London/England recommendation?

ak

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Hi guys. I'm planning on visiting London next month and need some recommendation as to where I should get a hotel? I won't have a car so I need location that's central to all tourist type locations and near train/bus service. Thanks! :)

ak
 
London: Greatest City in the world!

Greater London has great mass-transit (buses, trains, underground "tube", etc). Also there are 5 major airports in the general London area (Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City). Many budget airlines operate within the UK and goto mainland Europe.

There are essentially 6 concentric circles called zones. Central London (zone 1) and then another progressive zone outside, and another, etc... so zone 6 is basically outer/suburban London. Allday, unlimited rail/underground/bus ticket called "Travel Pass" is 6 GBP (~$10) and it's good for within Zone 1-6. Try to stay in Central London, it'll make things more convenient! But it's not a must, if costs are prohibitive (again, for what you spend... you don't get much in return; relatively speaking)

Hotels are pricier than the US, and w/ less comfort (for the most part). You can stay in any zone and be in Central London via rail/underground in 30'ish minutes at most (depending on rush & whether direct route). Train stations are VERY easy to get to, and generally are everywhere, so to speak.

Check-out:

http://www.what-to-do.org/ (London Hotels!)
http://www.lastminute.co.uk
http://www.airlinenetwork.net
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

I find the links above to be better than Expedia, Orbitz, etc...

And of-course: http://www.nsxcb.co.uk

If you fly into Heathrow, take the train/underground into London {approx 45mins}; NOT a cab.
If you fly into Gatwick, take the Gatwick Express train/underground into London {approx 1 - 1 1/2 hrs); NOT a cab or coach (shuttle-bus).

There are two types of cab service: black cab (expensive, but can be solicited w/o advance call) & mini-cab (economical, you need to book one in advance via phone as they can't be solicited/hailed).

Car rentals aren't overly expensive. Compare deals online. Driving into Central London, there is a congestion-charge (basically a tax to persuade less vehicular traffic into city); also parking is nearly non-existent.

Here's a map that can offer more insights, familiarize yourself w/ it...

London%20underground.jpg
 
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great feedback by osiris - excellent stuff!

a personal favorite of mine for getting around is to use the "london pride" tourist buses if i'm on a "tourist day". they're everywhere, cost about $25 per 24 hrs and you're able to "hop on/hop off" at all major tourist stops throughout the city. my 1st 5 or so times in london i'd begin the trip with a "once around the city" ride (~1 hr, i think), pick out the spots i wanted to hit and then catch them on the next lap.

have a great time - london's a wonderful city with great people and an incredible history.

hal
 
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