Post Captain

I absolutely agree with those who have suggested a hotel in Jersey City.  A Newark Airport hotel might be fine as a place to sleep for one night, but the hotels on or near the Hudson River waterfront really do have a lot more to offer in the way of setting, views, and a much more pleasant vibe overall.  See my reply to a similar question in a previous thread:

This video gives a glimpse of the Westin and its immediate surroundings:

And here's the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson.  The Hyatt Place is at the next corner.

This map shows the relative locations of the Jersey City hotels on or near the Hudson River waterfront.  (The W in Hoboken is just off the top edge of the map.)

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Jersey+City,+NJ/@40.7237447,-74.0316923,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x89c250d225bfafdd:0x249f013a2cd25d9!8m2!3d40.7177545!4d-74.0431435

On 10/28/2021 at 1:32 PM, Post Captain said:

 

 

In somewhat of a similar vein, you might be familiar with Julian McDonnell (aka "Joolz").  An actor/filmaker, he's best known for his quirky, humorous, and immensely enjoyable YouTube channel in which he explores particular areas of London--often fascinating byways that are off the typical tourist trail--and imparts little-known historical facts along the way.  He also leads private walks -- I once ran into him in Charterhouse Square while he was guiding a couple of foreign tourists (father and son) on a private walk.  You can find him by searching online for "joolz guides".

 

 

 

 

 

Indeed, just now looking through some photos I took during a walkabout in London in April 2019, I discovered these two, which I'd forgotten I'd taken.

On 10/29/2021 at 8:01 AM, Marie454 said:

Has anyone stayed at the  Jury Inn in Southampton the night before a cruise?  Is it a walkable distance from the train or bus stations?  There will be  6 adults and one 15 year old in our family who will be going on the cruise.  Is the Jury Inn close enough to the cruise ships to walk or should we take taxis or are there shuttle buses that we could hire to take us there?  We arrive at Heathrow the previous morning on June 25 and our cruise departs Southampton at 5:00 on June 26.  Is there enough to see or do in Southampton on the day of the cruise or  would be be better off to stay in Winchester on the 25th and then travel to Southampton the following day?  I would like to stay in Winchester but I'm wondering if we would actually get to see much if we don't arrive there until middle of the afternoon on the 25th and would have to leave probably by noon the next morning?

Just to piggy-back on John Bull's earlier reply... I've not stayed at Jury's Inn, but I know it from the outside and am familiar with the location.  Indeed, a few years ago I considered booking a room there for a night before a sailing out of So'ton.  However, when I discovered that it was situated on a large, busy roundabout, I decided to look elsewhere.  IMO, the places that JB recommended are all better located.

However...  I would happily stay in Winchester for the night; indeed, given my druthers, that would be my preference.  Winchester is relatively compact, and if you arrive there mid-afternoon, you would have time to visit the cathedral and have a nice wander around the town.  (Yes, I know it's officially designated a city by virtue of its cathedral, but it really is a small-medium-size town!)  There are (or were, pre-pandemic; I'm not sure what the situation currently is) quite a few mid-range and upscale restaurants in Winchester, not to mention the pubby places.  You'd also have time to explore the next morning as well, before departing for Southampton.  (There are several trains an hour from Winchester to Southampton; the trip only takes around 20 minutes or so.)   

On 10/28/2021 at 4:37 PM, John Bull said:

 

And note the piece about the historic green wooden cab-drivers' shelters in central London - only cabbies are allowed to sit inside, but Joe Public can buy snacks & drinks from the takeaway window - way cheaper than the cafes & coffee shops 🙂. 

I first noticed these during one of my rambles in London in the early 1980s.  According to one online article, 61 such shelters were built between 1875 and 1914, 13 of which survive today (or at least as of 2017, when the article was published.)  Today all of them are designated as Grade 2 listed buildings--who knew?

https://www.amusingplanet.com/2017/09/londons-cabmens-shelters.html

On 10/28/2021 at 4:37 PM, John Bull said:

For many years I had a vintage London cab, a 1936 coachbuilt Austin 12/4 which like many of her sisters had been pressed into service with the Auxilliary Fire Brigade during the blitz of 1940 / 41.

After the war she operated out of Waverley Station in Edinburgh, then when she was cashiered out of service she was bought by students who drove her on a European tour.

I bought her many years later,  and used her for historic vehicle rallies. She paid her way because she was very popular for weddings - a little limousine with none of the limousine pomp but a folding roof. 

