London questions
 

My wife, 8 yr old child and I are on our way to Mallorca via London.(5 nights in London) <BR>I have a couple of questions that I hope can get answered. <BR> <BR>1. Do I need a power adapter for our <BR> hairdryer? <BR> <BR>2. Our daughter is very well traveled and <BR> dines out a lot. Will we be frowned <BR> upon for dining out with her in an <BR> "upscale" restaurant or two? <BR> <BR>3. Any rec. for a nice property to overnite <BR> at close to Heathrow? (only 1 night) on <BR> our way back from Mallorca. <BR> <BR>Thank you in advance for any help you may <BR>provide me with. <BR> <BR>Kindest regards; <BR> <BR>Paul

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Yes, you need an adapter, (at any travel store) Yest your daughter will be welcome if she can behave anywhere (British children are, on the whole, very well behaved) and yes, there are hotels near the airport (a cabride). Try www.bhrc.co.uk/H369.htm.

We are leaving in a few days for our first trip to England. Regarding the adapters --- we have been told by several people that the adapters sold in the USA really don't work well in England --- that it's better to purchase a new hair-dryer (for example) when we arrive. What is the general consensus here? Can anyone PLEASE give me the name and or model number of one they know will work? And also where to purchase it? <BR>Thank you very much!

I have used an adapter for years and never had a problem. It's really more convenient to buy a hair dryer here with DUAL VOLTAGE, then all you need is a 3 prong plug which cost about $2.00 at any hardware store. Most hotels even have a dryere in the room so 80% of the time I don't even use mine. <BR> <BR>Try Windsor, about 15-20 minutes from Heathrow. Lots to do, see, eat,and nice hotels and Band B's.

Paul, leave the hair dryer home. I have not traveled with a hairdryer to the UK in over 10 years. Most hotels in London have a hair dryer in the room. Those without usually have one at the desk. It is only the very cheap places that don't have them. Although some of the hairdryers admittedly aren't great its another piece of equipment that you don't need. The adapters sold in the US work fine. <BR> <BR>I typically don't run into English children out for dinner but I am usually out at the more adult dining time of 9ish so may have missed them. I imagine children will be quite acceptable most anywhere you care to make a reservation except The Greenhouse. The maitre'd had an attitude problem when I showed up with a female co-worker. He audibly sniffed in the most haughty manner. We were indeed the only females dining without male escorts, and to make matters worse I was wearing that corporate faux pas, the pants suit. So avoid the Greenhouse in Mayfair and you and your progeny will do just fine. <BR>She is lucky to be able to travel at her age. <BR>Have a great trip. <BR>W.

Thanks to you all! We'll leave the dryer at home and take our child out with us. ( common sense prevailing) <BR> <BR>Leave next Wednesday! <BR> <BR>Paul

If you do take the hair dryer take a converter and adapter, but almost all hotels have hair dryers anyway. We travel frequently to Europe and rarely see children out at night in "nice" restaurants (we have relatives w/small kids in Paris & I've asked them this question on occasion). I suppose you can do it, providing your child is well behaved and causes no fuss. Really, I cannot think of many times we saw children in upscale places at all. <BR>As for a nice place at Heathrow, well we just stayed at the Heathrow Hilton and it was fine. Best part of it is that there is a covered walkway from Term 4 straight to the Hilton door - you can even take luggage trolley's over there so there! Rooms were quite small but adequately furnished w/nice bathrooms and hair dryer :-) The hotel food was rather pricy, but it it is only for one night it's OK. We thought it was extremely convenient.

Paul---when we took our children to London and Paris two years ago, they were 14 and 16 and always the only children in the upscale restaurants (and even the pubs---where were the children???) that we went to. A bit older than eight, but they were treated well by all.

Paul - We took our daughter with us to London and Paris last year and had no problems. She was 6.5, but like your daughter well traveled/mannered. We had a fantastic time - your daughter will love it. We are returning to London in August and my daughter is so upset she is not coming with us. Enjoy!!!

I seldom see children dining, but I have no problem with it as long as they are well-behaved. The only problem I see ,,Is your child really well behaved or do YOU just think he/she is? there is nothing worse than sitting next to a table with children who want to be the center of attention, and doting parents who cannot see the discomfort they are causing other people who are out for the evening to enjoy a pleasant experience. Nothing worse , than listening to the "yes darlings" we all love you and think you are special.

I second Lori's suggestion: <BR>the Heathrow Hilton. I've <BR>stayed there twice during the <BR>past year, and it couldn't be <BR>much more convenient. Just a <BR>walk. <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR> <BR>Gerry K

But what do you do all day staying at an airport hotel? I'd ratehr stay somewhere where youcould get out and walk around even if it were a distance from the airport. even into London on train wouls be better than the first day with nothig to do. If it were the last day and I had an early flight I might consider that

Paul - there is a HUGE variation in hotel rates between weekdays and weekends around Heathrow. On weekends you can often stay at Mariott, Hilton etc. for no more than the so called "economy" hotels which are not cheap and not very good. Heathrow Marriott is convenient. Particularly for 3 of you in one room where they charge by the room. Weekends sometimes include breakfast which adds to the value. Different story weekdays. Out of range unless you're travelling on business or don't care. Online or direct call to the hotel will get you the best rates for a particular night.

About dining in London with young children. Well, it depends. Some 'upscale' restaurants have a policy stating that no children under certain age will be admitted, eg Petrus (under 10),Halkin (under 7), Chez Bruce (none at D). But vast majority of them will, with varying degrees of tolerance/enthusiasm. It's a good idea to ask, when booking, whether they cater for children to avoid any embarrassment or misunderstanding. Children are of course expected to behave and not to spoil the enjoyment of other diners (I wish some adults would oblige). In London (and in the rest of Britain) restaurants are much more open to admitting children than they were 5-10 years ago, and some even very smart places positively welcome them by providing smaller portions, high chairs etc.

Thank you all! We leave in two days and are very excited. Though I have several dinner reservations at nice places, I'll use my common sence about things and adapt where necessary. <BR> <BR>I've reservations for our last night in abroad at the Hyatt. We dont get there until 8pm (back from Mallorca) and we leave at 11 am. Thus we only need a convenient place to sleep really. <BR>Thanks again and wish us luck!