ARRIVING IN LONDON
London is right up there with the most popular destinations in the world for leisure and business. London has the finest transportation system of any European city. With over 500 local rail stations, 200 Tube stations, and 600 bus routes.
London boasts 5 international airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and City. Each airport has a connection to Central London by Tube, Express train service, and coach. You may also choose to get to central London by taxi, but this can be a more costly alternative. Make sure the taxi you use has a meter, and ask for an estimation of how much it will cost before you start. The Heathrow express train will travel to Paddington station on London’s west side, and the Gateway Express travels to Victoria, on the south side of London. You will be able to access all of London from either of these stations.
First of all you should invest in a mini atlas upon arriving in London, which contains maps of London that show areas to about seven miles outside the city center in all directions. The atlas also contains an index of all roads, streets, lanes, and squares in London. You will always be able to see where you are when you have this atlas. This book also has maps of the London Underground and a great deal of other information. You can also purchase a second version of the mini atlas that extends 16 miles out of the city instead of 7. You will probably not need this unless you want to visit the outlying areas.
London is separated into dozens of boroughs. Kensington, Chelsea, and Knightsbridge are where you want to go for shopping, wonderful cafes, wine bars and pubs. Clerkenwell, Shoreditch, Soho, and Camden have fantastic night entertainment. Primrose Hill, Maida Vale, and St. Johns Wood, are residential areas that are very quiet. The West End, Covent Garden, and the South Bank are where you will find theaters, street performers, and many restaurants and bars.
Public transportation in London is very large and can be quite expensive. To travel the Tube you will want to purchase an Oyster card at any Tube station. This will allow you seven days of unlimited travel on the Tube or any buses within the area of zone 1 or 2, and costs a reasonable flat rate. When in a Tube station be aware that the left side of the escalator is only for people who are walking.
Black cabs and minicabs are the two types of taxis in London. All Black Cabs are not black in color, they are the larger cabs and are a bit more expensive because the fares are regulated. Minicabs are an unlicensed cab with any driver that may or may not be insured.
If you will be traveling by taxi at night, you should use a black cab or go to an official mini cab office. Do not go with anyone who asks you on the street, if you need a taxi. Especially in Picadilly, Soho, and around the Oxford Street area, where there are many unlicensed and illegal drivers. You will need to take care anywhere around London, even if they offer you a cheap fare, you may find yourself in a dangerous situation.
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About the Owner: Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor who is now a full time internet information entrepreneur, book author, speaker, marketer, and also an avid traveler. To get more free money saving travel tips, read more at his blog at Resorts 360. Plus learn how to make large commissions with your own resorts360 vacation and travel club business with the Resorts 360 (r360). Jeff will teach you "My Story Marketing and Branding", online marketing, outsourcing and Web 2.0 Media Marketing, and invites you to call his home office at 651-769-2189 to join Jeff's team. |
Filed under: Jeff Mills, Traveling to London
[...] ARRIVING IN LONDON [...]
[...] You are on a budget and need affordable accommodations that are comfortable and convenient to London attractions. You can find a room you can be comfortable in without paying a high price. There are quite a few quality hotels to be found if you know where to look. 1. Georgian House: This hotel is located in the midst of Pimlico’s white stucco enclave, and is very close to all of the attractions of Central London. You will enjoy a delicious breakfast in a wonderful garden room, but be sure you are up to stair climbing as they have 4 floors and no elevator. You can also arrange your restaurant and theater bookings through this establishment. 2. Henley House Hotel: This hotel is a friendly and popular choice. Tucked away on a quiet side street, it is only a two minute walk to Earl’s Court station. The comfortable rooms offer a view of the beautiful gardens. Enjoy breakfast in the conservatory, or sit and relax in the reception. This hotel is an excellent choice for those traveling alone. 3. Hotel 55: Located on a busy road, this stylish hotel makes up for the crowded bustle with a conservatory bar and dining room, and a quiet, colorful garden. The rooms offer soothing, neutral colors, Egyptian cotton sheets, Indian art, plasma TV, air conditioning, and clean private bathrooms. You can take the 20 minute ride on the Tube and visit the West End with it’s many attractions. These comfortable rooms are available for under £100 per night. 4. Arosfa: This townhouse in Bloomsbury was once the home of the artist Millais. This non smoking hotel is very close to the British Museum and the shops on Oxford Street. They offer 15 rooms, a sitting room, and a small, quiet garden. You can also stay connected to the internet with Broadband access. 5. The Gate: This unique hotel got its start in the 1930’s and has kept the same theme since. Close to Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill Gate Tube station, this establishment will deliver a continental breakfast to your room every morning. The 12 rooms offer a private bath, refrigerators, in room tea and coffee, and TV’s. 6. Ramada Encore: This contemporary hotel is located on the A40 and close to North Action Tube station. The rooms are large, stylish, bright, and offer power showers in the private bathrooms. If you plan on eating in the hotel, A fusion restaurant with an open kitchen and a cafe/bar are on the premises. 7. Ace Hotel: This establishment occupies 4 Victorian townhouses in West Kensington. Catering mostly to the single traveler, bunk beds are standard and available in a dormitory, quad, triple, or double capacity. The price is £15 per night and includes breakfast. This hotel features a bar, peaceful garden, recreation room, and easy access to the Tube and Central London. [...]