London Online Hotel Bookings

As Britain’s largest city and one of Europe’s finest attractions, London is a great destination for a weekend break or a short holiday, and also makes a great base for exploring the rest of the country, thanks to the excellent road, rail, and air transport links it enjoys. It’s also ideally placed for anyone looking at using it as a stopping-off point for short flights over to Amsterdam, Paris, or Brussels. But with so much to see and do in London, you’ll have your hands full.

London is justly famed for its shopping, which is among the best to be found anywhere in the world. From high-end boutiques to famous street markets, London shopping is as varied as you could wish – from the jewellers of Bond Street to the vibrant, lively Carnaby Street, with all manner of discoveries to be made in between. The main shopping areas are around Oxford Street, where you will find Harvey Nichol’s, among many, many others – and also Knightsbridge, which has a plethora of upmarket shopping options, not least the world-famous Harrods.

For these reasons as well as others, it is best to try and stay as close to the centre of town as possible; London is a big city and getting in and out from the suburbs can be time-consuming. However, like any European capital, the closer to the centre you are, the more expensive accommodations will tend to be. There are genuine bargains to be had, if you are willing to spend a little time shopping around for online hotel bookings, but you should be aware that the standard of budget hotels is extremely variable. London is one of the more expensive cities and prices tend to be accordingly high.

There are any number of attractions in London for all the family, and it is a sensational destination for anyone interested in history. It would be impossible to do justice to the many essential sights that any visitor to London should try and see, but highlights include Buckingham Palace, which is open to visitors during August and September, the Tower of London with its famous Beefeater guards, and London Zoo, widely considered to be among the finest in the world. Other attractions include Madame Tussaud’s, the famous waxworks on Baker Street, Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben… the choices are endless.

In the evenings, enjoy one of London’s thousands of restaurants, with every kind of food imaginable from the home-grown to the exotic, and catering to all tastes and budgets. London is well known as a meeting-place for cultures from all over the world, and this is reflected in its cuisine – going out for a curry in Brick Lane is as English as fish and chips. It also boasts some of the finest restaurants in all of Europe, so if fine dining is more your style, then you will be spoilt for choice.

The other great attraction of London nightlife is the West End, with its famous Theatreland, the focus for all manner of plays and shows. The finest actors from all over the world flock to London to tread the boards at one of the famous old theatres like the Old Vic or the Prince of Wales, and West End musicals are noted for their exuberance and originality. Many a hit show started out in this small corner of the capital, so get in there first before the crowds do!

Thanks to online booking services, it’s easier than ever to book a break in London. Online hotel bookings take a lot of the hassle and stress out of organising your trip, and help you plan your journey with complete confidence.

To London And Beyond…

London is one of those cities that breathes… no, pulsates with life – if New York never sleeps, then London never stops having fun. Whether you’re a London virgin or a London veteran, and whatever your budget, you’re sure to be constantly bowled over by the infinite range of attractions and activities in the city. Great pubs, top-notch clubs, buzzing bars and restaurants, heaving markets and high-end shopping centers, historical sights and hysterical street performers… you can feel like you’ve done everything in London in one weekend, come back again and again, do everything differently each time, and leave feeling the exact same way.

The major tourist centers of Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square lie in London’s West End, adjacent to London’s world-famous theatres and the infamously hedonistic Soho. Shopaholics can get their fix on Regents street and Oxford Street, while those looking for some cheaper, low cost retail therapy could visit Camden or Covent Garden. A visit to high-end Knightsbridge is an experience in itself, although a shopping spree here is likely to break most budgets!

Some of the biggest sights and attractions include the London Eye (the world’s biggest Ferris wheel), the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (11.30am daily), the magnificent Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the dauntingly large Parliament buildings and London’s iconic Big Ben. Trafalgar Square is lovely – depending on your opinion of pigeons – and of course the Tower of London and London Bridge shouldn’t be missed. The Planetarium is a popular spot, as is London Zoo, and Madame Tussaud’s is super entertainment, although not a cheap day out. The Tate Modern gallery is just one of the more famous of London’s wealth of galleries, and there are numerous museums for you to visit as well.

DAY TRIPPING FROM LONDON CITY

Yes, London has all the tourist attractions and activities you could hope to find in a city – enough that it is unlikely you will run out of things to do during your stay. It’s always nice, however, to escape from the city for a while. A little road trip to flee the noise, pollution and hustle and bustle of a large city (however cool the city) is always a nice idea, and there is a great selection of tranquil and interesting locations within easy reach of London in your rental car from Argus Car Hire. Here are four of the best options….

1. Stonehenge

One of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world and Britain’s number one tourist attraction, Stonehenge is a fascinating and mystical place, and what’s more it is easily accessible in your rental car from London city. Constructed over thousands of years, the colossal stone circles were erected by hand – a feat that defies belief, particularly when the sheer scale of the monument is witnessed firsthand.

