staying outside London
Jul 27th, 2004, 08:45 AM
#22
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Richmond is a most delightful area, only blighted by its close proximity to Heathrow, although this has had no bearing on the high property prices in this area.
Southgate is depressing, souless, and I have no idea why you would want to contemplate staying there.
Southgate is depressing, souless, and I have no idea why you would want to contemplate staying there.
Jul 27th, 2004, 09:14 AM
#23
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Why?
Because it looks nice to me. That is why. I was basically just asking if it was a safe quiet neighborhood... so I hope I answered your question!
The tube will take me all over anyway. It isn't like I am planning on buying a house there!
Because it looks nice to me. That is why. I was basically just asking if it was a safe quiet neighborhood... so I hope I answered your question!
The tube will take me all over anyway. It isn't like I am planning on buying a house there!
Jul 27th, 2004, 01:32 PM
#24
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I'd strongly consider not staying in Finsbury Park area. Hanging out in London's little Fallujah is probably not the experience you want. And it's a decent trek from there to the V&A or Brit Museum.
I stayed in South Kensington and my brother found a small B&B near the V&A (unclear on the name, but I think 11 Astor Place or something similar) and he found it quite acceptable and not expensive.
MK2 is correct that staying outside the center (centre) of the city will require you to either learn the night bus schedule or pay for taxis. A better bet is South Kens to Earl's Court area, which has decently priced hotels and access to the Piccadilly and District tube lines (plus a night bus [the N94?] which goes straight from Piccadilly Circus to South Kens).
I stayed in South Kensington and my brother found a small B&B near the V&A (unclear on the name, but I think 11 Astor Place or something similar) and he found it quite acceptable and not expensive.
MK2 is correct that staying outside the center (centre) of the city will require you to either learn the night bus schedule or pay for taxis. A better bet is South Kens to Earl's Court area, which has decently priced hotels and access to the Piccadilly and District tube lines (plus a night bus [the N94?] which goes straight from Piccadilly Circus to South Kens).
Jul 27th, 2004, 01:58 PM
#25
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I stay outside the center of London and I don't know the night bus schedule or have I ever taken a taxi (too expensive). The tube runs until midnight. The theatre is done by 10:30 PM so you can still go out for a drink if you like. I don't stay out till all hours of the night. My days of closing bars ended 20 years ago. I definitely would not stay outside of London. The suburbs work for me.
Jul 27th, 2004, 02:13 PM
#26
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If you leave a club between 2 and 3 am, which let's face it is the norm, then you have to start finding a bus stop (possibly a little weary and/or worse for wear), then wait for a bus, sit on the bus, disembark and face a walk to your B&B which is probably all locked up.
I know this works for you, but each individual must assess their priorities - if you're home early every evening then stay in the suburbs, but if you want a real flavour of the city, stay in the heart of it.
I know this works for you, but each individual must assess their priorities - if you're home early every evening then stay in the suburbs, but if you want a real flavour of the city, stay in the heart of it.
Jul 27th, 2004, 02:30 PM
#27
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Staying out to 2 or 3 AM used to be the norm for me, but as I mentioned my days of closing bars ended a long time ago. I arrive in Central London in the morning and stay until around 11 PM, so I think I get the flavor of the city.
We've discussed this before - I stayed in Central London on my first 5 visits and enjoyed that. But, I have stayed in the suburbs the last 2 visits and have enjoyed that.
I agree with you the London newcomer should stay in Central London. But, the tube is easy to use, and if you look at any number of posts about where to stay you see complaints about noisy places, dirty places etc. My personal favorite was the fumes from passing traffic wafting into the breakfast room.
And I don't have to worry about the B&B being locked. I have permanent possession of a front door key.
We've discussed this before - I stayed in Central London on my first 5 visits and enjoyed that. But, I have stayed in the suburbs the last 2 visits and have enjoyed that.
I agree with you the London newcomer should stay in Central London. But, the tube is easy to use, and if you look at any number of posts about where to stay you see complaints about noisy places, dirty places etc. My personal favorite was the fumes from passing traffic wafting into the breakfast room.
And I don't have to worry about the B&B being locked. I have permanent possession of a front door key.
