Where to stay in London??
Jan 29th, 2008, 11:16 AM
#21
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I can't give much feedback about that exact location, but I looked it up on my maps and it looks like you'll be kind of on the outer/western edge of Kensington, but still with nice access to the District line. If the price is right and the flat looks good I'd say you'd be fine. I bet others will have more feedback though.
Where did you end up finding the flat? vrbo? guest suites? or another agency?
Where did you end up finding the flat? vrbo? guest suites? or another agency?
Jan 29th, 2008, 11:54 AM
#22
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This flat location is kind of out there. Not terribly so, but I usually like to think of anything inside Zone 1 as better, if only for the savings on the tube.
I guess it comes down to just how much you are paying - remember that this area is the cheapest area on Priceline, and two rooms at a 4* there would likely come to no more than $100 per room or so. None of the hotels will blow you away, but most are okay. Even the Copthorne Tara (which is the worst of the lot, it looks like) is clean and full-service, and with a decent location.
So, if that flat is $300, then I say it is no bargain. If it is $200, and you prefer flats to hotels (I'm a hotel man myself) then book away.
I guess it comes down to just how much you are paying - remember that this area is the cheapest area on Priceline, and two rooms at a 4* there would likely come to no more than $100 per room or so. None of the hotels will blow you away, but most are okay. Even the Copthorne Tara (which is the worst of the lot, it looks like) is clean and full-service, and with a decent location.
So, if that flat is $300, then I say it is no bargain. If it is $200, and you prefer flats to hotels (I'm a hotel man myself) then book away.
Jan 29th, 2008, 01:50 PM
#23
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hi - found this flat on vrbo.com and it is $1600 (us dollars) for 7 nights. Not sure what the ZONE thing is all about. Does the underground cost more from zone to zone? Where can I learn about this? I looked at hotels and the Copthorne Tara was about 204 us dollars a night, which my 2 rooms makes it $400 a night! ($2800 for the week). Other hotels such as Hilton, even with a 2nd family room at 1/2 off was $2100 a week. So - I will research the zone thing and any hotel suggestions - keep them coming. First time in London and sooo much to consider - just for a place to sleep!
Jan 29th, 2008, 02:54 PM
#25
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Priceline is useful only for bidding, not for the other part of the site. So far, I've been perfectly happy with what Priceline has given me on bids, because I've educated myself as to the worst case scenario, and I only bid if I can accept that. I think the worst location you could get with Priceline (if you chose the Kensington zone) would be at least equal to that apartment.
So I wouldn't consider the location of the apartment to be that great, but I have to admit that it may be easier to have a sense of family togetherness in an apartment, rather than in two separate hotel rooms. But then, maybe the teenagers and parents would like a bit of privacy.
So I wouldn't consider the location of the apartment to be that great, but I have to admit that it may be easier to have a sense of family togetherness in an apartment, rather than in two separate hotel rooms. But then, maybe the teenagers and parents would like a bit of privacy.
Jan 29th, 2008, 02:55 PM
#26
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"unless I do it and NOT know what hotel they are assigning me to."
When we speak of Priceline here, that is exactly what we are suggesting you do. The savings are phenomenal, but if you aren't comfortable, you aren't comfortable. biddingfortravel.com has a lot of resources if it is something you want to consider.
When I say the Copthorne Tara, it is because this is a hotel that is known to come up with 4* bids in that zone. You should go to biddingfortravel and look at the list of hotels they have for 4* zones in various parts of London. Determine if you would be happy enough with any of those hotels and decide what that is worth to you. You then bid at a discount to the lowest-priced room you see for that particular area. Again, biddingfortravel will give you a better idea of just how much that discount should be, but we aren't talking 10%, we are talking more like 50%.
And, yes, you pay more depending upon how many zones you cross. But it also serves as a means of judging distance. And most of the major sites are in zone 1, so staying in zone 1 means you are closer to those sites.
When we speak of Priceline here, that is exactly what we are suggesting you do. The savings are phenomenal, but if you aren't comfortable, you aren't comfortable. biddingfortravel.com has a lot of resources if it is something you want to consider.
When I say the Copthorne Tara, it is because this is a hotel that is known to come up with 4* bids in that zone. You should go to biddingfortravel and look at the list of hotels they have for 4* zones in various parts of London. Determine if you would be happy enough with any of those hotels and decide what that is worth to you. You then bid at a discount to the lowest-priced room you see for that particular area. Again, biddingfortravel will give you a better idea of just how much that discount should be, but we aren't talking 10%, we are talking more like 50%.
And, yes, you pay more depending upon how many zones you cross. But it also serves as a means of judging distance. And most of the major sites are in zone 1, so staying in zone 1 means you are closer to those sites.
Jan 29th, 2008, 03:03 PM
#27
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sm
try the hotel Parkwood at Marble Arch..about $145 for twin double..full breakfast. More than just adequate according to trusted friends...we just booked it for April stay...
stu T.
http://www.parkwoodhotel.com/book.htm
try the hotel Parkwood at Marble Arch..about $145 for twin double..full breakfast. More than just adequate according to trusted friends...we just booked it for April stay...
stu T.
http://www.parkwoodhotel.com/book.htm
Jan 29th, 2008, 03:07 PM
#28
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If she gets an oyster card will it really matter what zone she's in? I'm honestly asking because I don't really understand how the zone thing works either.
I think the flat sounds like a great deal at that rate and can't imagine that she'd find a hotel with 2 rooms for a comparable rate. But I defer to the experts.
