I think I may have stayed in that hotel.

Your best bets for cheap eats are pubs. The grub is usually decent, reasonably priced, and filling.

What fun! Can't wait to see pictures.

I have a very small digital camera with the same type of view finder. My camera actually fits in an Altoids Tin.

I've taken some really great pictures with it. To keep steady, I hold the camera with both hands, straight out to where it's easy to see infront of my face...kind of the same position as holding a gun (weird analogy, I'm sorry)

The further away from your face, the better.

soooo jealous, Beth!

London? wow... I would LOVE to see London- even if it was only for a couple of days. Wow....

Make sure you get some "bangers" and have "real" fish and chips- and some chocolate too. I met someone from England who told me she missed those four things the most when it came to food from home.

Have a great time, and be safe!!!!

I'm not sure where The London Dungeon is, but that's a pretty good place to visit. I don't go in to London much, because of the outrageous tourist prices. I'm already overtaxed! But if you've come all that way...

Have fun. Looking forward to the pictures :-)

"The Seashell" in Ladbroke Grove is supposed to be the best place for real Fish and Chips, but might be pricey.

This is a good chain:

http://www.pizzaexpress.com/indexf.htm

If you're looking for 'dungeons' - I think the Tower is where prisoners were held traditionally. I think that is also where the crown jewels are on display.

Beth - you MUST go to Harrod's! My Mom and Dad went to London twice, and Mom just raved about Harrod's - the ultimate store, I guess. Even Dad liked it ... *grin*

As cheesy as it sounds - walk up and down the River. Catch a ride on the London Eye, if you get a chance. The pictures I got from that thing are incredible. The weather when I went last May was amazing, the people were incredibly nice, and overall I had a terrific trip. Explore some off-the-beaten-path in London itself, you may run into some outdoor farmer's markets on the weekends.
And check out Big Ben and Piccadilly, definitely... oh, man, the list goes on and on...
Have fun!!!

Barb - John and I made it into London about 18 months ago - we were staying out in Salsbury - and went to Harrods - it was absolutely wonderful, and I do intend to go there again!

And Alison - I think that walking along the river is a great idea! I'm not too sure I want to go up in that giant ferris wheel, though!

The ferris wheel intrigues me, ever since I watched the show about it being built. It is rather tall, though!

I notice you didn't list the distance to Grosvenor Square. My personal preference is a place at Bayswater and Queensway. Walking distance from two underground lines. Probably trashed by now or modded up. I wonder if the Hungry Viking still has its smorgasbord around the corner on Orme Court.

When I went there it was the Coburg (associated with Best Western) now Michelin says that it is the Hilton London Hyde Park.

I found the Michelin Green Guide to be handy for touristy things (be sure to check the days the museums are open lest you miss one) and the Red Guides were good for finding interesting food places.

One restaurant that appears to have disapeared is Eatons on Elizabeth St. I last ate there back in the early 80's. Fine cuisine. Little townhouse turned into a restaurant with less than a dozen tables, all told.

Have fun and catch a play at the Theatre Royal on Haymarket.

I don't know if you've been to UK before or not, but I'll pass on today's safety tip:

Remember to look to the RIGHT before you step off a curb to cross a street. In my 5 yrs there with USAF, I recall several GIs or their spouses/kids getting "nailed" by a car because by force of habit, they looked to the LEFT, instead.

A neat country; London is a world-class city; do the taxi, tube, double-decker bus thing; go to a pub; see the Palace. Have fun!

That's a great tip. Whenever I'm in Spain, I automatically look right, and nearly get killed from traffic on the left!

Not that London traffic moves that much..

Fortunately, many of the intersection say "Look Right" painted on the street - a good reminder!