Transport from LHR to London Hotel
Dec 21, 2010, 12:30 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: AA PLT, SPG GLD, Marriott GLD, Amex PLT, Hertz GLD, National EX
Posts: 332
Transport from LHR to London Hotel
Hoping some experienced FTers can help me out.
My SO and I like to start our vacation by hiring car service from the airport to our hotel. That way we have someone waiting for us and don't have to deal with hailing a cab.
Can anyone recommend a good car/chauffeur service? I e-mailed our hotel concierge and they quoted chauffer service at 85 pounds + 5%. I'm sured that's a marked up price, but I also don't want to go with a company I found by searching google. Would really appreciate the name of a company someone on FT has used before.
Thank you in advance!
My SO and I like to start our vacation by hiring car service from the airport to our hotel. That way we have someone waiting for us and don't have to deal with hailing a cab.
Can anyone recommend a good car/chauffeur service? I e-mailed our hotel concierge and they quoted chauffer service at 85 pounds + 5%. I'm sured that's a marked up price, but I also don't want to go with a company I found by searching google. Would really appreciate the name of a company someone on FT has used before.
Thank you in advance!
Dec 21, 2010, 12:56 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Mostly UK
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There's always www.addisonlee.com - they're not the cheapest but they're reliable and are able to take payment by card as well as cash (slightly cheaper to pay cash and the driver gets a bigger cut).
There's no need to tip minicab drivers in the UK, although if you're happy with the service they'll appreciate a small tip.
Also if you're happy to let us know where the hotel is, people will be able to advise journey times and perhaps other local firms that offer better value.
A note on UK terminology in case you're not familiar: a minicab is a pre-booked car service. Price will be agreed in advance.
There's no need to tip minicab drivers in the UK, although if you're happy with the service they'll appreciate a small tip.
Also if you're happy to let us know where the hotel is, people will be able to advise journey times and perhaps other local firms that offer better value.
A note on UK terminology in case you're not familiar: a minicab is a pre-booked car service. Price will be agreed in advance.
Dec 21, 2010, 1:14 pm
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YVR but often E1
Programs: BA Silver, FI, AC
Posts: 1,243
I've had consistently good results with this service and use this as an alternate.
As with other car services paying cash won't incur a service charge; I usually give the driver a pound or two extra depending on the fare.
As with other car services paying cash won't incur a service charge; I usually give the driver a pound or two extra depending on the fare.
Dec 21, 2010, 1:14 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
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I detest Addison Lee with a vengeance. Too many reasons to type in here, YMMV.
I use a company whose name I forget but the driver is usually Ilyas and his number is 0793 1438432.
I use a company whose name I forget but the driver is usually Ilyas and his number is 0793 1438432.
Dec 21, 2010, 1:28 pm
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: AA PLT, SPG GLD, Marriott GLD, Amex PLT, Hertz GLD, National EX
Posts: 332
Thanks for the replies so far. I'm staying at Le Meirdien Piccadilly.
Another question - my flight back home departs LHR at 8:30 a.m. How early do you suggest I arrive at the aiport? What time do you think I should schedule the return car?
Thanks again!
Another question - my flight back home departs LHR at 8:30 a.m. How early do you suggest I arrive at the aiport? What time do you think I should schedule the return car?
Thanks again!
Dec 21, 2010, 4:19 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: YVR but often E1
Programs: BA Silver, FI, AC
Posts: 1,243
You should probably plan to arrive at LHR (for the return flight) at about 0615 - 0630. If you're travelling on a weekday allow about 50 - 60 minutes for the drive to LHR, if at the weekend 45 - 50 minutes.
Dec 22, 2010, 1:07 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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Location: where lions are led by donkeys...
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Unfortunately you will have to speak to a Black Cab driver who often confuse "the knowledge" with knowledge. And ridiculous prices. And lord help you if they don't think that your hotel is far enough for the "I had to queue four hours" conversation, and then of course the tip even though they generally cannot be bothered to get of their backsides to help with luggage.