Keeping London holiday costs down
From the infamous Arthur Frommer (who has a blog!), a reader of his sends some valuable tips to save money when traveling in London.
In London we stayed in LSE [London School of Economics] university housing that was available during the spring break. We paid about £34 per person per night, and this also included a full breakfast and access to laundry facilities. We were in Bloomsbury, close to three tube stops, and the bus stop was a block from the hotel. We ate semi-fast food for lunch, often Pret a Manger or something from a Tesco [Supermarket]. Sometimes we had a picnic in the park.
We had lovely dinners at little Italian restaurants or pubs. Before the trip I had done lots of research and found discounts available to those who used the trains or had a tube pass. We had several two-for-one entrance coupons to major tourist destinations, such as the Churchill War Rooms and the Globe Theatre tour. We bought theatre tickets at the Half-Price booth. The exchange rate was not pretty, but we managed to buy souvenirs and a suitcase full of books.
I will echo everything written here. Many universities hire their dormitories (residence halls) out when classes are not in session; they can be a great deal! Local sandwich shops will always be better than a McDonalds or similar, and are at similar or cheaper prices. (If you find a local neighborhood non-chain sandwich shop you’ll almost certainly eat very well!)
And if you get an Oyster card and Travelcard for getting around London while you’re here, the 2-for-1 discounts can be great! I don’t often take advantage of them all because I’ve already seen most of the sights, but for short-term visitors it can really cut costs down.
Details on LSE accommodation can be found by clicking here.
Details on King’s College London accommodation can be found by clicking here.
You have to contact the specific Hall directly at the University of London.
Details on Oyster Card special offers can be found here.
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POSTED IN: Lodging, Miscellaneous, Resources, Travel Tips - General Information
3 opinions for Keeping London holiday costs down
London Lettings
Nov 19, 2007 at 6:21 pm
University College London has the same set up and the Indian YMCA is also good value with excellent Indian Food
West End Estate Agent
Feb 21, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Try searching for The Generator in London for budget hostel accommodation in the West End
Corporate Relocation
Feb 27, 2008 at 8:52 am
London short term lettings for a day, a week, a month or a year, our London corporate serviced lettings are cost effective, being an average of 15-30% cheaper than hotel rooms of an equivalent quality
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