Page 286 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - London

284  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO STAY

The high cost of accommodation in London throughout the city, many concentrated in
is one of the biggest drawbacks for visitors. the centre of town, offering good-quality
At the top end of the market, there is no accommodation at affordable prices. If you
shortage of expensive pedigree hotels, don’t need a hotel’s facilities, consider
such as Claridge’s and the Ritz. Mid-range self-catering apartments or private homes
hotels, while there are many, tend to be (see pp286–7), an increasingly popular
slightly further out from the centre, and option available at a wide range of prices.
budget hotels are few and far between, The accommodation choices on the pages
thanks to rising property prices. However, that follow offer something to suit a range
there are ways to stay in the capital without of budgets and tastes, and represent the
breaking the bank. Low-cost hotel chains very best places to stay in and just outside
have establishments in convenient locations of the city.
Where to Look City and Docklands, well-known Discount Rates
The most expensive hotels hotel chains cater for travellers Prices in the capital tend to
tend to be in smart West End at a range of prices. stay high all year round, but
areas such as Mayfair and There are also inexpensive there are bargains to be found.
Belgravia. Often large and hotels in London’s suburbs, such Online price comparison sites
opulent, with uniformed staff, as Ealing, Hendon, Richmond or will often provide you with
they are great for those seeking Harrow. From here, you can get the best deals on hotel rooms
luxury accommodation. Slightly into town on public transport, and package deals. Many
smaller hotels, nonetheless including suburban rail line hotels, especially the chains,
providing superb comfort and services. Be sure to check the also offer reduced rates for
service, can be found in South times of the last train service weekends (especially Sundays)
Kensington or Holland Park. leaving central London. and special breaks (see p286).
Sevaral hotels have sprung up If you get stranded at an air port Others work on a more ad hoc
around the South Bank offering or have to catch an early morning basis, depending on how busy
good mid-range chain options flight, check-in to a hotel near they are. It is always worth
in a central position. the airport (see p373). For further trying to negotiate a discount,
The streets off Earls Court information, advice and reser- especially if it is off-season.
Road are full of hotels at the vation services, go to www.visit
lower end of the price range. london.com, which publishes
Several of the big railway stations several annually updated Hidden Extras
are in locations well served with booklets on the different types Read the small print carefully.
budget hotels. Try Ebury Street of accommo dation available in Most hotels quote room rates
near Victoria, or Sussex Gardens Greater London. See our rather than rates per person,
near Paddington. Close to Recommended Hotels (p287) but not all. Service charges
Euston or Waterloo and in the section for more ideas. and VAT are usually included in
the quoted price but in some
cases they are added on later,
which means that the final bill
can come as a shock to visitors.
Also be aware of high mark-
ups on telephone calls made
in your hotel room and
additional fees for Wi-Fi access.
Breakfast may not be included
in room rates, though it
generally is in cheaper hotels.
Most hotels expect visitors
to vacate rooms by noon
(sometimes earlier) on the
day of departure and may
charge extra for late checkout.
Single travellers are usually
charged a supplement and
end up paying about 80 per
cent of the double room rate,
Comfortable foyer area in Charlotte Street hotel (see p288) even if they are occupying a
Apple Market, Covent Garden Piazza

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