Traveling to the match vs Cardiff City.. trying to stay as cheap as possible so was thinking about staying at a Heathrow Holiday Inn. The only reason I'll be in London is for the match and it will only be two days. My only question is.. will there be subway transportation still running back to Heathrow after the match? What time does it shut down? From the looks of it.. I'm guessing I would take the Piccadilly to Oakwood then walk to the stadium. Thanks for any help.. its highly appreciated.
Isn't the match at 3:00? Yes, the tube will still be running, unless there's a strike. Depending on your pre-match plans, you could get off the tube at Holloway Road, Arsenal, or Finsbury Park. Oakwood is nowhere near the stadium. You cannot get on the tube at Holloway Road after the match, and I believe some of the trains do not stop there before the match, either. Regarding hotels, I'd not want to be stuck at an airport hotel. I'd be surprised if you couldn't find something in the city center cheaper than an airport hotel, even if it's a hostel. If your trip includes the night of December 31, think about whether or not you want to be in a hostel on that night.
Maybe check out the Arsenal Tavern Hostel. The location is obviously ideal and it can't be that much worse than an airport holiday inn. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arsenal-Tavern/155519177795456
Have you considered airbnb? You can find a room somewhere quite a bit closer for a very decent price. There really isn't the need to stay all the way out at the airport as many of the people renting out rooms do so professionally (i.e. like a hotel). I rented a 2-br apartment in Maida Vale for two weeks for the games this year. Was cheaper than my normal standard room I get in my hotel (I stay at a nice hotel). But I have a washer/dryer, kitchen and whatnot. Much easier option.
Awesome.. thanks for the help guys. I'll take a look at them. Also.. if I have a small backpack with me will they let me take it in the Emirates with me?
I ended up staying at the Strand Palace Hotel. Yes they allowed my backpack.. didn't even check it which kind of shocked me. Experience was amazing and headed back for the fa cup match vs spurs.
Should stay that after the match.. there was zero chance of catching the tube at Arsenal so I took a buss to Finsbury Park and got on very easily.
I think i've stayed at the Strand Palace before, tiny single room but good location. Never try to get on the tube after the match, go to the Tavern and have a couple of beers first.
yeah the room is tiny but perfect for me.. location is amazing, free internet, bed's are comfortable. Quick question.. im going to the spurs match now. Best pub for prematch post match? Pug I went to was pretty lame.. lots of older people. BUT they did have Sam Adams Boston Lager.. thats one way to work yourself into the heart of a new englander.
Bump. Either of you guys who stayed at Strand Palace care to recall if you'd recommend it? I'm trying to bring my family (parents + 2 teens) to London for 4 nights in August around the opening round of the EPL. I used to live in London back in the day, but haven't been there in 7+ yrs. Last time I stayed in the very cheap but not terrible Phoenix Hotel in Bayswater, right near all the restaurants on Queensway. Trying to keep it under $200 per room. Saw another place Hilton Green Park that looked intriguing. Also thinking of doing an AirBnB apartment in a neighborhood like Maida Vale. Any and all comments welcome.
I've stayed there years ago, but don't remember it too well. I had a single room, so it was small and a little dated, but it was clean and comfortable, and the Hotel is in a great location.
Have you stayed anywhere in more recent years that you liked enough to recommend? Or perhaps your budget is a little higher than mine?
Yeah, i go for more expensive places. I usually stay at the Andaz Hotel (formerly the Great Eastern) in Liverpool Street Station, as they usually have good rates on the weekend. Another hotel i really liked was the May Fair near Green Park. If your looking to save money, you might want to try Hotwire, i've stayed at some really nice hotels for half the usual rate. A lot of people recommend Club Quarters hotels too. There are a bunch in London.
I stayed here in London on AirBnb: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/382627 Now, the kiddos would need to share the pull out couch, that would be the only downside. It's probably better just for a couple. But, location wise, right on Angel High Street and a walkable distance to the Emirates, it's fantastic, and Aaron, who hosts it, is wonderful. $148 a night.
Thanks Homeat. Aaron's place looks nice but it's a little small for 4 of us and I think we want to be a tad more central. I saw places on AirBnB which weren't much more money, had a 2nd bedroom, in Maida Vale. But if Aaron's a Gooner then maybe I'd reconsider. Switching the subject to planes, do either of you know any way to save big money on airfare but still have a solid advanced reservation? I'm starting with Expedia since I used them 7 yrs ago, but I'm far from a veteran in these type of things. We're planning to fly NY->Shannon, spend 5-6 nights in Ireland, then get to England somehow (TBD), spend 4 nights in London and then fly home London->NY.
I like using Kayak to check flights, then i just book them directly through the airline's own site. You might want to book round trip to Dublin, then round trip to London from Dublin on RyanAir. Flying to Dublin is cheaper than flying into London and Ryanair is cheap if you book far in advance. Another suggestion is calling your local travel agent, and throw them a little business.
Over the last few years, I've stayed at these two places several times... ...prefer Arosfa, but both great for price & location. http://www.arosfalondon.com http://www.crescenthoteloflondon.com
Thanks Maui. The Arosfa looks to be pretty booked up. The Crescent's website doesn't say but I may check it out. Being right near the Picadilly line I can see why you would choose that one. Thanks everyone for your tips. I'll probably be back to you. Hope I can finally pull this trip off this summer!