Here she is outside Southampton's ancient Bargate

 

JB 🙂

 

 
 

 

Wowzie!  What a magnificent vehicle, and a fascinating story, JB.  The only place I've ever seen one of these was in a British period tv drama.  (Probably Poirot?)

Just a few comments from my own perspective (based on frequent visits to, and occasional part-time residence in London over a period of some 40 years!), to add to the excellent advice & suggestions already given by John Bull.

Although you have asked for recommendations for private driving tours, I would point out that, for various reasons, London is much more a walking city than a driving city.  So, in addition to the various driver-guide options JB has mentioned, I would also suggest taking one or more focused walking tours. 

Foremost among the walking tours, in my opinion, are those offered by and outfit called London Walks.  They offer a wide variety of different in-depth walks every morning, afternoon, and evening, each one centered on a particular area of London and a specific theme or historical period.  Each walk lasts around two hours and is led by a knowledgeable and (usually) quite entertaining guide.  Some of the guides are distinguished actors, including a few you might recognize from British television productions.  London Walks also runs some indoor guided tours (e.g., Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral, the British Museum, the V&A, Covent Garden...).  The groups are generally small, but you can also contact London Walks directly via their online website to have them tailor a private tour based on your specific interests.

In somewhat of a similar vein, you might be familiar with Julian McDonnell (aka "Joolz").  An actor/filmaker, he's best known for his quirky, humorous, and immensely enjoyable YouTube channel in which he explores particular areas of London--often fascinating byways that are off the typical tourist trail--and imparts little-known historical facts along the way.  He also leads private walks -- I once ran into him in Charterhouse Square while he was guiding a couple of foreign tourists (father and son) on a private walk.  You can find him by searching online for "joolz guides".

If London is a walking city, Oxford is even more so.  However, unlike London, Oxford is fairly compact, so it's possible to see and explore many of the highlights in a single walking tour.  Many of the tours take you inside the quadrangles, dining halls, and chapels of various colleges.  An online search for "Oxford guided walks" or "Oxford walking tours" will bring up a number of options.  You meet up with these tours in the center of Oxford itself, which is just an hour from London by train (departing from either Paddington or Marylebone stations).

Sounds like a fairly good bare-bones outline, given the limited time you'll have.  I'll just add my two cents'-/ tuppence'-'orth to help flesh things out a bit and give you a few things to think about.

Day 1:  "Arrive..., go to hotel, relax, and adjust from jet lag."  This is fine as far as it goes.  However, your Day 1 activities will depend on the length of your flight, what time you're land at Heathrow and get into London, and when your earliest hotel check-in time is.  There's also the consideration of your general energy level and how well you recover from jet lag.  You might have some hours between your arrival time and when the room is actually ready, but many (most?) hotels will be happy to let you drop off your luggage.

In general, I always avoid the temptation to go to bed as soon as I check in at the hotel--I like to take some time to freshen up, and perhaps take a little cat-nap.  But don't let yourself fall into a deep slumber, or chances are you'll just screw up your internal clock.  Get out and take a walk and try to keep yourself going through the first afternoon.  On the other hand, don't push yourself so much that you're stumbling around like a zombie by mid-afternoon!  Have lunch, but don't drink alcohol.  Avoid sensory overload--don't spend hours in a museum on Day 1.

Years ago, flying from the northeast U.S., I always tried to take a flight with an early p.m. departure, arriving at Heathrow as early as 6 a.m. in order to (theoretically) give myself a full first day in London.  However, as I grew older, slightly wiser, and a tad less energetic, I realized that taking a flight that departed the east coast around 10 or 11 p.m. and landed at Heathrow later in the morning (perhaps a little before noon) actually kept me fresher and going longer into the day, allowing me to reset my internal clock more quickly.  With a late-night departure and an overnight flight that truly is "overnight," I can sleep on the plane more or less at a time when I'd actually be sleeping at home.

Day 2:  "a  quick look at major sights."  Well, a quick look at a few major sites, yes; but you won't be able to see everything you want to see.  Avoid the temptation to cram too many sites into the day; perhaps select a particular area of London and pick a few places that you really want to see in that area, and don't rush.  Perhaps start the day with a ho-ho bus tour (an excellent way for a first-time visitor to at least orient him-/herself) or a river cruise on the Thames.  Plan ahead.

Day 3:  "wake up, relax, catch transfer to Southhampton."  Excellent.  A mid-morning departure from London should get you to Southampton (one h, as the redoubtable John Bull will remind you!😉) in plenty of time for your embarkation.  I prefer the train from Waterloo Station (journey time an hour & 15 minutes), but you also have the option of coach (roughly two and a half hours) or private car transfer (ditto), or a slower train from Victoria Station (two and a half hours).

