kv99:
OK. Unfortunately, you are SOL for the Islington on all those dates and the Metropole is sold out on one of those dates, and is a bit more expensive than the following that is available on all 3 dates, and so I guess you would not want to move, and thus I have not listed the offerings for the Metropole.
The best that I have seen of the Hilton properties is the Kensington, although I have not stayed there. I suggest you do a search of the Hilton board for each of these you are interested in, as well as the archives, but I can say that I think that most have said that they found the Kensington superior to the other cheapos in the hilton chain. Docklands is way too far out, so although it may be cheaper under some of these rates, you would not want it.
My suggestions:
I always travel with my spouse who is female so I only book a room for 1 not 2 and get a break in the cost. I do not know if you and your friend are a same sex couple or not -- or can pass for one -- but if you were to try to do so, they may look askance if you wanted 2 beds, so my advice is pony up the extra $ and book for 2, unless you want to be adventurous/contentious.
Also, do you have Gold status with Hilton? IF not, go to the Hilton board and do a search of Gold and you will see that there still seems to be some instant Gold offerings via an AA lines code, or if you have a very high status in Hyatt, hilton may comp you Gold or Diamond based on same.
Why, you may ask? Well, although Hilton has just revised the possible benefits of Gold and Diamond downwards, see Hilton board, you may get Executive Level == Concierge Level accommodations with such status if you ask for an upgrade. Also, the Kensington, does have an Executive level lounge that I beleive is open on weekends, that serves free booze, and hors doevores. If also serves free breakfast, but as you will see, the rate below includes comp buffet breakfast for 2 and that MAY be superior to what is on offer in the Lounge (However, at the Metropole lounge when I was there, it was all sorts of smoked fish and LOX for free at breakfast!) In any event, if you get upgraded and get access you can pick and choose.
The rate.
88.00 GBP
Currency Converter HILTON LEISURE BB (HB) DOUBLE HILTON GUESTROOM
CONTEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
- RATE INCL BED AND BUFFET BREAKFAST AND TAX
The above is significant as the VAT tax in the UK is a whopping 17.5%, so some of the cheaper rates that you see on the Hilton site, and or other rate quotes may not include this, and thus you have to increase those rates by approx 20%!!
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Complete Rate Description
Rate Change
There is no rate change
11/15/2002 - 11/18/02 88.00 GBP /night
Room Description
- DOUBLE HILTON GUESTROOM
CONTEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION
AIR-CONDITIONING, SATELLITE TV, MODEM
Rate Description
HILTON LEISURE BB (HB) - HILTON LEISURE BB RATE INCL BED AND BUFFET BREAKFAST AND TAX LAST CANCELLATION IS 48HRS BEFORE ARRIVAL
Family Plan Description
Children under 5 sharing with 2 adults - COMPLETELY FREE
Children 5-15 sharing with 2 adults - Free Accommodation
Meals charged at hotel as taken
Child 0-15 in OWN ROOM are charged -
50pct off Room Rate - If adult rate is Room Only
50pct off Hilton Leisure Rate - If adult rate include meals
Tax and Cancellation policy
The Rate quoted here includes applicable tax and/or service charge. There is a Credit Card required for this reservation. If you wish to cancel, please do so 2 days prior to arrival to avoid cancellation penalties.
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As noted above, the Rate code is HB.
This also permits cancelation w/o losing a deposit if your plans change prior to 48 hrs.
I would call the 1-800-HHonors number and book this because you want to specify that you would probably want TWO (2) Double beds in the room. I would think that this is what the room consists of, but you have no way of doing so via the website. The agent can confirm 2 beds if that is what the room has. Also, make your smoking preference known, as well as whether you want an upgrade IF you have HHonors status.
If you don't have it yet, make the reservation, get the status and then amend the reservation. I would ask for an e-mail confirm for the reservation.
Bear in mind, that with the ENT rate at any hotel, that price will probably NOT include VAT Tax, so you will have to up the price by approx. 20%. This also goes for other offers via Londontown, or last minute, etc.
IF it does not say VAT or Taxes included, it probaly does not, and you will be paying much more than you think!
Any other question, just ask!
[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 11-06-2002).]
I also seem to recall someone saying that the Kensington was just rennovated, and I read that there is a bus that goes straigth from LHR to the hotel, but I have no idea of its cost (it probably is much more expensive than the tube from LHR but may not be more than the LHR expres to Paddington. Remember, however, it is only as good as the time you land/leave, as you MAY get caught in traffic jams, but it should be convenient.
Also, you should know, that almost all regualar museum admissions are a thing of the past in London, so it is now even cheaper to get culture there!
Finally, do not miss the REAL 1/2 pric tix booth for same day plays. It also accepts VISA MC but no longer AMEX.
When I was last there for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations in June, I saw Boy George's new musical which was great, and he starred in the performance that I saw!
Any other Q's ask away!
[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 11-06-2002).]