In & Around the City -- There are precious few hotels within the confines of the City (the financial district). If you plan to do a lot of business or sightseeing in the City and you're not very interested in shopping, theater, and nightlife, then the location might be perfect for you.
Near the Airport -- The reason for staying at one of the hotels below is obvious: you either want to catch an early plane or are arriving too late to search for a hotel in central London. Unless you like plane-spotting, there isn't much reason to hang out. The hotels below provide transportation to and from the airport.
Rate Regulations -- All hotels, motels, inns, and guesthouses in Britain with four bedrooms or more (including self-catering accommodations) must display notices listing minimum and maximum overnight charges in a prominent place in the reception area or at the entrance. The prices must include any service charge and may include VAT. If VAT isn't included, then it must be shown separately. And if meals are included, this must be stated.
Upstairs, Downstairs -- Elevators are called "lifts." Some of them are just as Victorian as the edifices in which they operate. They are, however, regularly inspected and completely safe. Many hotels (and especially B&Bs) lack even these rudimentary elevators, making them inaccessible for individuals with disabilities. If you have mobility issues, call ahead and make sure there isn't a steep, narrow staircase between the lobby and your guest room.
Hot & Cold -- Hotel rooms in London aren't kept as warm as in other parts of the world. Bring a sweater if you find yourself chilly at a lower-than-usual room temperature. In summer, rooms without air-conditioning can get quite hot. Don't assume your hotel, even at the luxury level, has central air; many have only partial air-conditioning or none at all. Call ahead and ask if this is a concern for you.
How to Avoid Getting "Knocked Up" -- If you don't want a rude awakening, remember to hang the DO NOT DISTURB sign on your doorknob (or bolt the door, if that's an option). English hotel service personnel have a disconcerting habit of bursting in simultaneously with their knock.
Cheap Lodging for Students -- The International Students House, 229 Great Portland St., W1W 5PN (tel. 020/7631-8310; www.ish.org.uk), offers blandly furnished, institutional rooms, but it's hard to beat the price: £26 ($49) per person for a double, and £19 ($36) per person in a four-person mixed room. A £10 ($19) key deposit is charged but refunded at the end of your stay. Facilities include laundry machines, a bar, an Internet cafe, a fitness center, and sunbeds. Reserve way in advance because these rooms go very quickly.