Bon voyage!

On 10/3/2021 at 7:41 PM, Love2travel4 said:

Sailing in the Anthem 01-09-22 (first time on Anthem) out of NJ.  First time to NJ port as well.  98% sure we will be driving, as it’s only 4.5hrs. Away.  We will definitely be coming down the day before. I will be traveling with my 77 year old mother.  She is in great health, but can’t walk long distances like miles.

 

Looking for: hotel night stay.  Not sure if I should be looking in NJ or NY.  Would LOVE to find a hotel with long term COVERED parking.  I do not want to come back after 11 nights and have to unbury our car!  If not, I will park at port for $30 day ☹️
 

I would love to find a way to get her to NYC, specifically WTC.  I don’t want to drive into NYC, and not keen on public transportation (subway).  We would take an Uber.  Is there any tour groups that does a tour from an area of NJ?  
 

Any other tips would be great.  Thank you in advance.

I agree with Got2Cruise (#3, above) re. choosing a hotel in New Jersey.  Specifically, there are several modern hotels in Jersey City that are near the Hudson River waterfront and a short distance from the ferry to Lower Manhattan (near the WTC):

--- The Westin Jersey City Newport

--- Doubletree by Hilton Jersey City

--- Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson

--- Hyatt House Jersey City

The Westin and the Doubletree are virtually next door to one another. To reach the ferry to Lower Manhattan you would take the Light Rail to Hoboken Terminal (just a 5- or 6-minute ride), where you can catch the ferry.

The Hyatt Regency is built atop the foundation of an old pier jutting into the Hudson.  Hyatt House is a new hotel in an older building, just a couple of blocks away from the Regency.  Both are a short walk (3 or 4 blocks) from the Paulus Hook ferry terminal, and the Light Rail to Hoboken also stops right outside the front door of the Hyatt House. 

In pre-pandemic times, these hotels usually were fairly pricy, but it doesn't hurt to check to see what they're charging for your dates.

A couple of others that may be slightly less convenient for your purposes, but worth checking:

--- The W Hoboken.  (Probably quite expensive; a 10-minute walk along the waterfront walkway to the Hoboken terminal.

--- Sheraton Lincoln Harbor.  Has its own ferry terminal right outside the hotel, but that ferry only goes to midtown Manhattan (39th Street), so isn't really convenient for visiting the World Trade Center site.

All of these hotels, except probably the Hyatt House, have their own parking facilities. (There's a parking garage just on the next block from the Hyatt House, so I suspect they use that.)

Check the NY Waterway ferry website for service between New Jersey and NYC.  Depending on where you stay, you would want the ferry from Hoboken/NJ Transit Terminal (not Hoboken 14th Street) or Paulus Hook to Brookfield Place/Battery Park City:

http://www.nywaterway.com

I've never heard of any NYC tours that start in NJ, and I very much doubt there are any.

19 hours ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

And if she objects to driving to CVG, I bet I know her answer to taking two trains.

 

😏

 

 

If there were a train from Louisville to CVG, they wouldn't have to drive. 😉 

(Evidently you can get from Louisville to CVG by taking a series of three buses--but not even I would suggest that!😁)

41 minutes ago, FlyerTalker said:

 

 

So instead of taking three flights, you want them to take TWO flights and TWO trains.  So an additional connection over just flying.

 

Plus, you would have to handle your own luggage at both Milan airport and Milan Centrale, while doing it all by air, you'd check in your bags in the USA and see them again in Venice.

 

Also, you would now have the price of a ticket to MXP and an additional ticket into Venice, rather than a through fare from USA to Venice.

 

For those who pack light, or don't mind wheeling their luggage through train stations, you might have an option.  And it might make economic sense, depending on current pricing.  But it is FAR from the easiest method to make this trip.

What can I say?  I like trains.  And I travel light.  I routinely have gotten onto trains and done journeys of 3 or 4 hours (mainly in the UK and in Switzerland/Austria) immediately after coming off a transatlantic flight, and am planning to do so from MUC to Innsbruck next year.  And I'm no spring chicken.

Milan Centrale to Venice Santa Lucia can be priced as little as  €19.90 per person with advance booking.

Anyway, it was just something I threw out there for the OP to consider.  I won't be offended in the least if he/she thinks it's a crazy idea and decides to stick with the original plan of three flights.

