Why are the lower priced London hotels sooooo bad - and who has a suggestion for one that isn't?
Oct 26th, 2004, 01:29 PM
#41
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http://www.iolanthe.co.uk/index.html
another place to consider. I've stayed here at least 4 times. I think it's still zone 1? it's a mile walk from Golders Green tube - through a posh neighborhood. delightful.
Golders Green is on the Northern line, so it's about a 20 minute tube ride into Leicester Square.
a single en suite is 36 pounds a night. 252 pounds, if it's 1.80 - 450 or so dollars. (single with shared bath is less, I think 28 pounds?)
for 7 days, staying a little bit out isn't as big a deal as if you were only there for 3 - in a short amount of time you would want to max it out more.
but in general, close in is better!
another place to consider. I've stayed here at least 4 times. I think it's still zone 1? it's a mile walk from Golders Green tube - through a posh neighborhood. delightful.
Golders Green is on the Northern line, so it's about a 20 minute tube ride into Leicester Square.
a single en suite is 36 pounds a night. 252 pounds, if it's 1.80 - 450 or so dollars. (single with shared bath is less, I think 28 pounds?)
for 7 days, staying a little bit out isn't as big a deal as if you were only there for 3 - in a short amount of time you would want to max it out more.
but in general, close in is better!
Oct 26th, 2004, 01:36 PM
#42
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<i>So is it worth about $75 to $150 to be in central London?</i>
This is for a 7-day stay. Wouldn't you pay an extra $10 or $20 per day to escape the commute? I would certainly do so, and I am fairly budget-oriented.
This is for a 7-day stay. Wouldn't you pay an extra $10 or $20 per day to escape the commute? I would certainly do so, and I am fairly budget-oriented.
Oct 26th, 2004, 02:17 PM
#43
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flygirl - thanks for that suggestion. IT looks really good.
Oh dear, now my short list is getting longer. That B&B isin zone 3 so not really central. And normally I'd agree with those of you who say central is better. I've always done that. But there are some benefits, in my case on this trip at least, to staying a bit out. For one thing, central London is pretty big, you really need that tube pass anyway. Not like even Paris which I feel is more walkable, and certainly not like some cities where I don't even bother with public transportation at all. On my other trips to London, even staying central (Bayswater or Victoria) I took the tube alot. Also, as this is my 4th trip I won't feel so desperate to see so much. I'm going to actually try to relax a little and take it slow (my family does not believe this will be accomplished though). Also I do have 10 days (minus a few for my "side trip" - if you think I'm having trouble with this decision, well that's a whole different thread) - so again, not as important to be effecient. And then there's the fact that, being a former NYC girl who now lives in the country, I kind of like the idea of a tube commute. I might not like it for very long, but for 10 days.... I kind of miss the subway.
So keep those opinions and suggestions coming. I'm considering all points and really appreciate the help.
Oh dear, now my short list is getting longer. That B&B isin zone 3 so not really central. And normally I'd agree with those of you who say central is better. I've always done that. But there are some benefits, in my case on this trip at least, to staying a bit out. For one thing, central London is pretty big, you really need that tube pass anyway. Not like even Paris which I feel is more walkable, and certainly not like some cities where I don't even bother with public transportation at all. On my other trips to London, even staying central (Bayswater or Victoria) I took the tube alot. Also, as this is my 4th trip I won't feel so desperate to see so much. I'm going to actually try to relax a little and take it slow (my family does not believe this will be accomplished though). Also I do have 10 days (minus a few for my "side trip" - if you think I'm having trouble with this decision, well that's a whole different thread) - so again, not as important to be effecient. And then there's the fact that, being a former NYC girl who now lives in the country, I kind of like the idea of a tube commute. I might not like it for very long, but for 10 days.... I kind of miss the subway.
So keep those opinions and suggestions coming. I'm considering all points and really appreciate the help.
Oct 26th, 2004, 05:43 PM
#44
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The last time I stayed in Central London I was paying 55 GBP a night. Now I pay 30 GBP. At the current exchange rate I am saving $46 a night - this next trip to London 10 nights - savings $460 - cost of plane ticket $547.
As for the commute - this hardly qualifies as a commute. Being stuck for 30 min.in rush hour traffic to go to work is a commute. Sitting on a train for 20 min and saving enough money to cover most of my plane ticket - a pleasure.
