London UK - location/transport/hotel advice?

[ozavanti]

I'd add another thing to your list of things to do (if it appeals) and that's take a bike tour of London. Using the tube is great, but you really don't get an appreciation of how compact Central London tends to be.

I managed to be the only person on the day i did my tour and the guide merged two tours into one, which was unexpectedly brilliant.

If you like your coffee, one recommendation i would make is Kaffeine which is an independent, Australian/New Zealand owned café located at 66 Great Titchfield Street (just north of Oxford Street). I love walking around the area and just taking in the sights.

 

[kppies]

The hostel by Kings Cross station is great value and in a really central location YHA St Pancras - Book St Pancras Hostel with HI Hostels. The rate includes breakfast and they have a big bank of lockers to store your luggage for the day.

Some of my favourite things to do are the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum - walking back into the city through Hyde Park to Oxford Street or the Tate Modern after crossing the Thames over the Millenuim Bridge from St Paul's Cathederal.

If you have kids in your travelling party, I'd also recommend a duck tour for a different perspective Home | [Official] London Duck Tours.

My best tip is to keep a tube map in your Oyster wallet (if they give you one) or your back pocket. I am constantly referring to mine and doesn't get lost when it is with your Oyster card.

 

[alieninperth]

I have been thinking on this topic over the last few weeks, talking to my wife (an Aussie) she loved getting lost in London. Coming out of the underground and having a good look around can be a huge amount of fun.

 

[scaredeycat]

Buckingham Palace. First time I did the tour was in 1997 and I said to my wife as we were leaving that if you weren't a republican when you entered you should be by the time you left - it's just so over the top as a treasure trove. It's a much better tour now - we took the kids in last year and more of it has been opened up to the public, including the gardens. You get an excellent audio tour from which you can choose as much or as little detail as you want. After seeing so much magnificent porcelain, my daughter was a bit miffed that her hot chocolate was delivered In a cardboard cup though...

Agree that the boat to Greenwich is worth doing. Great view looking back to the city from the hill above the naval college.

Hampton Court (Henry VIII's old palace) is also well worth the trip.

 

[Bugalugz]

Hi Guys,

Spending 7 odd days in London. Just myself and a mate both are single and in our 20's, just wondering if anyone has suggestions for reasonably priced hotels close to all the action and a tube?

Cheers

 

[Flashback]

Hi Guys,

Spending 7 odd days in London. Just myself and a mate both are single and in our 20's, just wondering if anyone has suggestions for reasonably priced hotels close to all the action and a tube?

Cheers

Looking For Hostels In London? Book Now Generator Hostel London Online | Generator Hostels

 

[medhead]

Time to report back. I've selected hotels, being the St Ermis for the weekend and then the Holiday Inn Mayfair on Monday night - that was a points plus pay booking so the price was pretty decent. Based on the advice here I figured I could walk easy enough and I had plenty of time to get around.

Buckingham Palace. First time I did the tour was in 1997 and I said to my wife as we were leaving that if you weren't a republican when you entered you should be by the time you left - it's just so over the top as a treasure trove. It's a much better tour now - we took the kids in last year and more of it has been opened up to the public, including the gardens. You get an excellent audio tour from which you can choose as much or as little detail as you want. After seeing so much magnificent porcelain, my daughter was a bit miffed that her hot chocolate was delivered In a cardboard cup though...

Reminds me of the Father Ted episode tonight, the young dumb priest saying The Pope was he that guy we met at the art galley in Rome.

Hampton Court (Henry VIII's old palace) is also well worth the trip.

I could have booked one of the Hampton Court palace buildings for the weekend but decided it was too far out and my brother wouldn't want to pay that much. Another time.....

 

[pagingjoan]

....I could have booked one of the Hampton Court palace buildings for the weekend but decided it was too far out and my brother wouldn't want to pay that much. Another time.....

Yes, I've looked at that property, too. It could be interesting. But I couldn't persuade my companion either. Solo travel does have its advantages at times!

 

[ajca]

Time to report back. I've selected hotels, being the St Ermis for the weekend and then the Holiday Inn Mayfair on Monday night - that was a points plus pay booking so the price was pretty decent. Based on the advice here I figured I could walk easy enough and I had plenty of time to get around.

I walked past the Mayfair Holiday Inn a few times and thought it looks great and it is in an AWESOME location. Was staying at the May Fair Hotel around the corner which can also be quite good if you can get a decent deal (although perhaps a bit cheesy and Eurotrash for some).

The other destination worth checking out (don't think anyone else has mentioned this) is the Churchill War Rooms. I am not really a museums person but I spent hours wandering around and loved every second. Churchill War Rooms - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Flashback]

I walked past the Mayfair Holiday Inn a few times and thought it looks great and it is in an AWESOME location. Was staying at the May Fair Hotel around the corner which can also be quite good if you can get a decent deal (although perhaps a bit cheesy and Eurotrash for some).

Yeh, location isn't bad. Rooms are a bit dated but if you can get a good price on the room (whether it be GBP, Points+Pay, etc) then it's a nice option.