@Eggtuary~

I'm late to this conversation, and am not sure whether the following suggestion will be helpful.  But, just a thought:

Personally, I would not be comfortable with the number of separate flights and layovers that are involved in the various itineraries that have been discussed in this thread.  Of course, living in the NYC metro area, I'm spoiled with a wide selection of non-stop flights from JFK and/or EWR to virtually all major European destinations.

However, sometimes, when taking a transatlantic trip to a destination that is not well served by convenient flights, I fly into a major airport and take a train onward to my final destination.  I find that that that works better than adding an additional flight to my final destination.  If nothing else, it cuts out a bit of the anxiety of possibly missing the connecting flight, as well as a potentially additional process of going through immigration and security formalities yet again. In your case, it will also cut out the layover at ORD, giving you just a single layover--in the U.S.--en route.

With that in mind, this could possibly simplify the outbound flight(s), where your final destination is Venice:  Rather than taking a series of three separate flights that will eventually get you to Venice, why not consider flying to Milan (MXP) and taking a train to Venice from there?  A quick search on Google Flights shows this:  UAL 4456, departing SDF at 12:08, pm, arriving EWR at 2:05 pm; then, UAL 19 departing EWR at 6:25 pm, arriving MXP at 7:25 am. From MXP, take the train into Milan (Milan Centrale station), from where there are relatively frequent direct trains to Venice, taking just over two and a half hours.  Anyway, this would be my preferred route.

You would have just one layover en-route, with no immigration formalities at EWR, of course, no change of terminal during the layover, and a reasonably straightforward (if not entirely pleasurable) security check* before your connecting flight to MXP.  (*The process at EWR is nothing to write home about, but it's preferable to being herded like cattle at JFK Terminal 4.)   EWR is a United hub, and United's Terminal C features both a United Club lounge and a Polaris Lounge.  Those lounges are currently closed, or were the last time I checked, but one can hope that they'll reopen before March 2022.

I'm afraid your flight options from BCN to SDF will be the same as outlined in previous posts, making it a two-layover trip in that direction.

Hope this helps.   

I've flown Economy Comfort+ a number of times on Delta's A330-200.  At 6'2" and with longish, gangly limbs, I find that the EC+ seat pitch of 35" versus 31" for Economy makes a significant difference for me, especially on overnight transatlantic flights.  The seats themselves are exactly the same as in "regular" Economy--that is, the exact same width (18" on that particular aircraft), upholstery, recline, and configuration.  As I recall, the menu and amenities are pretty much the same as in Economy, except that you get to board ahead of the Economy passengers and are served first at mealtime.  (At least, this is the way it was pre-pandemic.)

On aircraft with a 2-4-2 (A330) or 2-3-2 (767) configuration, my wife and I find that the two-seat groupings on either side of the plane are ideal for couples traveling together--all the more so with the extra legroom that Economy Comfort+ affords.  As long as you're not expecting a premium experience, you shouldn't be disappointed.  Of course, as always, YMMV.

(Note:  According to Seat Guru, Economy Comfort+ seats on some of Delta's other aircraft have a 34" pitch rather than the 35" pitch on the A330, so that may be something to take into account when you make your choice, depending on the type of aircraft you'll be flying.)       

9 hours ago, RonPaula said:

This hotel looks like a nice property. Is this in a good location as far as a few attractions within easy walking distance? It’s my first time to London and I use a wheelchair, so my needs are a bit different from a typical visitor. Thank you

 

Hello RonPaula ~

Well, I'll try to provide a little more information than the first poster gave, although my response comes with a few caveats.  Since you say your needs "are a bit different from a typical visitor," I'm not entirely sure how helpful my comments will be, but here goes.

First, are you traveling solo, or with a companion who will be able to help maneuver your wheelchair?  I only ask because I would think that would make a difference when it comes to crossing busy streets and intersections or if you want to get into a particular attraction where an accessible entrance is not immediately obvious.

Secondly...  Although I've heard and read good things about the Club Quarters, I've never stayed their nor been inside, so I can't vouch for the quality of the hotel personally.  But I've walked past it a number of times and am familiar with the surrounding area.  (Incidentally, there are two or three other hotels from the chain in London; I prefer the location of the one at Lincoln's Inn Fields, about a mile or so away--a more sedate bucolic setting, near the Inns of Court.  But that's a purely personal preference, after visiting London numerous times over a period of--yikes!--50 years!)