As Isabel noted, you spend a lot of time on the tube even when traveling in Central London. The suburbs work for me.
As for the commute - this hardly qualifies as a commute. Being stuck for 30 min.in rush hour traffic to go to work is a commute. Sitting on a train for 20 min and saving enough money to cover most of my plane ticket - a pleasure.
As Isabel noted, you spend a lot of time on the tube even when traveling in Central London. The suburbs work for me.
Oct 27th, 2004, 03:58 AM
#45
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rj007 - can you answer a couple more questions about the B&B. We've been discussing commute times - I notice the closest tube line is the Metropolotian which doesn't go any of the places I'm likely to go requiring a change, which of course adds to the time. The picadilly line would be more useful to me and their web site says it's only 700 yds away. Have you used that line much? How long does it take to get into central london on that line? From my tube map it looks like it might be quite a bit longer. As I've said I certainly don't mind 20 minutes on the tube, but if it really will take me an hour or so that might make a didfference, certainly wouldn't be as easy to go back in the middle of the day. At the moment I'm leaning towards the B&B, it looks wonderful otherwise, just trying to get a better feel for the actual commute.
Oct 27th, 2004, 06:26 AM
#48
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isabel
I've only used the Piccadilly line to go to Heathrow from the B&B. So, I don't know how long it will take to get to central London. However, I will be there next week and I will be using it a couple of times as they are doing construction work at North Harrow and the NH station will be closing at 9PM. So, when I come back from my plays I will use the Piccadilly line and I'll have a better idea.
You said you were going in March - the construction is scheduled to be completed by Feb. So, if all goes well, you shouldn't have a problem. I looked up the tube stop in my London A to Z book and Raynor's Lane (the stop on the Piccadilly line) is literally right up the road from North Harrow.
When I leave the B&B I don't come back until the end of the day. If you want to come back in the middle of the day, that, of course, would add more travel time. In that case a central location might be a better option.
I've only used the Piccadilly line to go to Heathrow from the B&B. So, I don't know how long it will take to get to central London. However, I will be there next week and I will be using it a couple of times as they are doing construction work at North Harrow and the NH station will be closing at 9PM. So, when I come back from my plays I will use the Piccadilly line and I'll have a better idea.
You said you were going in March - the construction is scheduled to be completed by Feb. So, if all goes well, you shouldn't have a problem. I looked up the tube stop in my London A to Z book and Raynor's Lane (the stop on the Piccadilly line) is literally right up the road from North Harrow.
When I leave the B&B I don't come back until the end of the day. If you want to come back in the middle of the day, that, of course, would add more travel time. In that case a central location might be a better option.
Oct 27th, 2004, 07:35 AM
#49
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you can sleep at the holiday inn kensington for 100 euros plus tax on www.bancotel.com
i punched in march 9 for 5 nights.
good luck.
i also stayed at the SWISS HOTEL years ago.
it was a simple bed and breakfast type place not far from harrods. i enjoyed it, but it was not luxurious.
they had one large room with a fireplace that seemd nice. i was in a small room with my daughter.
i punched in march 9 for 5 nights.
good luck.
i also stayed at the SWISS HOTEL years ago.
it was a simple bed and breakfast type place not far from harrods. i enjoyed it, but it was not luxurious.
they had one large room with a fireplace that seemd nice. i was in a small room with my daughter.
Oct 27th, 2004, 09:55 AM
#51
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My personal opinion is that I don't like going to the further out tube stations late at night. By Hammersmith, it starts to seem a little creepy. I did this commute once a few months ago because I was staying near Heathrow at the Holiday Inn Ariel for an overnight stopover. A few days after I left, someone was murdered on the platform late at night at (I think) the West Hounslow station on the Piccadilly Line and I have to say I wasn't terribly surprised.
Nevertheless, I am doing this commute once again for one night, because I'm once again doing the same overnight stopover. But for a long stay I wouldn't like it. Also, I wouldn't want to walk 700 yards late at night (11 PM or later) in a London suburb. I'd have no problem walking around at 11 PM in a central London location. Other people, particularly men, might feel differently about it.
