Notes from London trip
 

We returned yesterday from a one week trip to London and thought that these observations might be helpful. <BR> <BR>The only crowd we encountered was at the Tate Modern during a rainy Sunday. And even that wasn't too bad. It's a great museum and worth a visit. <BR> <BR>Went to Hampton Court and the Tower of London and both were uncrowded. There's a new exhibit at the Tower about the Earl of Essex, it's on the top floor of the White Tower. Very interesting. <BR> <BR>Went to the London Eye at 10:30 on a sunny Friday morning and bought tickets for immediate boarding. Line was no longer than 5 minutes when we went on. At the end of our 40 minute flight the line was a bit longer, maybe 15 minutes. <BR> <BR>There were tickets available at the 1/2 price booth in Leichester Square for a large variety of plays. There were even full price tix available for My Fair Lady. Nothing available for Mama Mia. We saw Stone in His Pockets and Noises Off and enjoyed both. There were empty seats at both performances. <BR> <BR>Weather was warm, in the low 60s, with some rain 3 of our 7 days. But it only rained heavily once, the rest of the time it was just drizzling a bit and that ended in the early afternoon. <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Mayfair Intercontinental which is a short block from the Green Park tube station. Nice area, very quiet on Sundays, 10 minutes walk to Piccadilly. We took advantage of their Leisure Rates and got a huge room with a King bed for GBP 169 per night, including VAT and breakfast. Breakfast can be taken in the cafe or in the room (you can order anything you want from the breakfast menu). <BR> <BR>We used Ray's transport (email [email protected]) for trip from Heathrow (GBP 34) to hotel and back (GBP 29). They were on time and courteous. <BR> <BR>It was a great trip and I wish we could have stayed longer. I miss the Tetley's Bitter already.

Hi Pat, <BR>Curious to know how the mood and sentiment was in London (among the locals and towards Americans)? How was security? Sounded like there were many less tourists!

I've too just returned today from my occasional visit to London from Manchester where I live. London was eerily quiet. Very few tour buses or large tour groups, only small groups of mainly young tourists from Europe and Far East. Very few Americans. Taxis very easy to hail. I stayed at 3-star President Hotel in Russel Square, usually full of tour groups, but was perhaps only a QUARTER full. Loads of rooms available at big discount from websites like discountcityhotels.com. Perhaps the best deal GBP99 for two with breakfast at 5-star Westbury Hotel near Bond St or at fabulously-situated Thistle Charing Cross. Le Meridien Piccadilly closed off two floors. Spoke to staff at my favourite Chinese restaurant, Poon's, and they just shrugged their shoulders. Security is tight and visible at key locations like Houses of Parliament, rail stations etc but never oppressively so and won't affect your visit. <BR>But if you are able to get up here, you'll have a great time (but I do understand most will want to stay close to their family at an uncertain time like this). You can move about freely, take pot-luck without reservations at popular venues and enjoy London in the glorious autumn weather (hit 70F over the last couple of days).

Topping.

Alec is right, security is visible at high profile locations only. It wasn't an issue. We ran into very few Americans, mostly young folks in their 20s. The British people we met and talked to in pubs were very friendly and warm and we heard the same thing repeatedly, "we're so sorry for what you are going through and are glad that you are here". <BR> <BR>It's a good time to visit London.

I'm sorry for what you are going hrough and am glad that you re here. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London

I'm sorry for what you are going through and am glad that you are here. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London

Ben, you crack me up!!

.... and I wish that I was there!