Thirdly...  Although the Trafalgar Square/ Charing Cross area is considered the geographic center of London, London is so widely spread out (for miles in every direction) that no one location is close to every "attraction."  No matter what part of London you stay in, you have to accept that not everything you might want to see is "just around the corner."  Also, this area is quite busy, with lots of traffic and crowded sidewalks (especially around Trafalgar Square itself)--so that's something to consider.  Think of Trafalgar Square as the hub of a wheel, with a number of spokes radiating out from the center.  Those spokes are roads.  Traffic from at least five major thoroughfares all meets at Trafalgar Square.  However, the advantage of this location is that numerous bus routes also converge at or near Trafalgar Square.  

London buses are wheelchair friendly, although they can get crowded. I believe the driver is supposed to lower a platform at the rear door of the bus and help the wheelchair user on and off. I have witnessed this a number of times, so that is something you might want to look into further. Not all Underground stations are wheelchair accessible, although some are. Check this page on the Transport for London (the agency that operates London's public transportation system) website:

https://tfl.gov.uk/help-and-contact/

Under the Accessible travel heading on that page, there are links to several other pages that give more information about specific issues affecting travelers who require accessible travel options.

As far as attractions "within easy walking distance" of the Club Quarters hotel... I suppose that depends a bit on how you define "easy walking distance."  The nearest major attraction is the National Gallery, just on the opposite side of Trafalgar Square, about five minutes' walk from the hotel.  (The stairs leading up to the main entrance are quite formidable, but there is an accessible entrance at ground level just to the right of the main entrance as you face the museum.  The National Gallery is one of the great museums of its type; if you are interested in great works of art from any period, it is certainly a "must-see."  You could well spend a day there and not take in everything.

Right across the road from the National Gallery (to the right, as you face the front of the museum) is the church of St. Martin in the Fields.

On Whitehall, around the corner (sort of) from the hotel is Whitehall, where many government departments (e.g., the Treasury, the Foreign Office) are headquartered in imposing buildings.  You can also get a glimpse of 10 Downing Street through the gates about two-thirds of the way down Whitehall, on the right-hand side.  In the middle of the road is the Cenotaph, a monument (designed by Luytens) honoring the dead of the First World War (WWI).  This is where a solemn ceremony is held every Remembrance Day.

As you're going down Whitehall, you'll see the Elizabeth Tower (commonly but erroneously referred to as Big Ben.  (To be boringly pedantic, Big Ben is the name of the largest bell within the tower--the one that rings the hour.)  I'm not sure if the tower is still encased in scaffolding; it had been for several years while restoration work was underway.  A short distance away, more or less opposite the Houses of Parliament, is Westminster Abbey (and also a smaller church, St. Margaret's, apparently dating from the 12th century.

While I'm thinking of it, there's one other place I personally love that's close to the hotel but that might not be immediately obvious to the tourist:  the Golden Jubilee pedestrian bridge, adjacent to the Hungerford railway bridge that spans the River Thames between the back of Charing Cross Station and the South Bank.  (Or, to be pedantic again, the Jubilee bridge is actually two bridges, one on either side of the Hungerford bridge.)  When crossing the more easterly of the two Jubilee bridges, I never fail to be moved by the views downstream, with the great dome of St Paul's Cathedral rising in the distance...  According to this web page, the Golden Jubilee bridges are fully accessible at both ends:

https://www.euansguide.com/venues/golden-jubilee-bridges-london-1000/reviews/a-hidden-bridge-with-a-view-898

(When you come out of the Club Quarters, turn right and continue a short distance--the bridge will be right ahead of you.  Apparently the lifts up to the bridge are hard to find if you don't know where they are--I don't recollect ever seeing them, but they're there, and I'm sure someone in the area will be able to give you precise directions if you ask.  In the meantime, for more detailed information about accessibility of the bridge, see the two reviews posted on that page.)

Anyway...  I hope you find this helpful.  I didn't mean to go on at such length, and it's well past my bedtime, so I'll end here for now!

________

Post script (edit):  While I was typing all this, markeb replied with some excellent advice that says much more concisely what I was trying to say in my long-winded way!

3 hours ago, 5waldos said:

 

Thanks Capt- pretty much was what my thoughts were. Although I hadn't considered dropping off luggage for the afternoon. May just make reservations and stop overthinking it all. 

 

"YMMV"- working on figuring this one out. 

"Your mileage may vary." Slang expression used mainly by kids, internet nerds, and hipsters (demographic groups of which I am certainly not a member!). According to one internet "dictionary", it is "used as a disclaimer that results/satisfaction level might be different for every person. It is commonly used when answering technical-type questions in online conversations or when someone asks for a specific review of a product, service, or website."