Nevertheless, I am doing this commute once again for one night, because I'm once again doing the same overnight stopover. But for a long stay I wouldn't like it. Also, I wouldn't want to walk 700 yards late at night (11 PM or later) in a London suburb. I'd have no problem walking around at 11 PM in a central London location. Other people, particularly men, might feel differently about it.
Oct 28th, 2004, 12:03 PM
#52
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rj007 -I'll look forward to your return so you can let me know more about the actual commute. It might sound like I'm splitting hairs here, but really, a 20 minute commute to the "center" of London and and 45-60 minute commute are two different things. The areas I'm most likely to go are Kensington (that's where my daughter, who I'll be visiting, will be staying), and the area from Westminster to Covent Garden (roughly). The picadilly line goes to those areas but looks like a longer commute, the other line would require a change and thus more time. So if you could let me know I'd really appreaciate it.
WillTravel - that's a very good point that I hadn't considered. It sounds like the area around the B&B is pretty safe, but I probably wouldn't be comfortable on an almost empty tube at night. Definitly something to consider. I grew up in the suburbs of a large city (NY) but that was a few years ago (well, actually, more than a "few"
and back then the suburbs (at least the one I lived in) was considered safer than the city. But things have changed in the last 20 years or so and I can definitly see your point now that I think about it.
flygirl - the Iolanthe sounds great except for one thing - it's a mile from a tube stop. That's two miles walking eaching time you leave the place. I tend to walk alot on trips (average over 10 miles a day), but the thought of an extra 2-4 miles a day just to get to the tube, before I even start sightseeing doesn't appeal to me. So in my case I think some of the other options sound better. But it's website makes it look like a lovely place.
I'm also considering the Montana Hotel in Kensington and have responded to a few old posts I found about it looking for more info. Location is super but there's a £26 difference between ensuite and shared bath. Over ten nights that works out to almost $500! Pretty hard to justify $500 for a bathroom! On the other hand a long walk down a dark corrider to share with who knows how many other people doesn't sound too great either. The research continues.
WillTravel - that's a very good point that I hadn't considered. It sounds like the area around the B&B is pretty safe, but I probably wouldn't be comfortable on an almost empty tube at night. Definitly something to consider. I grew up in the suburbs of a large city (NY) but that was a few years ago (well, actually, more than a "few"
and back then the suburbs (at least the one I lived in) was considered safer than the city. But things have changed in the last 20 years or so and I can definitly see your point now that I think about it.flygirl - the Iolanthe sounds great except for one thing - it's a mile from a tube stop. That's two miles walking eaching time you leave the place. I tend to walk alot on trips (average over 10 miles a day), but the thought of an extra 2-4 miles a day just to get to the tube, before I even start sightseeing doesn't appeal to me. So in my case I think some of the other options sound better. But it's website makes it look like a lovely place.
I'm also considering the Montana Hotel in Kensington and have responded to a few old posts I found about it looking for more info. Location is super but there's a £26 difference between ensuite and shared bath. Over ten nights that works out to almost $500! Pretty hard to justify $500 for a bathroom! On the other hand a long walk down a dark corrider to share with who knows how many other people doesn't sound too great either. The research continues.
Oct 28th, 2004, 01:25 PM
#54
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isabel - true - but they do have a hopper bus. for some reason I thought the little bus was free. if you catch it right, it's a very short trip (i.e. right side of its run).
the walk through the top of Hampstead Heath to get to the tube though was a lovely part of my stay there - you can close your eyes and think you are in the country, not in London proper! It's actually a nice, safe walk, I've done it even late at night no problems.
again, I understand - and I do like it there, but like very very much the times I've stayed very central, too.
the walk through the top of Hampstead Heath to get to the tube though was a lovely part of my stay there - you can close your eyes and think you are in the country, not in London proper! It's actually a nice, safe walk, I've done it even late at night no problems.
again, I understand - and I do like it there, but like very very much the times I've stayed very central, too.
Oct 28th, 2004, 10:08 PM
#55
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Hi all!
I'm glad I "eavesdropped"! I'm going to London in 3.5 weeks and was looking for "cheap" decent hotels in Central London too, since I intend to spend the bulk of my 9 days there at the British Museum. I checked on the lastminute.com site and found some rather acceptable prices - let's hope the hotels are too.
