Hotels
29 August 2010
Finding a Hotel
The Internet makes it easy to find a hotel if you are making your own plans. Hopefully the information below may help. If you are in London without hotel plans you can fine a room easily. The airports and train stations have kiosks where somebody can find you a hotel. Be forewarned that they may have limited information. One of my friends found a three-story hotel near Victoria station but it did not have a lift. Walking up three flights after a day out was not fun.
Hostels offer a cheap alternative for budget travelers. They offer a savings but a loss of privacy. Bed and breakfast is a nice choice and worth a look. What ever accommodations you choose make sure you are aware of what you get for your money: room service, breakfast, en suite and other amenities. Once you arrive you can ask to see your room before you accept it but keep in mind that many older rooms may be smaller than American rooms.
For most of us cost is the major factor of holiday planning. Comfort is also a factor. Location should not be lost in this either. What do you want to do most? Do you want to be in the middle of nightlife or a quite out of the way area? Keep an eye on your map when you plan. Do not assume that small hotels are cheaper than large ones. They all have similar costs and larger hotels may offer better rates. Do your homework.
Some travel operators offer a given number of nights at a very good rate. They don’t usually last long and they do not include air. From some that I have seen the hotels are very good with excellent prices. This could be good but make sure you get all the facts. My one criticism is how some specials are advertized. They give you a total price for so many nights and then tell you that you get a night free. I would like to have them be clear that you pay for so many nights and then get a night free.
En Suite
Many hotels in the UK have rooms with no private bath facilities. The bath and toilet are shared by all guest and there is no guarantee that it will be ready when you are or that it will be desirable to enter. When rooms are advertized en suite it means that it comes with a private bath and toilet. Sometimes the toilet is in a separate room from the bath. Also take head that the bath may have a small shower but not a tube. This page from Business Dictionary dot Com allows you to hear the pronunciation of the term en suite.
Internet Searching
Other than word of mouth this is by far the best way to find a hotel. Not only can they give a full list of amenities they often provide a map location. The Internet can offer up to date information but it is up to the hotel to provide this. Still, you can compare hotels from your couch and email them for more specific information. Calling is an option, which I think this is the better as you can clarify and confirm information at once with a person. E-mail may not be answered directly.
Location and Price
In as much as you can pay less the further out from central London you are you can still find great bargains closer in. There are so many hotels that competition can work in your favor. However, please be aware of your arrival and departure points. If you come into London from Gatwick chances are you will arrive at Victoria Station. From there you need to get to your hotel. If you plan on using a cab then your choice of hotel location does not matter. If you are on a budget and plan on public transportation you could be in for a haul. Buses and the tube can be packed and with transfers the trip can be heart stopping. You also need to allow time for the return and an early morning flight mean a really early morning wake-up call. Still, get a room where you want to, just stay aware of where you need to go and the time involved.
Buses and trains have space for luggage near the doors but it is limited. You may nee to move away from your luggage but in general it will be safe. On the tube you will have a short time in which to get to your luggage and get off. The luggage pad on the bus is next to the front door. You need to get your luggage and exit from the rear door. You will be negotiating through a narrow path filled with people and baby buggies. Have fun.
If you have a hotel in mind please search the Internet before you book. Find it on an on-line map and see if it is next to a rail line or station or a large motorway. There is a good chance that your room could overlook a rail line and that will be most disturbing. Larger and more expensive hotels usually do not have this problem but some budget hotels, small hotels or hostels can be yards away from rail lines.
Pub Hotels
Pubs across England have rooms for travelers and London has its share. A quick Google search will bring some of them to you such as those run by Fuller's and Young's. Prices can vary greatly from hostel rates to High Street hotels. Do your homework if you want to stay above a pub. Make sure you ask about what you are entitled to.
Rail Stations
London’s major rail stations have kiosk or information centers that can book a hotel room for you or provide a list of hotels. Some information about the hotels may be limited such as if they have a lift (elevator) or en suite rooms. So, why did you come to London without a pre-booked room?
Universities on Summer Holiday
Universities offer dorm rooms to tourists during summer break. This is similar to a hostel and worth a look for budget minded travelers. I can’t say if security in a university is better or worst than a hostel. Imperial College in South Kensington has opened their doors for this. Do a Google search to find more.
Reading a Review
Whenever I read reviews I am always left wondering if these people have stayed at the same hotel. Worst hotel ever, to the best in the world from people staying at the same place. How can that be? Some people are very laid back and aren’t bothered by little things whereas others expect too much, I think. Still, high expectations and construction work can form negative comments.