But yes--flying out of SOU is far easier than flying out of LHR, for all the reasons I mentioned.       

23 hours ago, 5waldos said:

We are arriving in Southampton and transiting same day to Amsterdam. Although there are many more flights from Heathrow it is occurring to me that the Southampton Airport might be much easier to navigate. The two flights to Amsterdam are not great- one almost certainly too early (9:20 am or something) and the other later afternoon (17:30 ish). But it must be less of a hassle than Heathrow. As far as the covid regulations- we don't travel until April so who knows what they will be. But does anyone have any words of wisdom about flying out of Southampton vs Heathrow?

Given my druthers, for this trip I would much rather fly out of Southampton Airport (SOU) than out of Heathrow (LHR), even if the departure times out of the former are not ideal.  Having arrived off a cruise, there are several reasons why I would prefer SOU:

--- Ease of getting to the airport from the cruise terminal.  SOU is only five miles or so from the docks (depending on where you are docking)--about a 20-25 minutes' taxi ride.  Or, if you have a manageable amount of luggage, you can take a taxi to Southampton Central railway station, from which trains stopping at the airport depart several times an hour, arriving at SOU in about 7 to 10 minutes. (The Southampton Airport rail station is Southampton Airport Parkway, and is immediately adjacent to the airport. From the station, the entrance to the airport terminal is literally a 300-foot walk from the station platform.)

By contrast, if you take a coach transfer to Heathrow, you will be on the road for close to two hours, and will be at the mercy of any traffic delays. 

--- Ease and simplicity of SOU itself vs the complexity and crowds of LHR.  SOU consists of a single, fairly small terminal, whereas of course Heathrow is massive and handles a gazillion flights an hour. At SOU, you walk in the door, easily find the appropriate check-in counter, pass through security swiftly, and don't have a long schlep to the gate.  And you don't deal with crowds or long waiting times, as there are far fewer flights in and out of SOU compared to LHR.  Heathrow is just the opposite, with long distances within the terminal, not to mention the crowds.  Going through SOU is a fairly civilised experience and will keep your blood pressure much lower.

--- If you take the later afternoon flight out of SOU, you would have ample time to do some touring after disembarkation, before heading to the airport.  I haven't used any of them, but there are several luggage storage facilities in Southampton where you could drop your luggage and then enjoy a leisurely stroll in Southampton, or even take the train to Winchester for lunch and a quick look-round.  Search "Luggage Storage Southampton UK" on the internet, and you'll find several short-term storage services.

(I just did a quick search for "Luggage Storage Southampton Airport UK" and discovered that there is also a storage facility at the airport itself, which would make things even easier if you want to visit Winchester.  1. Taxi or train to the airport; 2. drop off luggage; 3. walk over to Southampton Airport Parkway station; take a train to Winchester, just nine minutes away; have lunch in Winchester and take a little stroll around town before taking the train back to the airport around 3 pm, allowing ample time to collect your luggage and check in for your flight.)  

Anyway, this is just I would do, given the same situation.  YMMV, as the kids say.

21 hours ago, John Bull said:

Nowhere in central London is far from a Starbucks.

But whereas folk can tell you that Hotel A is convenient  to Buckingham Palace, Hotel B is convenient to trains to Southampton, Hotel C is next-door to a tube station,  Hotel D is convenient to transport to Heathrow, etc. the proximity to a Starbucks isn't something that folk are likely to remember or include in reviews.

Can I suggest you set out other criteria, like prices, standards, convenience to the sights etc, then check the nearest Starbucks on googlemaps

 

JB 🙂 

 

15 hours ago, Cotswold Eagle said:

As JB says, that is almost a nugatory criteria by which to judge hotels in central London. 

Indeed!

It's virtually impossible to answer this question more precisely and thoroughly than John Bull and Cotswold Eagle have answered it here.  And I have to admit that I'm just about the last person to ask about Starbucks, whether in London or New York City.

However...  I would only add that Pret a Manger, Costa Coffee, and Cafe Nero are three well-established chains with shops in equal profusion throughout central London.  All but the most ardent of Starbucks addicts might well find their coffee products more than satisfactory. 

Otherwise, for an authentic London greasy-spoon experience, pop into Beppe's Cafe in West Smithfield or Speedy's on North Gower Street.  

Just to help sort out the confusion over various "Downton Abbey" locations -- and at the risk of inadvertently adding to the confusion:

The so-called "Downton Abbey village" and Highclere Castle are in two entirely different locations.  Many of the exterior scenes set in "the village" were filmed in Bampton, some 20 miles west of Oxford.  Exterior scenes set in the grounds of "Downton Abbey," as well as "upstairs" interiors, were filmed at Highclere Castle, approximately 35 miles south of Bampton.  (And the "downstairs" kitchen and servants quarters were sets constructed at Ealing Studios, London.) 