I've almost settled on the Mentone Hotel and it's only #42/night.
I'm glad I "eavesdropped"! I'm going to London in 3.5 weeks and was looking for "cheap" decent hotels in Central London too, since I intend to spend the bulk of my 9 days there at the British Museum. I checked on the lastminute.com site and found some rather acceptable prices - let's hope the hotels are too.
I've almost settled on the Mentone Hotel and it's only #42/night.
Oct 28th, 2004, 10:14 PM
#56
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isabel, it's not that the tube itself feels dangerous, but that the surroundings become progressively more gloomy and unattractive. It's true the ridership does diminish, but there's still a fair number on the tube around 11 PM. But around Hammersmith the tube goes above-ground, and you can see the graffiti and less than salubrious surroundings at each station. Also keep in mind the tube stops around midnight.
Anyway, for my previous journey back to the Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel the last time late at night, I went all the way to the Heathrow stop and then took a short bus ride, rather than get off at Hounslow West and take the bus, just because the area around Hounslow West did not seem the best.
Anyway, for my previous journey back to the Holiday Inn Heathrow Ariel the last time late at night, I went all the way to the Heathrow stop and then took a short bus ride, rather than get off at Hounslow West and take the bus, just because the area around Hounslow West did not seem the best.
Oct 29th, 2004, 05:14 AM
#57
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burbujasdeamor - I'm glad you easedropped too. The Mentone sounds quite nice, even gets decent reviews on tripadvisor. Where did you find that price of £42? I checked several sites and got £55 on all of them. I was concentrating my efforts on the Kensington, Victoria, and Bayswater sections of London but if I could find something good for £42 in Bloomsbury I'd certainly consider it. Thanks
Oct 29th, 2004, 04:11 PM
#58
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I found two other hotels that haven't been mentioned here but look really good. One is the Craven Gardens Hotel in Bayswater, and the other is the Falcon Hotel in Norfolk Square near Paddington. Both can be had (according to various websites) for about £43. In fact the Craven Gardens looks sooo good I can't believe it's true. It got a trip advisor rating of 289. Most of the ones we've been discussing here are in the 500s.
So - anyone know anything of these two?
So - anyone know anything of these two?
Oct 30th, 2004, 10:57 AM
#59
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I can vouch for the Mentone, stayed there a few years ago and it was fine. Not posh or anything, but it's not a depressing place and things were in good condition and clean, bed was good and the singles, while still quite small, are a bit less claustrophobic than other places. I'd like to know where the other poster found the Mentone for £42 as well, if I had found that rate for them, I would have booked it!
Oct 31st, 2004, 03:33 AM
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Well I've narrowed it down to the following "decent hotels" in central London for under $100 (or about£55). Prices are the lowest found on the internet for the period of March 20-27, 2005 for a single room. All claim to have ?breakfast?, though the definition of what that includes differs from site to site even for the same hotel. All got decent reviews on either tripadvisor.com and/or on fodors forum.
Craven Gardens Hotel ? 16 Leinster Terrace, Bayswater £39 ensuite
Cardiff Hotel ? Norfolk Square, Paddington £41 shower only, £46 ensuite
Cordova Hotel ? Craven Hill, Lancaster Gate £45 ensuite
Montana Hotel ? Glouster Road, Kensington £39 shared bath, £59 ensuite
Victoria Inn, Belgrave Rd, Victoria Station, £55 ensuite
Mentone, Cartwright Garden, Bloomsbury, £55 ensuite
So I'm probably going with Craven Gardens. Wish me luck. And thanks for all your help. Hopefully this will help others too.
Craven Gardens Hotel ? 16 Leinster Terrace, Bayswater £39 ensuite
Cardiff Hotel ? Norfolk Square, Paddington £41 shower only, £46 ensuite
Cordova Hotel ? Craven Hill, Lancaster Gate £45 ensuite
Montana Hotel ? Glouster Road, Kensington £39 shared bath, £59 ensuite
Victoria Inn, Belgrave Rd, Victoria Station, £55 ensuite
Mentone, Cartwright Garden, Bloomsbury, £55 ensuite
So I'm probably going with Craven Gardens. Wish me luck. And thanks for all your help. Hopefully this will help others too.
