Priceline Hotel: London Hotels for New Years

[Ondrej]

Hi,

I want to stay in London from 31/12 to 3/1, so for 4 nights over the New Year. I don't really care what hotel as long as it's central and cheap. I don't mind going 2* if it's under $50 or splurge around $80 for a 4*. I have no idea which of the central districts are around this price range or if these prices are even realistic in this time frame.

Any hints, tips and bidding recommendations very welcome.

Thank you very much.

BTW: I consider central London: Islington, Bloomsbury, Mayfair, Westminster, London Bridge and the inner edges of Regents Park, Notinghill, Kensigton areas.

Ondrej

[WillTravel]

Keep in mind that you can't choose the "inner edges" only with PRICELINE or HOTWIRE, so if the whole zone is not acceptable, you shouldn't bid it.

Which zones by name are you okay with?

Is this for one or two people?

Keep in mind that a 2* hotel in London can be quite bad (or not - you could get a Holiday Inn Express - but you are taking a risk with that, IMO).

[Ondrej]

Thanks for responding.

It is for 2 people and from the PRICELINE website these areas would be best Islington, Bloomsbury, Mayfair, Westminster, London Bridge but if there is a hotel that is really worth while for a good price in the Regents Park, Notinghill or Kensigton areas then I would consider it.

[WillTravel]

If you really want to low-ball, I would start with $50 for a 2*, doing a separate bid (closing the browser between bids) for each of the zones that are acceptable, in the order of preference. (Use the Priceline box at the upper right.)

If you get a counteroffer, or if not, report back. I wouldn't be terribly hopeful, but you could always start with this.

I see that at this moment, Hotwire has a $114 4* in "The City - Financial District".

[Rhine-and-Roses]

Not sure I'd go for a 2* in London! If you do, be prepared for just about anything- from a decent place (HIExpress was mentioned) to a basement room in a back alley somewhere.

We have been very successful with very well priced London hotels btwn Christmas and NY Eve, including NY Eve. We have stayed twice for $75 and $80 in South Kensington, both times in nice hotels. One has now been bought by NH Hotels and I never see wins from them. The other was Millenium Gloucester, and despite some so-so reviews in Trip Advisor, we were very pleased with our stay and the service.

I'd go for the lowest prices right now. You can always increase them in a day or two. I see quite a few "deals" on hotel web sites at the moment- leads me to believe hotels are not terribly full.