I think the flat sounds like a great deal at that rate and can't imagine that she'd find a hotel with 2 rooms for a comparable rate. But I defer to the experts.
Jan 29th, 2008, 03:22 PM
#29
smschloss: That flat is in zone 2 -- which will not affect you one way or the other price wise. The weekly travel card loaded on your oysters combine zones 1 and 2 for the same price. It is walking distance to 2 tube stations - both on the District Line. The West Kensington station would be best since it has more frequent service. It is also walking distance from both High Street Kensington and Cromwell Road - both of which have <b>TONS</b> of bus service.
So while it is not in the "center of the action" it is certainly not out in the boonies, and you can get anywhere easily by public transport.
Give us a link to the flat so we can look for any "red flags" - but it sounds like a great deal.
Priceline is great but you'd have to bid for two rooms and this flat is about what two hotel rooms would cost. And when you add the taxes/fees on PL, the flat might even be cheaper.
So while it is not in the "center of the action" it is certainly not out in the boonies, and you can get anywhere easily by public transport.
Give us a link to the flat so we can look for any "red flags" - but it sounds like a great deal.
Priceline is great but you'd have to bid for two rooms and this flat is about what two hotel rooms would cost. And when you add the taxes/fees on PL, the flat might even be cheaper.
Jan 30th, 2008, 05:53 AM
#30
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Just a quick question because my husband asked me today if I would like to consider London for this summer with our 3 kids. (!) Are apartments in London generally rented from weekend to weekend or can you find apts for other time periods? I found a good airline fare for mid-week. This is a helpful thread - thanks!
Jan 30th, 2008, 06:05 AM
#31
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Many flats are rented on a weekly basis, but you don't need to rent weekend to weekend. We did Wed to Sun on our last trip and we're doing Wed to Wed on our upcoming trip. We found, like you, that airfare is often less expensive if you fly during the week.
Some, not all, agencies even rent for a durations shorter than a week.
Some, not all, agencies even rent for a durations shorter than a week.
Jan 30th, 2008, 09:43 AM
#32
London flats rent differently than most self-catering cottages. Apartments almost never have specific start/stop days, and often rent for less than 7 days.
Many do have a 7 night minimum (but starting any day of the week) -- but there are plenty that rent for 3 or 4 nights, and some even rent by the night.
You can get a nice 1 bdrm or 2 bdrm flat in a central, even posh, neighborhood for less than 2 small hotel rooms.
Many do have a 7 night minimum (but starting any day of the week) -- but there are plenty that rent for 3 or 4 nights, and some even rent by the night.
You can get a nice 1 bdrm or 2 bdrm flat in a central, even posh, neighborhood for less than 2 small hotel rooms.
Jan 30th, 2008, 10:27 AM
#33
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Janis - do you mind if I ask what agency you use for your visits? I believe you're the one that likes to stay in Pimlico - is that correct?
I'm hoping to return to London next year with dh. It will be the first time I haven't gotten to split the cost of accomodations with someone else so I'll be looking for something in a lower price range than what I usually do.
I'm hoping to return to London next year with dh. It will be the first time I haven't gotten to split the cost of accomodations with someone else so I'll be looking for something in a lower price range than what I usually do.
Jan 30th, 2008, 01:59 PM
#36
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ok. so i called the parkwood in marble arch and they are booked half of the time we want for a family room and now back to the flat idea. Priceline question: if I search for an area and find a price, you can see all the hotels offered. So if I search BLIND without seeing the hotels and name my own price - are the hotels the ones I saw previously offered or do they surprise you with new ones.
thanks for putting up with all these questions!
thanks for putting up with all these questions!
Jan 30th, 2008, 03:15 PM
#39
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laustic- I got so excited about staying at the parkwood in the thick of all London has to offer that I'm not sure staying in the flat is the best. But..calling the owner tonight anyway.
Jan 30th, 2008, 03:43 PM
#40
I personally would not stay a full week in a London tourist-class B&B hotel if you paid me. Honest. The Parkwood is in a good, central location - but 7 days there and I'd go starkers.
The reviews on TA are pretty good - but if your look at them in detail and especially look at the photos -- the real praise is for the service and the location. Mostly not for the rooms. So for a night or two - it would be just fine. But for a week - a hot stick in eye comes to mind.
It is typical of the <b>MANY</b> 2 star B&B hotels in the general Paddington, Bayswater, Marble Arch area. Some blocks will have 15 or 20+ almost identical properties.
All the rooms will be different and while some may look like the one on their website w/ the swath/drape over the bed - others will look like the the one on the TA review dated Dec 19. And you won't know if you get a nice one - or not so much, until you check in.
I've stayed in my share of these types of places in London over the years - swore off ever doing it again about 10 years ago
The reviews on TA are pretty good - but if your look at them in detail and especially look at the photos -- the real praise is for the service and the location. Mostly not for the rooms. So for a night or two - it would be just fine. But for a week - a hot stick in eye comes to mind.
It is typical of the <b>MANY</b> 2 star B&B hotels in the general Paddington, Bayswater, Marble Arch area. Some blocks will have 15 or 20+ almost identical properties.
All the rooms will be different and while some may look like the one on their website w/ the swath/drape over the bed - others will look like the the one on the TA review dated Dec 19. And you won't know if you get a nice one - or not so much, until you check in.
I've stayed in my share of these types of places in London over the years - swore off ever doing it again about 10 years ago