Jul 27th, 2004, 02:48 PM
#28
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My head is spinning from the twists and turns this thread has taken. Welcome to the board sllo1!!! I adore Rye and hope you do too. I'd answer your questions this way.
1) Can you save significantly by staying near, not in, London?
You can pay less for better accomodation outside of <bcentral London but it won't necessarily save you money if you add travel and is not something I would do. Priceline is just the very best value in London. Read biddingfortravel.com several times. Use Priceline unless you want to be able to cancel or are more than 2 people in one room.
If, for whatever reason, you don't want to do Priceline, I'd say, stay IN London but not in the center. I recently stayed in the Marleybone area which happens to be near the V & A. On a map it looks somewhat out of the way, but in actuality it was just terrific. Having the Marleybone train station with 2 tube lines and also being near the Baker St tube stop was great. The Ramada Jarvis Marleybone is just one option in that area that's relatively inexpensive.
Islington is also an area to consider. It's a more residential section that has lots of interesting things. I believe there are some more modern hotels there (lacking charm) but good, clean, inexpensive.
Maida Vale is another residential area IN London (also near Little Venice and St. John's Wood.) Hotels in that area tend to be less expensive because they're not areas most tourists know.
The area around the British Museum is Bloomsbury. It's near the U. of London and has some very affordable b & bs, especially if you're willing to forego private bath. The Harlingford and the Arosfa are 2 that have been mentioned as being "ok."
Look for reviews on tripadvisor.com for anything you're considering and use the text search here. Type a name in the box above and click find. Happy hunting.
1) Can you save significantly by staying near, not in, London?
You can pay less for better accomodation outside of <bcentral London but it won't necessarily save you money if you add travel and is not something I would do. Priceline is just the very best value in London. Read biddingfortravel.com several times. Use Priceline unless you want to be able to cancel or are more than 2 people in one room.
If, for whatever reason, you don't want to do Priceline, I'd say, stay IN London but not in the center. I recently stayed in the Marleybone area which happens to be near the V & A. On a map it looks somewhat out of the way, but in actuality it was just terrific. Having the Marleybone train station with 2 tube lines and also being near the Baker St tube stop was great. The Ramada Jarvis Marleybone is just one option in that area that's relatively inexpensive.
Islington is also an area to consider. It's a more residential section that has lots of interesting things. I believe there are some more modern hotels there (lacking charm) but good, clean, inexpensive.
Maida Vale is another residential area IN London (also near Little Venice and St. John's Wood.) Hotels in that area tend to be less expensive because they're not areas most tourists know.
The area around the British Museum is Bloomsbury. It's near the U. of London and has some very affordable b & bs, especially if you're willing to forego private bath. The Harlingford and the Arosfa are 2 that have been mentioned as being "ok."
Look for reviews on tripadvisor.com for anything you're considering and use the text search here. Type a name in the box above and click find. Happy hunting.
Jul 27th, 2004, 02:54 PM
#29
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Yeah. Relax, people! Take a chill pill!
Here's a great website for B&B planning:
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/hotels/hotels_home.jsp
used them for the Cotswolds many a time. Good, up-to-date listings. (And no, it's not Alcoholics Anonymous . . . .)
Just did a little search for Chiswick and Richmond & came up with this gem:
http://www.theaa.com/hotels/79156.html
I am so there! BTW be sure to ask establishments if they have a weekly rate, if you'll be staying for more than a couple of days.
HTH
Here's a great website for B&B planning:
http://www.theaa.com/getaway/hotels/hotels_home.jsp
used them for the Cotswolds many a time. Good, up-to-date listings. (And no, it's not Alcoholics Anonymous . . . .)
Just did a little search for Chiswick and Richmond & came up with this gem:
http://www.theaa.com/hotels/79156.html
I am so there! BTW be sure to ask establishments if they have a weekly rate, if you'll be staying for more than a couple of days.
HTH
Jul 27th, 2004, 03:00 PM
#30
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mclaurie,
I agree with you about staying in an area not crawling with tourists for a cheaper place to stay. That is why I like my B&B in northwest London. I am paying 45% less than what I paid in Central London. My tube station is a 3 min walk literally around the corner. The money I have saved over my last 2 visits paid for my plane tickets.
