My wife and I cruising on the Regatta on June 20th from Dover, United Kingdom. We are trying to find a good B&B to stay at for a couple of days before we board. This is our first trip to London and we want to do a couple of days of site seeing before we board. We appreciate any recommendations to include B&B contact information.

Ken

Ken - do you want to stay in London, Dover or somewhere in-between?

We were thinking of staying in our just outside London near a tube access. We have heard it is easy to take the tube to get into or around London. We also hear it maybe less expense to stay just our of London and ride the tube. Would appreciate any advice or help.

Ken

Hi Ken,

Personally i would try and stay in the centre of London rather than out in the suburbs. I doubt that the B&B's are that much cheaper, and you will end up spending quite a bit of money on the tube! There are a lot of B&B's in London - check out these three websites which look fairly good

www.athomeinlondon.co.uk
www.bed-and-breakfast-london.co.uk
www.information-britain.co.uk

Anywhere in Marylebone, Kensington, Knightsbridge, Mayfair would be a good location - central and these are nice areas. Avoid south of the river!

I agree - definitely stay in central London if you can. I stayed at the Thistle Royal Horseguards Hotel and booked it on the web. It was so much more convenient than when I stayed in Kensington. Thistle have another one quite close to it which is slightly cheaper but the rooms are a bit smaller - think it might be Trafalgar Square. I don't know what your budget is, but all hotels in London are expensive (worse for me because of the exchange rate). All depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Lee

Okay, can you help me with the London Geography>?
If I stay at the Sheraton Park Lane and I will only have two days (really one and a half since I come from Dover day one, I have all of Day two and day three I go home!) Will I be spending all my time in cabs or the tube to see things ? I thought it was pretty walkable. I want to do the first time in London must see's.

Kathy,

Sheraton Park Lane is in a good location. Is it a point stay or do you have options for another spot? We now use the Hilton Green Park...it is a small property tucked onto a side street and in a fabulous location. We are in London 5-6 times per year and always enjoy that property. It is a good value for London if booked well in advance. You will be walking plenty and the tourist spots are spread all over the city. Because you wish to do the first time "must see" London attractions, I would plan your day to include the Tower as one of your first stops. We have visited it twice and it gets VERY busy during summer holidays. Also, if you can pre book Buckingham Palace....it also gets VERY busy. Other than those two, other sights seem to have a steady flow of traffic. If you need a map or other info, let me know...I will be in London later this month visiting our daughters friend who is a Rhodes scholar at Oxford!
Cheers, Pam

Hi Kathy, I stayed in Mayfair during my first trip to London. At Grovsnor Square(the Marriott)The best way to see all the important sights is on the Hop on Off double decker. You can catch it right by your hotel. Stay on all the way to the Tower of London. Definitely worth going into. The Crown Jewels are impressive. If I remember correctly that is at the end of the tour. Then going back you can get off at the stops that interest you. Shepards Market is fun area. Some very nice, more moderate restaurants. We at at a little French Cafe. Take a walk through Hyde park, you will come to Kensington Palace. While there last time I saw Diana's beautiful gowns on display. Enjoy!

Hi Kathy,

Just to add that Park Lane is very central - you are a short walk to the shops of Oxford Street, and close to Harrods & Harvey Nichols. You could even stroll through Green Park to Buck Palace. You will need to use either buses or the tube to get to the London Eye & the Tower. I would recommend that you also pre book the London Eye - it gets a lot of visitors.

Thanks everyone. I will start booking London things so I won't miss out.

I think............Dorchester!!!! 5 stars! and location location!

The Dorchester
Park Lane
London W1A 2HJ
England

Tel +44 (0)20 7629 8888
US toll-free 1 800 727 9820 ( reservations only)
Fax +44 (0)20 7409 0114

info@thedorchester.com

Well, I booked at the Sheraton Park Lane - just around the corner. I have miles in my Starwood Account and always get upgrades and club floor so I prefer it when possible!