Has anyone ever booked a hotel through Londontown.com? Were they efficient and reliable? Please give details, as we have to book and need to know as soon as possible. Also, any opinions about lastminute.com? Thanks

I haven't had any personal experience with either booking site but found out about lastminute.com and laterooms.com from this board. As I remember, the comments were favorable. I'd be sure that your credit card isn't charged until you actually stay at the hotel and also read the cancel policies very carefully.

Nancy, I booked the Millennium Gloucester for November 20. I immediately received a confirmation via e-mail. The web site states that one can cancel with no charge; I think I got a good deal and if a better one comes along I will cancel and rebook. I found this site through a recommendation of a Fodorite.

Nancy, Have used Londontown.com most recently April 2001.Booked Mayfair Intercontinental for 169GBP which included tax and full breakfast.We have never had a problem with them.I would not hesitate to use their services. I believe lastminute.com asks for full payment of all nights in advance with no refunds, but I have friends who have used them with no problems.Just be sure your travel plans are firm.

Nancy, <BR> <BR>We just returned from London and Paris and booked our London hotel through Londontown.com. I originally booked the Millennium Bailey Hotel for 72 pounds right after the September 11th tragedy. About a week later, the rate for the same 4-star hotel dropped to 60 pounds! Whooopeee! I canceled the 72 pound reservation and booked the 60 pound reservation. This did NOT include breakfast, but for that rate at a 4-star hotel, who cares! <BR> <BR>The hotel is excellently located. It's directly across the street from the Gloucester Tube, three great pastry shops, and a 24-hour grocery store. They also have internet access at the hotel. We would stay there again in a heartbeat! Good luck! <BR> <BR>

I just booked at londontown.com The The Beaufort hotel in Kensington for 99 pounds. This was less than half, includes breakfast, all drinks, afternoon tea. I was very impressed with their service, received a confirmation quickly, and have been in contact with them with other questions, and they are very helpful. Great site to get a good deal!

Dear Merriem, We also booked the Beaufort a little while ago, but our quote was 106 pounds for July of next year, not 99. Did you book a double and for what time of year? The rate for this hotel is definitely an awesome value. Normally, we would book an apartment, because we usually like to stay in Mayfair, but this deal was too good to pass up.

This is for November 9-14, as we are going on a cruise to the Canary Islands and spending the return time in London. <BR>The rate was so great, that we booked a separate room from our adult daughter at 71 pounds. Cannot beat that. Merriem

NOte that the rate at the Beaufort DOES NOT include VAT of 17.5%. In fact, most of the rates on the Londontown.com site are exclusive of VAT, but some do include breakfast.

At that rate, I'll pay the tax!