The easiest way to reach Highclere Castle is by train from Paddington Station to Newbury, then taxi from Newbury station to Highclere.  Pre-pandemic, I believe tickets for admission to Highclere Castle had to be booked in advance; presumably the same procedure will obtain whenever the castle is again opened to the public.

Comcox ~

Just a few quick ideas off the top of my head, re. places (towns, villages) to visit that might well suit you.  Of course, these suggestions assume that things will more or less be back to "normal" by the time you visit--and I have no idea whether they will be.

Philbeach Traveller has provided some excellent ideas for places to stay and/or visit, and .  However, I would suggest that it's not absolutely necessary to stay "near" Dover.  With six days from the time of your arrival at LHR and your cruise embarkation in Dover, you would certainly have enough time to do some exploring a bit further afield.  (Not sure how near to Dover you mean when you say "near," but I would interpret the term broadly to include the counties of Kent and East Sussex. as well as possibly even Surrey and West Sussex.)  There's more than enough to see and do between London and Dover to fill far more than six days, without tying yourself to Dover during that time. 

In addition to Canterbury, I would put Rye (35-40 miles west of Dover) high on my list of possible bases.  In any case, Rye is well worth a day's visit even if you don't stay there.

As as for visiting historic manor houses, gardens, and small castles, and the like, I would definitely consider the following (listed roughly from northwest to southeast, between London and Dover):

Hever Castle

Chartwell

Knole

Igtham Mote

Sissinghurst

Leeds Castle

Bodiam

1 hour ago, gnome12 said:

Could you add the location of the DLR station to this map? (Personally as a single I will almost never take a cab or transfer; I only travel with as much luggage as I can manage on my own.)

The Greenwich Cutty Sark DLR station is just a half-inch or so diagonally down and to the left of the red circle--literally just one minute's walk to the circled luggage drop-off location.

However...  I should point out one significant drawback of the DLR--namely, the fact that Bank Station (the central London terminus of the DLR, and which also serves the Central and Northern underground lines) is without question the most confusing and user-unfriendly underground station in London.

Having travelled between central London and Greenwich via public transport on numerous occasions, both with and without luggage, I greatly prefer the train to the DLR.  At the London end, one can board the train at any of several stations, including St Pancras, Farringdon, and Blackfriars Station.  In Greenwich, you alight at Greenwich Station, a half mile from the Cutty Sark station.  It's an easy walk if you have a manageable amount of luggage; otherwise, a very short cab ride.

https://goo.gl/maps/3PpgKTcHyNhtEnND8

19 minutes ago, SarahD112 said:

I’d love feedback on whether the Tower Bridge Experience is worth it. 

From what I recall, having done the "TBE" with a friend and her young son about 15 years ago, this "experience" is more or less geared for children.  Unless you have a particular interest in the design/engineering/mechanics of a neo-gothic Victorian drawbridge, I certainly wouldn't consider it a must-do.  

1 hour ago, SarahD112 said:

And completely randomly...does anyone know if Premier Inn London County Hall will hold suitcases before or after check in/out time? 

According to the page for the PI County Hall on the PI website, yes, they do offer luggage storage.  I believe it's offered by most if not all Premier Inns.  I have taken advantage of this service at another Premier Inn on at least one occasion.  (That particular PI had a fairly large storeroom just off the lobby; I suspect it will be much the same setup at County Hall.)

Fortunately, I've never had the "pleasure" of sleeping in a Yotel😵/ pod😱 / whatchamacallem🤔 . . .

Nor have I yet experienced a Premier Inn hub.  However, a quick search on YouTube for "premier inn hub london" brings up quite a few video reviews of PI hub rooms:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=premier+inn+hub+london

Thankfully for the OP, hub rooms are distinctly larger than the aforementioned Yotel / pod / whatchamacallem accommodations, with the added advantage of decent en-suite facilities, basic amenities (e.g., a bottle opener attached to the wall--though I'd rather do my drinking in the pub than the hub), and ample headroom for those who are prone to bump their noggins on the ceiling beams🤕 when wandering through Tudor-period establishments.

Just think of the hub room as a miniature high-tech version of a ship's cabin.😄

6 hours ago, John Bull said:

 

The hotel’s restaurant review is errrrr.... interesting.