I agree with you about staying in an area not crawling with tourists for a cheaper place to stay. That is why I like my B&B in northwest London. I am paying 45% less than what I paid in Central London. My tube station is a 3 min walk literally around the corner. The money I have saved over my last 2 visits paid for my plane tickets.
Jul 27th, 2004, 03:35 PM
#32
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WillTravel
The tube station is North Harrow on the Metropolitan Line. It is a 20 min. ride to Baker Street.
Prices - 30 GBP single, 44 double, 55 triple and 66 quad. Rooms are en suite and breakfast is included.
It is in Zone 5 on the Underground, so the TravelCard will be more expensive, but the money I save more than covers that.
London Bed & Breakfast. Website
www.serenade.ndirect.co.uk
The tube station is North Harrow on the Metropolitan Line. It is a 20 min. ride to Baker Street.
Prices - 30 GBP single, 44 double, 55 triple and 66 quad. Rooms are en suite and breakfast is included.
It is in Zone 5 on the Underground, so the TravelCard will be more expensive, but the money I save more than covers that.
London Bed & Breakfast. Website
www.serenade.ndirect.co.uk
Jul 28th, 2004, 11:01 AM
#33
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Goodness, I'm away from the computer for a day and look what goes on!
Thanks for all your suggestions and comments. It's going to take me a while to go through them.
Having already looked at some of the B&B sites, I think I'm more of a hotel person. The Kings-Cross-area hotel that was originally suggested to me is the Alhambra, with 52 rooms (some standard, some en suite) but breakfast still included in the price. So, not a B&B, but not a sterile box either.
Where can one find out about self-catering flats? A friend took this route but the one she chose is way too expensive for me. I'd be interested in what other options are out there.
Thanks again.
Thanks for all your suggestions and comments. It's going to take me a while to go through them.
Having already looked at some of the B&B sites, I think I'm more of a hotel person. The Kings-Cross-area hotel that was originally suggested to me is the Alhambra, with 52 rooms (some standard, some en suite) but breakfast still included in the price. So, not a B&B, but not a sterile box either.
Where can one find out about self-catering flats? A friend took this route but the one she chose is way too expensive for me. I'd be interested in what other options are out there.
Thanks again.
Jul 28th, 2004, 12:15 PM
#34
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Reviews of the Alhambra on tripadvisor sound pretty darn good 
By typing apartments AND london in the text search box above you'll find plenty of previous threads on self catering places. Many require minimum stays though. Some websites to check are londontown.com, londonnights.com, laterooms.com, wotif.com
By typing apartments AND london in the text search box above you'll find plenty of previous threads on self catering places. Many require minimum stays though. Some websites to check are londontown.com, londonnights.com, laterooms.com, wotif.com
Jul 28th, 2004, 12:29 PM
#35
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rj007,
In my research I have looked at that B&B many times. I had no idea that is the one you keep praising ... I thought it looked good. (He seems very funny and down to earth) I think I might have to really keep that one in mind.
In my research I have looked at that B&B many times. I had no idea that is the one you keep praising
... I thought it looked good. (He seems very funny and down to earth) I think I might have to really keep that one in mind.
Jul 28th, 2004, 12:36 PM
#37
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http://www.iolanthe.co.uk/
oooh, their prices went UP. it was 35 pounds a few years ago. see what happens when people find out about you?
it really is a lovely place though.
oooh, their prices went UP. it was 35 pounds a few years ago. see what happens when people find out about you?
it really is a lovely place though.
Jul 28th, 2004, 12:40 PM
#38
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Flygirl, how do you like the mile or so walk at night from the tube to the B&B from that location?
The 25 pound price for a single, assuming that includes a fair breakfast, is within striking distance of a hostel dorm bed.
The 25 pound price for a single, assuming that includes a fair breakfast, is within striking distance of a hostel dorm bed.
