Distracting thoughts
No, this post is not about Hornblower or Ioan. :P
It's about my upcoming trip to London. After getting a good tip about accommodation in London, I began surfing around a bit. The hotel I was recommended looked very nice and I'll certainly consider it (thanks, mitzi007), but I managed to find a b&b that was a bit cheaper (only £40 per night in a single ( Read more... )
It's about my upcoming trip to London. After getting a good tip about accommodation in London, I began surfing around a bit. The hotel I was recommended looked very nice and I'll certainly consider it (thanks, mitzi007), but I managed to find a b&b that was a bit cheaper (only £40 per night in a single ( Read more... )
This is kondooritar's fiance here.
I am going to try to find your email address and send this to you directly, but I am actually en route *to* Finland at the moment, so everything is on my other computer and I will have to do some digging -- not even sure if I have your email address. I don't know when you are going to the UK or your precise purpose for being in London, and those factors do exert a degree of influence on recommendations, but...
I regularly commute Finland/London on the Stansted route, and often end up arriving late at night. If you are arriving during the day, none of this applies, but:
1) If the Ryan Air flight attendants try to sell you train tickets, don't buy them. By the time your flight lands and you clear customs with your luggage, you will have probably missed the last train to London. Your ticket will be useless.
2) Instead, you'll have to get a bus. These are regular and reliable. I've never had to stand around for longer than ten minutes. Sometimes the Ryan Air flight attendants will try to sell you bus tickets. These may also be useless. There are at least two bus service providers, and tickets for one are not useable on the others. So if you get out of the airport and a National Express coach is about to leave, but you have a ticket for Terravision, then they won't let you on the National Express bus, and vice versa. Best to bring UK pounds and pay as you get onboard whichever bus you fancy.
3) It's 45 minutes into London, and that will mean that you are not at your destination until after midnight. You will have probably also missed the last Tube by this point. Black London cabs around this time of night can be very reluctant to admit they are available. They will be afraid that you are like me, and want to make a long £40 journey to the south, when they all seem to live in the north, and can't be bothered. Luckily, if you simply want to be taken to a hotel in town, it should be no trouble getting a taxi, but be aware that it might cost you £10 or more to get to your hotel.
4) I mention the above because you might want to seriously consider an alternative option. There is a wonderful hotel *at* Stansted, the Radisson SAS. You can get off the plane, pick up your luggage, and then waltz outside and straight to your room. So instead of having another two hours of late-night travel, hassle and pfaffery on arrival, you can get to bed relatively early, and wake up the next day ready for the world. The following morning you can get up and get a regular train into town -- this is actually a better deal in a way, as you will be able to utilise the Travelcard portion of your ticket, and get to your hotel by Tube within London at no extra charge, instead of having to get a taxi otherwise. I think last time I stayed at the Radisson SAS, my room cost me £100. I realise that is more than double your apparent budget, but it is far safer for you, will save you a deal of late-night hassle, and (I mention this because it is a deal breaker for a surprising number of Finns) breakfast is included.
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I will be travelling on a late RyanAir flight, and I've been pondering about the stupid late time the flight arrives. Someone else also said that the last trains will have left the airport by the time I'd be ready to leave, so I'm somewhat prepared to even stay at the airport for the first night. But although £100 is a bit much, I'll certainly consider the Radisson - it'd be more safe & convenient for sure.
Oh, and I'll be in London for midsummer (will arrive on 22nd of June, will continue to Cardiff on the 25th) and this trip will be just for fun. I've never been to London and I figured now would be a good time. :)
Any other tips on places I should visit etc.? ;)
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The biggest LOL I've ever wanted to express! : )
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But the museums stores! Oooh! I have wet dreams about museum stores in London. So much about me my innocence. ; )
But it's quite innocent to have wet dreams about museums, right? ; )
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