Hi, fellow travelers. I just got a wonderful bargain for accomodations in London through londontown.com. I like this booking agency because they do not charge a booking fee and there is no cancellation fee, unlike HRN or some of the other internet hotel booking agencies. Instead of paying upfront to the booking agency, you pay at the end of your stay.<BR><BR>I'm staying at The Bloomsbury Park Thistle on Southampton Row and the rate is GOOD . I sent them an email to ask a question and with the answer received this disclaimer which is making twitch: <BR><BR>Thistle Central Reservations<BR> All rates quoted are subject to availability.<BR><BR>Now, Londontown.com wouldn't be giving me this fantastic rate and THEN when it comes time to pay my bill, the "rate quoted is not available" Or is this some sort of standard disclaimer I am unfamiliar with?<BR><BR>Any experiences with Londontown.com?

Greener: Do a search under "londontown." Lots of people have talked about it and, from what I recall, all positively. I haven't used them, but have had excellent results on smoothound and hotel-assist with getting good rates and good responses.<BR><BR>

Hi<BR>I just wanted to add that Londontown doesn't always have the lowest hotel rates. I recently found lower rates for the same establishments, on Orbitz. And I found equally low rates on a couple of places by emailing the hotels directly.

Thanks, Mel. My mind is at ease no after reading the "testimonials". Since I am a tacky American tourist, I'll go ahead and tell you the rate Londontown.com gave me for The Bloomsbury Park Thistle: for a single room, with tax, no brekkie: 34 pounds - later on in my trip, for a twin room, same w/tax, no brekkie: 64 pounds. I'll watch the price, if I find a better deal I can cancel and rebook. <BR><BR>In fact, thank you Elaine as well! I might as well check Orbitz while I'm at it. Cheers!<BR>

t

Greener,<BR>Uusually the hotel will quantify their rate with if available until until you give them specific dates. If you have done that and you get the same reply, then I would email them and ask for their confirmation number of your room for the dates, the type of room and the rate. When you get their email reply, print it and save it just in case you need it.<BR>Manny