Jul 28th, 2004, 01:04 PM
#39
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rj007 - We also use London Bed & Breakfast Service, and on our last 3 trips to Britain, stayed in one of their B&B's at Archway, mainly because our son now lives permanently in London, and Archway is close to visit both him & his wife. We don't stay with them, as they only have a studio apartment. The 2 B&B's in Archway are a 5 minutes walk down a leafy street, with nice homes, to Archway Station, which gives quick access to Central London. We find Archway & nearby Highgate, just great for pubs & restaurants, after being in the city all day (just so nice to get out & away from the crowds of the city). Also close to Archway is Hampstead Heath, which we enjoy walking in, and again its trendy shops, pubs & restaurants. Another place we always enjoy visiting is Islington. At night - I think Islington "jumps" more than London central. So many cafes/restaurants/pubs in Islington. I see where someone mentioned Richmond - another beaut spot to visit or stay. I still remember walking through Richmond Park, with the herds of deer nearby.
I can understand why some people would want to stay in "central" London, to be close to the major sights, but in our case, after 4 visits to London, we find the areas like Hampstead Heath/Highgate/ARchway, etc, more relaxing and less crowded - after a day in the city. As they say each to his own. If your ever get to Islington, seek out the "Blue Elephant" restaurant, a very popular eatery for breakfasts (people stand in line outside to get a seat)
On one of our UK trips, we stayed 2 nights in Rye, and absolutely loved it, again staying in another B&B (within walking distance of the town). Make sure you go into the Mermaid Inn, and have a drink, and enjoy the ambience of this very old Inn. Also get someone to tell the story of the Mayor, and gruesome murder. Enjoy your trip.
I can understand why some people would want to stay in "central" London, to be close to the major sights, but in our case, after 4 visits to London, we find the areas like Hampstead Heath/Highgate/ARchway, etc, more relaxing and less crowded - after a day in the city. As they say each to his own. If your ever get to Islington, seek out the "Blue Elephant" restaurant, a very popular eatery for breakfasts (people stand in line outside to get a seat)
On one of our UK trips, we stayed 2 nights in Rye, and absolutely loved it, again staying in another B&B (within walking distance of the town). Make sure you go into the Mermaid Inn, and have a drink, and enjoy the ambience of this very old Inn. Also get someone to tell the story of the Mayor, and gruesome murder. Enjoy your trip.
Jul 28th, 2004, 01:20 PM
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willtravel, actually, I have made that walk late at night a few times. I took the Routemasters (sigh) more than the tube many times. I think Bus 13? I forget now. anyway. it is a very posh neighborhood. didn't bother me at all. they do have a hopper bus up until a certain hour though.
however I wouldn't walk through the Heath late, although that is more direct. despite that it actually does abut houses on one side, they are protected by tall hedges and it's a bit more desolate - nice neighborhood, but who knows who walks the parks at night. better to walk through the neighborhoods, on the sidewalks.
the breakast is quite ample. lotta food.
One time I did stay in the single - because their doubles were full. I didn't so much like the bed, it needed better support, but that was a LONG time ago. plus I have a bad back at times and I can be picky. that room is TINY though. but what do you need, right?
the owners are very nice, one time (I think the time I stayed in the single, as it has no shower) I needed to take a bath at an odd time, or maybe someone else was in the bath - they let me use their own upstairs. very nice! they have done a lot of remodeling and whatnot to the house. I really like it. you walk outdoors BAM you are on Hampstead Heath - literally across the street. The owner is a francophile, so if you like France there is a lot to talk about.
I like staying there, because in a way I feel like I am coming home when I visit. I have stayed there so many times, I start to feel the neighborhood is 'mine'. it's familiar.
however I wouldn't walk through the Heath late, although that is more direct. despite that it actually does abut houses on one side, they are protected by tall hedges and it's a bit more desolate - nice neighborhood, but who knows who walks the parks at night. better to walk through the neighborhoods, on the sidewalks.
the breakast is quite ample. lotta food.
One time I did stay in the single - because their doubles were full. I didn't so much like the bed, it needed better support, but that was a LONG time ago. plus I have a bad back at times and I can be picky. that room is TINY though. but what do you need, right?
the owners are very nice, one time (I think the time I stayed in the single, as it has no shower) I needed to take a bath at an odd time, or maybe someone else was in the bath - they let me use their own upstairs. very nice! they have done a lot of remodeling and whatnot to the house. I really like it. you walk outdoors BAM you are on Hampstead Heath - literally across the street. The owner is a francophile, so if you like France there is a lot to talk about.
I like staying there, because in a way I feel like I am coming home when I visit. I have stayed there so many times, I start to feel the neighborhood is 'mine'. it's familiar.
