Baobab--the tube was indeed the easiest way to get around London, but was not really feasible with four of us and LOTS of luggage. MayFair was fantastic, especially as Six Continents club members.

Just got back from London, Brussels, Paris, and Antwerp. (only stayed 27.5 hours) It was pouring out, and were tired when we arrived back in London:

We had gone

MSN - ORD U*
ORD - LHR UA 929
LHR - BRUSSELS BD

In Brussels our friends picked us up, went o Gent, had lunch, and then went to pick up the new BMW M5 (A WONDERFUL CAR!!!)

Drove the car from ANTWERP - PARIS
Dinner in Paris (Taillvent) A WONDERFUL resteraunt. 3*** Michelin guide.

Then flew CDG - LHR that night. BD
Took taxi from LHR - MAYFAIR INTERCONTINENTAL (35 pounds plus 5 pound tip)

Next morning:

Took HEATHROW EXPRESS 17 dollars a person?? Who are they kidding? For the inconvenience -- we too only had hand luggage -- I'd take a taxi.
LHR - ORD UA 929
ORD - MSN UA EXPRES 5559

UA great service -- got upgraded to F class from C class because of the crowded flight. Some luck 1K's got an upgrade to C class on a V class ticket. They were an old couple.

Well, That is my two cents worth on LHR Express.

Phil

I agree, if there are three or more people and you can fit into one cab, that's the way to go - except at rush hour when the train still goes full speed! For one person, the train is much less expensive, somewhat less convenient, and probably a bit faster. It also depends somewhat on where you're going in London, relative to Paddington, the tube, and the train-coordinated buses.

A warning on cabs, by the way - if you're going to someplace near Heathrow, vs. into London, a London metered cab can be VERY expensive because it's off the meter. DO NOT set foot in one until you have agreed on a price to your destination. I paid £40 to Egham last month - an expensive lesson, but I had no other way to get there quickly.

Less expensive, if you have the time, is a shuttle to any nearby hotel and a local taxi from there. I have not done this myself, but it was recommended by someone who should know. Can anyone comment?

Yes the shuttles are a great deal for less than 15 pounds you get there as fast as a cab. YOu need to place a reservation at least a day in advance.

Phil

beware at LHR, though, because of the "Heathrow Hoppa" which charges GBP3 (as I recall) to get to the nearby hotels)

as a Sic Continents Club member you can get Limousine transfer from/to InterConti hotels (but I prefer the tube) from/to LHR for £43

Churchill InterConti
Hotel InterConti London
May Fair InterConti
Forum Hotel London

Well, I'm supposed to go to LONDON 2-11 to 2-15 to visit the local cable operations out there. And I'm taking time just to have some fun.

So I'm going to give the Heathrow express a try.

Book at the Hilton London Kensington (actually this is where my company put me) and if my map reading skills are correct the hotel's near (not too near) Paddington Station (where the express goes I believe.)

So the money I'll save on a cab from the airport I'll put to the hotel bill.

Any views, advice? As always, appreciated!
CATMAN

[This message has been edited by Catman (edited 01-24-99).]

Catman, be sure to check around the United counter, RCC, or Arrival by United lounge for free First Class upgrade certs on the Heathrow Express. They had them there when we were there last week. For the short 15 minute trip I certainly wouldn't pay for First, but it is nice and if you can get it for free...what the heck.

PremEx... thanks for the great tip. I am known at the local JERZEE supermarkets as "THE KING OF COUPONS!" If I can get one of these upgrades, it's worth it. Just hope I can find it when I get off the plane!

I've planned to take the Heathrow Express anyway but this could make the trip even better! THanks! CATMAN

Catman: Register at the Heathrow Express web-site

www.heathrowexpress.co.uk

and they will send you an First Class upgrade certificate. The site says the offer expires in August 1998, but I understand they are still issuing the certificates.

You can also buy tickets on-line.
Nick

Thank you too Merry Flyer! I will give the site a shot and have a report for you all little later.

That's what I really like about FlyerTalk. We are all willing to help each other. Unless some places I have to deal with! (I'm not saying names, I just feel in a very CATTY
mood today!) CATMAN

Well, I went to www.heathrowexpress.co.uk
and I kept getting this message "You need to download this special plug-in" to go on this site, followed by another message "JAVA Alert : downloading this plug-in is HIGH RISK."

So I passed.

Thanks anyway for the info Merry. I guess I can buy tixs when I get to Heathrow.

My traveling companions insist on taking the cab. Fine. They'll be in traffic when I'm back at the hotel, checked in and ready to go to the first meeting. CATMAN

Thanks for the tip, Merry. I went to the website and filled out the form for a free upgrade. Just in time for my UK trip between 2/11 and 2/15.

Catman,

If you are going to the Kensington Hilton, you are best to take the Airbus (bus route A1), as this is cheaper than the express, and drops off at the door of the Hilton (first drop). It goes every 30 mins.

Check out www.airbus.co.uk for more details

I don't know about "best" to take the Airbus, it is certainly a cheaper alternative.

If you get the Express and then the 'hotel shuttle' from Paddington it should be quicker.

There is twice the frequenty with the Express and Hotel Shuttle to the Airbus.
MF


[This message has been edited by Merry (edited 01-26-99).]