zip up nylon hood over the typical rain coat. Took a rain coat with a liner once and will never do it again. I am sure that it will work ok but take a small umbrella.

JOAN DOYLE

Dear Paul: You may be enroute to the airport by this time--but just in case: I've visited London MANY times (tho' I've not had to stay in a hotel since my sister's firm moved her to London nearly 30 years ago)and most recently I go in November. You will need winter clothes only if you come from the Deep South as I do. Otherwise a lined raincoat (Dodger's suggestion about the jacket may suit you guys but we ladies will find the full length, LINED raincoat the most useful). Also take sturdy and comfortable rubber-soled shoes and an umbrella. I've always found LAYERING to be the secret of staying comfortable in chilly, damp weather--so take a supply of turtleneck T-shirts. Though I've not STAYED there, I've had drinks in the bar at the Grosvenor House and it's a nice hotel and--as the others have told you--well-located. Have a wonderful time! Joan

ANN

THANK YOU FODOR'S FOR PROVIDING SUCH AN EXCELLENT,
INTELLIGENT AND HELPFUL RESOURCE. I'VE BEEN LOOKING, TO NO AVAIL, FOR JUST SUCH A RESOURCE AND HAVE NOW FOUND ONE. I TOO AM GOING TO LONDON IN MID NOVEMBER. IS ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH THE RADIISSON VANDERBILT ON CROMWELL ROAD IN SOUTH KENSINGTON?
ALSO, WILL A LONG, GABARDINE TRENCHCOAT, WITH A LIGHT WEIGHT ZIPOUT LINING BE ADEQUATE, TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE? THANK YOU.

sabrina nugara

Dear all who have replied from US,
As a Londoner, I'm astounded at your knowledge!!
If this is of any help, currently, the weather ranges between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius (i'm afraid I don't know how to convert to Fahrenheit). We are expecting it to continue fluctuating in this manner, edging closer to the 13-14 range as we get into November. Currently we are experiencing rain on about 3-4 days out of 7 - in itself this is not too uncomfortable but with the cold winds as well...
Bring warm, lined raincoats (Burberry style) with hoods and yes, pack the umbrellas too. Also, turtle-necks and medium-weight sweaters that can be layered with long-sleeved shirts (ie. when you're inside, the central heating will make the heat unbearable). It's not a bad idea to include scarves/gloves for those of you travelling in mid Nov as it will be colder then (10-12 Deg Cel). Footwear is to suit you - personally, I start wearing Timberlands into work and changing into loafers for internal use by end October. If you're intending on a lot of walking, this type of shoe would suit best (rainproof & comfortable).
Travelcard wise, expect to spend c. £27 for weekly Zone One card - suitable for those staying in Notting Hill, or £3.70 for all day travel (after 9.30am) on tube, buses and trains. Try to avoid Tube between 8-9am and 5-6.30pm if poss; London rush hour is the definition of Hell, as anyone will testify.
Kathleen: Cranley sounds nicer (and is a good deal).
To all: welcome to London and enjoy your stay.

Patti

To convert degrees from C. to F., multiply by 1.8 and then add 32. So, the previous post listing a temp of 13 C. would equate to 55 F.