newbie questions before a Virgin trip

[buns]

Originally posted by JeremyM
So im looking into hotels in London and I noticed that check in is only after 2 pm. Thats a pain, do they ever make exceptions? I want to stay somewhere that overlooks tower bridge because my wife said that would "be a dream come true" so I'm looking into the Apex, the Grange London City hotel, and the tower- A guoman hotel. Anyone have any experience in any of these? I think the Grange seems like the best deal. Also, if I arrive at 845 AM into LGW, what time can I expect to be at those hotels? Should I cab it or take the tube?


Wow, I just realized I must be a royal pain in the you know what. Thank you for putting up with my nitpicky insanity.

Jeremy

If you land around 8.45, expect 1.5 / 2hours to get through immigration, collect bags, customs etc.

The Gatwick Express train runs direct from Gatwick Airport to London Victoria and will take 35 minutes - add on some time as the train runs every 15 minutes.

If you decide to stay near the Tower, although expensive, I would suggest taking a cab (as getting on the tube with luggage can be a bit of a nightmare) and that will take you in the region of 30 - 40 minutes.

Mrs Buns and I has our wedding reception in what is now called the Guoman. It is right on the Thames and if you have a room overlooking Tower Birdge it is fantastic.

hope this helps

buns

[honey lamb]

I've also stayed in the Gouman and had a Tower Bridge view which really was fantastic. The hotel was flagged as a 3* and was a Thistle hotel then. Apart from the fact that on the outside it is a concrete monstrosity it really was fine.

Don't worry about check-in being at 2p.m. This (and 3pm) seems to be a universal check-in time and generally speaking, if your room is ready you can check-in before then. In addition, they will store your bags if it is not ready but I guess you would like to freshen-up after the journey.

buns has mentioned the Gatwick Express. The Thameslink train from Gatwick Airport goes directly to London Bridge station which is a lot nearer the Gouman than London Victoria station and then taking a cab from there to the hotel

I am beginning to realize that asking my wife to make of the more mundane decisions such as where she wants to stay in London is proving to be a lesson in patience. I'm trying to get her to decide if she wants to stay by the Tower of London or more to the western side of London. Evidentally she read a few reviews of the hotel on some trip advisor site and doesnt want to stay there, or isn't sure. She doesn't know about this board so I am without ammunition to refute her. We shall see how this one plays out

also, a picture of the new PE kit is finally available, but I dont know how to post it here, so here is the link where I found it for all those who are interested

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/gb/wh ... itykit.jsp

a personal favourite (although not cheap....) is the Mandarin Oriental in Knightsbridge. It overlooks Hyde Park, and if you get a park-side room, you can see the horse-guards riding past each morning on the way to the changing of the horse guard!

and you could always do a DAY TRIP to Paris on the Eurostar... they can sometimes come in at a bargain... and your wife will get to experience Paris (although not Versailles) throughout the day, and catch the last train back to London.... This is usually adequate to get a feel for the city, and try out your French. As for castles, you might want to look up Warwick Castle as a day trip from London (maybe stay out of town a day or two and do Stratford/ Shakespeare's country) see this link

Venice is fantastic, but staying on the grand canal is NOT cheap, and you'd find you'd most likely want to stay there for 3 or 4 days, which uses up a lot of your holiday stay. But if you really want a special time, stay at the Cipriani hotel..... anyway, you will ENJOY your time, especially if you make a few special moments and just go for key highlights rather than try to see it all.

Oh, and there is a special on travelzoo.co.uk for staying 2 nights in a scottish castle, if that appeals.... barony castle

I shall have to check out those places to stay. I was looking into the britain shrinkers tour, but to be on a tour with 40 other people is a lot, so there wont be a lot of time at many of the places. I guess we'll have to just do it on our own and take a trip to Paris. As for hotel in London, getting her to decide that has been a lesson in patience. Hopefully today she will pick one..........

So the day is rapidly approaching...........This coming Friday we depart for London. Do I need to confirm my booking or anything or can I just print off my itinerary and head off to the airport on Friday?

Well, Tomorrow is the big day, heading out to London. Can't wait to sit upstairs and it looks like we are all set. The wife is so excited she can't sleep and im so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. Thanks to everyone who helped us make this trip as great as its going to be, I truly appreciate your help and look forward to letting everyone know how the trip went

Thanks again

Jeremy

[Decker]

Enjoy the trip!