By the time you leave for this London trip in late May, much of the hype from Prince William's royal wedding will likely have eased up. To simplify your trip planning, Go-Today.com (tel. 800/227-3235; www.go-today.com) bundles together round-trip flights, six nights' hotel, and a ticket to the Chelsea Flower Show -- all for a starting price of $999.
The Chelsea Flower Show, also called the Great Spring Show, features new plants and flowers, exhibitions, expert gardeners from the Royal Horticulture Society, and ideas and items for your own garden. For more inspiration, take a walk through London's finely manicured parks. With this package, you'll spend six nights at the Queens Park Hotel, near Hyde Park. The hotel, which was built at the turn of the century, is designed for the budget traveler looking to just sleep and shower at a hotel. That said, the hotel was recently refurbished. If you're looking for something more comfortable, upgrades are possible to other properties, such as the K West Hotel and Spa (add $250 per person). This hotel -- a modern building with a restaurant, a spa, and a lounge -- is close to two Tube stops and Notting Hill.
A quick Kayak search revealed that round-trip flights departing on Sunday, May 22 from Newark-EWR to London Heathrow start at $790; flights departing on Monday, May 23, taking the same route, start at $971. Plus, the all-day admission price for Saturday at the Chelsea Flower Show is £47 per adult (about $75). Factor in the six nights' hotel, and you'll start to rack up great value. Consider it an early Memorial Day getaway.
UPDATE: Since this article was published on Feb. 28, Go-Today.com has increased the price by $50 due to fuel price increases. The article has been updated to reflect the most recent prices.
Trip Type: Air-inclusive; independent
What the Quoted Price Gets You: Round-trip airfare from New York to London; six nights at the Queens Park Hotel; continental breakfast daily; hotel taxes and service charges; and one-day admission to Chelsea Flower Show (May 28)
What Else You'll Have to Pay: Government taxes and fees from about $204.
Book By: As soon as possible to ensure availability
When: May 23-26 (from $1,049); May 22 (from $1,099)
Other Details: Hotel upgrades are possible, including the Bayswater Inn (add $50 per person), K West Hotel and Spa (add $250 per person), or Swissotel London Howard Hotel (add $550 per person).
Other Gateways:
Boston (add $100), Los Angeles (add $148), Miami (add $150), Chicago (add $185), Atlanta (add $349)Talk with fellow Frommer's travelers on our Great Britain Travel Forum.
