Hi all, I am spending two nights in London after my 9/18/04 Voyager sailing, Monte Carlo to Venice. My question to all is, if I am traveling alone what is the best area to stay in to be able to walk to sights and resturants.The dollar stinks now so I am thinking a four star hotel instead of my usual five star. It has been a few years since I have been to London and I don't remember what would be the best location.
Thanks Macy

Hyde Park Corner is nice. Easy to get to everything. I'm beginning to sound like a broken record......have you thought about using priceline.com to book your hotel stay? There is an informed bidders website at www.biddingfortravel.com with a lot of information on winning bids, by location, and date from priceline users. I am only adding this here because you mentioned price. You could probably get a 5 star on priceline at your 4 star rate you were willing to pay. It requires a little research on your part, but it could save you a lot of money and you could get a better quality hotel. Just a thought.

Thanks Todd,I have plenty of time so I will check out the link you suggested. Macy

London hotels seen on priceline.com by area and stars:

http://pub210.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddingfrm215.showMessage?topicID=724.topic

London winning bids by stars, dates and locations:

http://pub210.ezboard.com/fpricelineandexpediabiddingfrm215

Write me with questions. Caveats....nonrefundable.

Editing to add that the Hilton Trafalgar was coming up in July and August (a 5 star) at around $100 (US)....not bad.

I love Red Carnation Hotels in London. Do go to their website. Here is the latest news.

February 2004

Welcome to the new look first issue of RCH News 2004! We very much hope you find it both informative and inspiring when planning your next visit to any of our hotels' first-class destinations.

As always RCH is proud to offer its guests and indeed friends, the warmest of welcomes. Whether you are visiting the glorious shores of Cape Town, South Africa or the regal splendour of London, England our service is both legendary and consistent.

On business or pleasure, feel at home with our family of nine exclusive, luxury and dignified boutique hotels.


london
At 41 on Buckingham Palace Road, feel relaxed in our executive lounge by the roaring fire, enjoy a beverage from the bar or if you are feeling peckish then go ahead and plunder the pantry. The most intimate member of the family, 41 has a reputation for being a little over-indulgent!

Mayfair has to be one of the most desirable places to stay in the capital. With its unique village atmosphere and prime positioning between Oxford Street and Piccadilly, The Chesterfield simply has it all.

Sample the delights of the oldest member of the RCH family.

The Montague on the Gardens is perfectly located in Bloomsbury, just by Russell Square. This makes it extremely accessible for all the delights of Covent Garden and Theatreleand.

Why not dine in our exquisite Chef's Table restaurant before a short stroll to one of London's premier shows?

Click here to see some blooming good offers!




Where else can you be surrounded by history and royalty but at The Rubens at the Palace. This, our largest hotel, is a sightseeing jewel in the crown of the RCH Collection. With Buckingham Palace literally on your doorstep and Westminster a short stroll away, make this hotel your base to take in historical London!

Click here for regal deals!








For the ultimate stay in London, our five star property over looking Kensington Palace; The Milestone Hotel & Apartments is just the ticket! With 57 individually designed rooms and suites and service to die for, this hotel experience will exceed your expectations. Click here to lounge in the lap of luxury!


pALM BEACH GENEVA
With a distinctive European style and just minutes from the exclusive shopping on Worth Avenue, The Chesterfield Palm Beach is one of the hottest places to be seen in the area.

Its famous Leopard Lounge entertains with live acts and dancing into the small hours. Find out more about this truly glamorous gem of a hotel, click here!

Dating from 1872, the magnificently refurbished Hotel d'Angleterre sits in the heart of Geneva's shopping and financial districts. Its character and style are renowned in the local area and the Leopard Room attracts the fun seekers in need of a friendly smile and a large cocktail! Click here to jet off there too



Cape Town
The Sun is still burning strong in Cape Town and where better to kick back than at our Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa resort on the outskirts of the city, next to Camps Bay.

Watch the sunset whilst taking a massage in one of our gazebos that look out over the ocean

For all your dreams come true...click here!

Thanks Todd and Sedona! Macy

In December we stayed at the De Vere Cavendish St. James's. Wonderful location on Jermyn St. across from Fortnum & Mason and the shopping arcades, and down the street from Piccadilly Circus, theaters, etc. VERY centrally located.

http://www.devereonline.co.uk/hotel_cavendish/index.htm

Luke

Call 41 directly and ask for Chantal and ask her to upgrade you for free to a suite...fireplace, jacuzzi, 2 floors, free internet, 3 TVs..one in the bathroom over the jacuzzi. Separate shower, wonderful full breakfasts, hors d'oevres...

It's location is wonderful -- right across from Buckingham Palace -- and 2 blocks from Victoria Station and we were treated royally. There are often web specials.

Trafalgar Hilton is in a great location (right at Trafalgar Square across from the National Gallery - near the Charing Cross Tube Station and right at the bus stops in both directions). Rooms are also very large by London standards - US sized rooms decorated kind of in a modern W sort of way.

Macy, I don't know if you did this on your last trip to London, but I wanted to throw in my fond memory of the "hop on, hop off" bus. I found that one of the best bargains in London. The bus (several, actually) takes you all around the city, with a guided tour, and the guides are so very informative and brief you on all the highlights, with a bit of history. Then, your bus pass (usually around $30) is good for 24 hours, and you can hop on and hop off at your leisure, re-visiting the highlights that have grabbed your attention. It makes sense to do the "whole round" of about 90 minutes first, and decide where you want to return to. The buses run frequently, about every 10 minutes, so that's not a problem. And the initial 90 minute tour is usually humorous and fascinating! Sit near the guide if you are travelling alone, and he'll talk to you personally between tour highlights, and you'll learn even more than the rest of the passengers!

Charlene