 

 "£26 for a dreary plate of fried dough and cauliflower."

I can get that around here for less than half the price! 😁

As John Bull and just_don't have mentioned, quite a bit of "weather"🌧️ happens in the Lake District--as I can attest from much personal experience!  It's a beautiful region, but the amount of sunshine--or lack thereof--can have a profound effect on how you perceive it.

However, I think my main concern with this tour would be that you will spend at least half of the 8+ hour tour just travelling there and back.  Sitting in a coach on the M6 motorway for four hours isn't my idea of a good time, and I don't know if the remaining four hours or so that you will actually have in the Lake District itself is worth the trip.  Your time "on the ground" might seem awfully rushed.  (My own forays into the Lake District have usually lasted at least three or four days, if not more--a time-span that allows for more leisurely exploration... and, usually, for the rain to abate and the clouds to clear somewhat.) 

Although Lake Windermere itself is quite lovely, of course, the town of Windermere is rather touristy and isn't the most  attractive of Lake District towns.  Bowness is rather attractive, but seems to me (based on one short visit) like a bit of a tourist trap rather than a "real" town. In the summer, both towns tend to get overrun with visitors.

Sorry to sound so negative, but I do think it's best to be armed with realistic expectations.

Now, if you were going to the northern lakes (say, around Derwentwater or over to Buttermere), I would have a more positive response...

Answering your question purely in terms of location... 

The Great Scotland Yard Hotel is more central, relatively speaking.  Just around the corner from Trafalgar Square (Nelson's Column, the National Gallery, St Martin in the Fields, etc), and within walking distance of a number of other major tourist sights (e.g. Buckingham Palace, Churchill War Rooms, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Thames) as well as many West End theatres. Also, a short taxi ride from Waterloo Station.

That said, The Hyatt Regency - Churchill is not off in the boondocks by any means. It's about two and a half miles from the GSY Hotel--in Marylebone, an attractive, upscale area of London. The streets thereabouts feel more spacious, less crowded and hectic (at least until you venture onto Oxford Street). But you can easily travel (by bus or underground) to the sights/attractions mentioned in the previous paragraph.

I don't have any experience of these two hotels themselves (other than familiarity with their locations) so can't compare them in terms of amenties, service, and the like, except to say that the Churchill looks quite massive from the outside.

Hope that helps.

 (I see that princeton123211 posted pretty much the same information while I was typing.)

3 hours ago, markeb said:

 

Strangely enough, some of the Fullers Pubs also have rooms and are worth checking out. (I'd have to find it again, but a poster a couple of weeks ago asked about a location in Westminster that really looked surprisingly nice. 34 rooms with a pub...) But please look closely at a map (or Google Maps) and get a feel for the lay of the land and then look at hotels.

Off the top of my head, I'm pretty sure that was the Sanctuary House Hotel, literally next door to the PI Westminster Abbey hub on Tothill St.  It (Sanctuary House, that is) is frequently mentioned on CC, and gets generally very good reviews on Tripadvisor (apart from occasional complaints about noise from the pub at night).

I must make it a point to pop in for a drink next time I'm visiting my friends around the corner at H.M. Treasury!😉

54 minutes ago, chismrules said:

So I am looking at somewhere reasonable. We only have the day we fly in and the next to cram everything in. So what does anyone think about the Hub by Premier Inn London Westminster Abbey or Victoria. And would it be walkable to the Victoria station if staying at the Westminster to head to Southampton. It would be me and my husband. They seem to have good reviews and a cheap breakfast. Or should I stay at reg. Premier Inn Victoria or somewhere similar. 

See my previous comment, above.

Be aware that the Premier Inn "Hub" hotels feature minimalist high-tech pod-style rooms. They might or might not be suitable for you, depending on your needs/expectations and the amount of luggage you have.  I have not stayed at a Hub and probably would not be likely to do so in the future unless it were only for a night or two.  (It might be tolerable for me on my own, but I know that SWMBO would not be keen to share the experience.)  The hub hotels also have what PI calls "Bigger Rooms"--bigger than the pod-like standard hub rooms, that is, but not the size of regular Premier Inn rooms.  There are some reviews of Hub rooms on YouTube--take a look to see what they're like and if they might be right for you. 

The PI Victoria is right around the corner from Victoria Station.  The Westminster Abbey Hub and also the Westminster St James Park Hub (very close to one another) are both a little over a half mile from Victoria Station.

Both the PI Waterloo and PI County Hall hotels are virtually next door to Waterloo Station, from whence the faster trains to Southampton depart.