Admission to Stonehenge is cheap at £6.30 for adults with a discount price for children. Pensioners and students pay less and there is also a special deal for families. The attraction makes for a low cost, high impact excursion that will leave a lasting impression. Make sure to bring your camera as there are opportunities for some superb photography, particularly is you visit at sunset.

2. Brighton

Brighton is about 70 miles from London Heathrow, taking around two hours in your rental car from Argus Car Hire. One of the biggest and best-known seaside resorts in the UK, Brighton is often called London-by-the-sea and is the perfect destination for fun in the sun when you’ve had your fill of London city. As the city has developed around tourism there is an endless choice of attractions and activities around Brighton to suit every budget and taste, with everything from historical attractions to arcades.

The Brighton Dome, Marina, Museum and Art Gallery, Pier and Sea Life Centre are all terrific attractions for those who want to do more than simply while away the hours on the fabulous beach. There is great shopping opportunity in Brighton, even for those traveling on a budget – for some low cost retail therapy visit the wonderfully bohemian North Laine where you are sure to find an interesting bargain or two in one of over 300 diverse and often quite peculiar shops. A welcome (and cheap) change from the high street stores in London.

3. Hampstead

A suburb of London, Hampstead feels a million miles away from the fast paced commotion and endless activity of the city. It is an ideal retreat for a lazy afternoon in old-world, picturesque surroundings, with ample opportunity for long leisurely lunches in open-air cafés and restaurants. Hampstead is a haven for artists, writers and actors, and the atmosphere of the area reflects this – Hampstead offers an air of tranquility and calm that one is unlikely to find in London City. Shoppers can enjoy a totally different type of shopping here, with an antiques and crafts market offering some great bargains for budget antique hunting.

The untouched beauty of Hampstead Heath is another major attraction for London escapees, with many beautiful walks and even some outdoor swimming locations, perfect for cooling off if the weather is fine. A day trip to Hampstead is an ideal low cost excursion, offering respite from the consumerism of London city.

4. Alton Towers

Situated around 150 miles from London is the exciting theme park, Alton Towers. It may be necessary to stay the night here if you are visiting from London city, as the drive takes roughly 3 hours and you will certainly want enough time to experience all the top rides as well as the fantastic water park. As a family activity however, it is well worth the journey. It is not quite as cheap an excursion as those previously mentioned, but if factored in to your budget in advance should be no great problem. Open from March through to November (check for exact dates), the park offers some high-octane thrills for adults and children alike.

Check out the various hotel deals and special rates that are on offer – you may even find a ‘buy one get one free’ offer, making it a far more low cost day out than you might think. You will pay less if you book your tickets online, a great option for thrill-seekers working with a budget. To save on money once you get inside, bring your own snacks and drinks into the park – it will cut down on your spending.

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There is a plethora of other options available for people looking to get out of London city for a day or two, including Windsor Castle, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, the white cliffs of Dover, the enchanting Cotswolds and many more. The freedom offered by renting a car with Argus Car Hire means you can choose destinations to suit your preferences and budget and tailor your holiday to suit your needs.

Inexpensive but nice hotels in London – Part 1

It’s official! After Moscow, London is the most expensive city in the world when it comes to hotel accommodation. With the average price well over 100 (that’s almost US $200) accommodation will comprise the main part of the expense involved in a trip to the capital. If you aren’t lucky enough to be charging this cost to your company, fear not: it is possible to find good, affordable accommodation in London.

On the whole it’s the chains that are the most expensive so think about staying in independent hotels or bed and breakfast accommodation. Forget the idea of a dowdy, little guest house smelling of cabbage and presided over by an old battleaxe. London has plenty of comfortable family run establishments that are perfectly adequate and don’t cost the earth. Some have private en suite bathrooms, others are shared. Some also offer evening meals, others breakfast only. In fact there are so many to choose from your first task will be deciding which area to stay in. Now, you could stay way out of the center and save money but you’d only spend it on public transport so I’m going to discount those options and look right away at options nearer the center.

The main areas where you’ll find this type of accommodation are Paddington, Victoria, Bayswater, Earls Court and Kings Cross. This is where a little research ensure you make the right choice. Use the Internet to research not just the location of the sights you want to see but also the nightlife and restaurants in the area too. The London Underground means that you can get from one part of the city to another relatively hassle free, even at peak times but some areas may be more suited to your needs than others.

Bayswater this area is just north of Hyde Park. You can walk to Oxford Street in about fifteen minutes so this is a good location for shopaholics. Portobello Market is also close by and this is a great destination for fashion fiends looking for something more unusual.

It’s primarily an area that attracts visitors in the city for leisure so if you are able to travel mid-week you can get some good discounts.

Paddington an ideal location if you are flying in or out of the country from Heathrow because the Express Link departs from the mainline station here. Don’t book too close to the station, look a few streets away at quiet, tree-filled squares such as Sussex Gardens.

