Pub of the Week: Black Friars

Hotel 0 Rama - Something Old, Something New

While doing some research I stumbled across a new hotel previously off the list. This week's contest will pit the Mad Hatter against the Hart House.

The Mad Hatter is a Fuller's Hotel, so it is similar to the Sanctuary in that it has a pub downstairs, but it has the benefit of being much cheaper approx $150 a night versus $250.

The Hart House we've seen before, it was the only contest we had that ended in a tie. To be honest, I had to think about why the hotel was on the list - but it seems to represent good value for your money. Nicer than it's peer group for the rate and in a decent neighborhood. It also received good reviews - its about $200 a night.

My guess is the rooms at Hart House will likely be a bit quieter, and better appointed, nicer sheets, blankets etc, just an all around nicer room while the Mad Hatter will probably be a little noisier, linens a little scratchier, maybe rooms run down a bit - but not a dump by any means. Most of the reviews are in the "Hey nice little hotel, I got a great rate, and the hotel was good enough" arena. Although it does have its ardent fans and a couple haters as all hotels seem to have over there.

It's Friday so....

God Save the Queen!

Dublin Hotel

Since it's one night, I tried to simply pick a hotel. This one is on Stephen's Green, in close walking distance to everything we want to see and looks adequate. In addition, i was able to get a rate of 119 Euros or $163 USD. I am determining if this includes VAT. Each room would be a Queen Room. Check it out and let me know if this is acceptable.

The Ocallaghan Hotel

Skype Update

Just and FYI - downloaded the app, loaded $10 worth of money and called three hotels today at lunch to validate rates and availability. Total Cost $0.31. Sound Quality - Good. Ease of use - once I remembered how to dial internationally, no problem.

More British Music!!!

Hotel BeaT Down: Bringing the Pain!!!

This week we're getting serious. We are down to just 3 hotels after this match up. (The third hotel will face off against the tie from earlier in the contest) We pit the appropriately named Sanctuary, conveniently located above a pub against the nicest looking hotel I think we have featured. The London Bridge Hotel is a well appointed hotel with several amenities and services, (You can even choose your pillow) very reasonable rates and it ranks very very high on Trip Advisor.

I just called the Sanctuary and their rate with VAT is 170 L's. The London Bridge is considerably more at 238L's a night. There may be specials announced prior to booking.

It's On!!!!

Image of the Week

Now that we are officially booked, I think it is appropriate that we see our first pub. This was one close to our old hotel, one of approx 10 within easy walking distance. Cheers, Bitches!

British Music Week 4 - Lily Allen Getting a Chinese...

Digging for Savings

Couple things as we get closer to booking flights. Anna this post is for you because I am working hard, shoveling...getting down on my hands and knees to save money.

1) When we book the flights, which may be sooner that later. We may want to book under my name, because of my frequent travel I can get us better seating and we can check our bags for free. That means a savings of $25 a person each leg, or a total of $200 for the entire trip.

2) Since we are flying international, we will probably be in the airport for a while prior to flight(2 hrs). Through my company card, we can access the Crown Room which is a private waiting area with couches, chairs snacks, free wifi and most importantly free drinks. I'm not sure how much that will save us, but in an airport bar we could probably easily rack up a $100 bill without trying.

So BOOM! I just found at least $300 more dollars for us to drunkenly spend on curries and pints!

Note: I also just realized that I can get us free parking for the trip if we ride to airport together. Thats an additional savings of approx $65 a car.

Hotel Grudge Match: Belgravia Beat Down Edition

Last weeks winner was the Sumner by an unanimous decision.

This week we feature a match up between two hotels in the same neighborhood. Both are small hotels, one 26 rooms one only 11 and both are in the mid range side of pricing.

Contestant One: The Lord Milner

Contestant Two: The Diplomat

I want a good clean fight, no hitting below the belt. Marquis of Queensbury Rules will be enforced at all times.

Let's get it on!!!!

Another Call Home Option

Not to endlessly geek out over phones, but here is another option I discovered while looking at Skype. Not sure which one best suits our needs yet.

http://www.truphone.com/en-US/Products/Tru-App/

I did a quick check base rate, with a pay as you go plan is 2.1 cents a minute for Tru and 2.3 cents a minute with Skype. Skype has more bells and whistles, video chat etc.

Picture of the Week: The Purple Door

Saw this great door on a 18th century Georgian townhouse on a walk last trip. This and hidden little things like it, while not a Top 10 Tourist attraction, were always some of the best things about long wandering walks through the city. That and the fact there's always a pub somewhere near....

British Music Week 3

Calling Home...

As Jill can attest, I have become quite addicted to my Iphone. I have also noticed there are a number of apps made for the London Tourist. Self Guided Tours, Maps etc. But I was worried about data charges etc. Then I heard there is app called Skype that you can use to make phone calls over the wireless network. I need a phone for work and to keep track of the kids. It also so looks like there are versions for other phones too.

Its more convenient than renting a special phone, and at $13.99 a month or 2.3 cents a minute sounds cheaper than buying phone cards.

Check it out here.

Look Kids...Big Ben!!

Week 2 Hotel Death Match

The first property is the Sumner. Well appointed, centrally located. Very highly ranked in Trip Advisor.

vs.

The Rubens. The Rubens is very close to Buckingham Palace - one of it's main draws is the very classic "British" Victorian look.

Since last week was a tie, both properties advance.

Blood Red Shoes - "Light It Up"

Ways To Save...

Here's a link to money saving ideas..

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/09/travel/09pracsave.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=general

The Skinny on Refunds......

As usual the airlines are one step ahead of us. Should the fare drop, we can request that they rebook us at the lower price. However in order to do that they charge a "re-booking" fee. For Delta flights going to Europe that fee is $250 for United, its somewhere between $150 and $250 - probably higher for more popular destinations. That means in order for the rebook to be more than a push, tickets need to drop below $750.

Yapta will track the price and alert us if this happens, but it looks like the game is rigged.

I checked and my Medallion Status does not protect me from these fees.