Tips on Accommodations

Reserve your accommodations as far in advance as possible, even in the so-called slow months from November to April. Travel to London peaks from May to October, and during that period, it's hard to come by a moderate or inexpensive hotel room. Sometimes you can get better rates by calling the hotel directly. Ask for the type of room you want. If you're sensitive to noise, for example, request a room that's quieter, perhaps in the rear so you won't hear traffic noise out front. Remember that in the older hotels and inns, guest rooms tend to be small and each room is different, often with different plumbing. If you need a bathtub, ask for one or else you might end up with a small shower cubicle.

Classifications

Unlike some countries, England has no rigid hotel classification system. The tourist board grades hotels by stars. Hotels are judged on standards, quality, and hospitality, and are rated "approved," "commended," "highly commended," and "deluxe." Five stars (deluxe) is the highest rating. A classification of "listed" refers to accommodations that are, for the most part, very modest.

All establishments from two stars upward are required to have 100% en suite (private bathroom) facilities. In a one-star hotel, buildings are required to have hot and cold running water in all rooms, but in "listed" hotels, hot and cold running water in rooms is not mandatory. Star ratings are posted outside the buildings. However, the system is voluntary, and many hotels do not participate.

All hotels once included in the room price a full English breakfast of bacon and eggs, but today that is true of only some hotels. A continental breakfast is commonly included, usually just tea or coffee and toast.

Bed & Breakfasts -- In London, homeowners take in paying guests. Watch for the familiar bed-and-breakfast (B&B) signs. Generally, these are modest family homes, but sometimes they may be built like small hotels, with as many as 15 rooms. If they're that big, they are more properly classified as guesthouses. B&Bs are the cheapest places you can stay in London and still be comfortable. A good source is www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk.

Reservations for bed-and-breakfast accommodations in London can also be made by writing (not calling) the British Visitor Centre, 1 Regent St., London W1. Once in London, you can also visit their office (Tube: Piccadilly Circus).

Chain Hotels -- Many American chains, such as Best Western, Hilton, and Sheraton, are found throughout London. In addition, Britain has a number of leading chains with which North American travelers are generally not familiar. Travelodge (tel. 0870/191-1600; www.travelodge.co.uk) offers good quality, modern budget accommodations across the U.K. with a family restaurant on-site. Thistle Hotels (tel. 0871/376-9000; www.thistlehotels.com) is a well-regarded chain of moderate to upscale full-service hotels that cater to both business and leisure travelers. An exclusive chain of government-rated three-crown hotels is called Malmaison (tel. 0845/365-4247; www.malmaison.com). There's not a bad hotel in their post. Premier Travel Inn (tel. 0870/242-8000; www.premiertravelinn.com) is a chain of modern, moderately priced accommodations across the U.K., each one featuring a licensed restaurant.

House Swapping -- The market leader in home exchanges is HomeLink International, 2937 NW9 Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 (tel. 800/638-3841 or 954/566-2687; www.homelink.org), which costs $80 to join. This is the oldest, largest, and best home-exchange holiday organization in the world. The series is called "Home from Home," and so it is. The only trouble is, you've got to turn your own home over to a stranger.

A competitor is Intervac U.S. & International, 30 Corte San Fernando, Tiburon, CA 94920 (tel. 800/756-HOME; www.intervacus.com). To hook up with this outfitter, you pay $65 annually. Intervac is also adept at securing a list of home exchanges throughout Great Britain, including London.

Live Like a Local -- More and more visitors are looking for a more in-depth experience in a foreign city than riding around on a tour bus. The site www.like-a-local.com pairs visitors with locals in a host of European cities, including London, to get more of a local take on a destination.

This experience could range from staying with a local family to exploring the city in greater depth, including fun nightlife at the hotspots. Lodging can be arranged in a private home, B&B, or apartment. Dining arrangements can be made to taste the local cuisine at the home of a resident.

A contract is arranged between the traveler and the local. See the website for terms of the contract, including advance payments to arrange the deal. Payment by the traveler to the local takes place on the website prior to the provision of the activity and/or the accommodations.

There's the potential of problems with this arrangement. For example, what if the local and the traveler hate each other on sight? However, on the whole, Frommer's editors who have used this service have had positive experiences with it.

For more information, graphic material, and/or to book an appointment for a like-a-local experience, email the outfitter at contact@like-a-local.com.