Kings Cross much-improved in recent years, Camden Council has invested a lot of money in dealing with some of the social problems

Visit Manchester in Luxury

If you’re travelling to Manchester for a luxury vacation to remember, we recommend checking in on the following upscale and luxurious accommodations.

1. Copthorne Manchester
Located on the Salford Quays neighbourhood, the Copthorne Manchester was luxuriously renovated in 1997 and today features the latest and most modern facilities and conveniences as well as a magnificent view of the waterfront. The city centre is just two miles away from the hotel while the airport is only 10 miles away. There are 166 rooms in all and each one is extraordinarily large and usually decorated in a soothing beige and terracotta colour scheme. The hotel has an excellent and classy restaurant, Chandler’s, with its own private cocktail bar. There are nine conference rooms that can accommodate 180 guests maximum and two suites with ISDN access as well as six syndicate rooms. The hotel has an in-house coordinator to handle corporate conference needs and provide audio-visual equipment, courier services and message handling upon request. The Copthorne Manchester offers a bar and a minibar, parking, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, internet access, disabled access, car-hire facilities, business facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

2. Crowne Plaza Manchester – The Midland
Located at Oxford Street and St. Peter’s Square, the Crowne Plaza Manchester – The Midland is one of Manchester’s most popular landmarks and most imposing buildings. Its red-brick Edwardian façade is magnificent and stylishly lined with flame-bearing torches. There are over 300 rooms, including the luxurious Queen and Presidential suites reflective of an old-style country manor. Two of the hotel’s restaurants are AA Rosette awardees. The gym offers aerobic classes as well as physiotherapy, beauty treatments and allergy testing. The function rooms can accommodate up to 700 guests and these include the historic Rolls and Royce Suites, which are named in honour of the car partnership which was signed in there in 1904. The Midland offers a bar and minibar, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, hairdresser, solarium, swimming pool, computer facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning. Pets are allowed.

3. The Lowry Hotel
Standing proudly beside the Trinity Bridge on the River Irwell, the Lowry Hotel is one of the newest and most luxurious five-star hotels in the city. Its design is ultra-modern, featuring minimalist influences with plenty of natural light, glass and metal that give off a strong sense of urban chic. The lavish in-house restaurant, Marco Pierre White in the River Room, is famous in its own right for its culinary delights and its world-acclaimed chef. There are 164 rooms in all. The Lowry Hotel offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, safe deposit, hairdresser, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, solarium, car-hire facilities, business facilities, computer facilities, internet access, disabled access and 24-hour room service.

4. Manchester Airport Hilton
Built in 1986, the Manchester Airport Hilton is one of the newest and most modern additions to the famed Hilton hotel chain. The airport terminal is less than a mile away while the city centre is only 20 minutes away. There are nearby tourist attractions such as the Quarry Bank Mill and the Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens. There are 223 rooms in all and each room has a direct-dial phone as well as facilities for making tea and coffee. There are also nine corporate functions rooms for a maximum of 300 guests. The hotel also has a steam bath, plunge pool and full-size swimming pool. The Manchester Airport Hilton offers a bar and minibar, parking, television, restaurant, sauna, whirlpool, fitness club, business facilities, computer facilities, disabled access, car-hire facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning.

5. The Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club
The restored Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club stands on the site of Worsley Old Hall surrounded by 200 acres of woodland, giving it a unique and picturesque setting. There are 169 rooms in all, every one en suite and furnished with top-flight amenities, as well as nine corporate conference rooms that can accommodate a maximum 250 guests. The hotel boasts an award-winning in-house restaurant, an 18 hole championship golf course as well as a 20 meter indoor swimming pool and numerous gym and fitness facilities. The Marriott Manchester Hotel & Country Club offers a bar, parking, television, swimming pool, fitness club, business facilities, computer facilities, internet access, childcare facilities, 24-hour room service and air conditioning. Pets are allowed.

6. Palace Hotel
Owned by the Le Meridien Hotel Group, the Palace Hotel is one of central Manchester’s most attractive and renowned landmarks, boasting of great urban elegance and charm. The hotel’s smoked glass and marble interiors are stunning. Its location is ideal since it is on Oxford Road, a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s leading attractions, including the Palace Theatre and the Bridgewater Hall. There are 252 rooms in all, 12 conference rooms for a maximum of 200 guests and a Palace Ballroom for 1,000 guests. The in-house Waterhouse Restaurant is renowned for its sumptuous excellent cuisine and is a special favourite of vegetarians. The Copper Face Jacks bar and pub is a popular local haunt because of its vibrant ambience and nightly live music. The Palace Hotel offers a bar and minibar, televisions, restaurant, whirlpool, business facilities, childcare facilities and 24-hour room service.

Article by Susan Ashby of Manchester Singles. To read more articles like this or for dating in Manchester visit http://www.manchester-singles.co.uk