We had a 9 person unit booked since October and today the owner cancelled on us. Now I am in a panic and looking for something in our budget, local and big enough. We had a unit in Wapping for 800 pounds so something along that lines. I have been looking on Airbnb and Home Away, anyone have any other suggestions. We are traveling end of June for four nights.
I have seen all the hotel suggestions and I am looking into that too.
Thank You
Have you looked into any of the hostels? In addition to the ones that are part of Hosteling International's network, there are many very nice independently run boutique hostels that would probably fit the bill and that have experience dealing with group bookings. With some research, you will likely find some newly renovated hostels that have 4, 6 and 8 bed rooms that are ensuite so your group will have their own bathroom/shower. In addition, it would also give them access to WiFi/Internet, kitchen and laundry facilities. Some include a continental breakfast in the price (like Equity Point Hostel near Hyde Park). Check reviews on sites like HostelWorld.com and contact the hostels directly about group bookings.
Check into www.vrbo.com (vacation rental by owner). There are lots of possibilities on there.
Have you looked at staying at Pax Lodge, one of the 4 Girl Scout/Girl Guide World Centers? It's just a few tube stops away in beautiful Hampstead - North London. Variety of accommodations, lots of scouting history, and your troop will meet young women volunteers - themselves scouts or guides - from a variety of different countries from all over the world. The location is very safe, the building large with lounges, library and tv room. For hikes you can walk through Hampstead Heath; the town is very quaint with several literary writers, painters, actors and actresses, and pop stars had or have their homes there. I think you and your scout troop, as members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) should check Pax Lodge out - Pax Lodge.http://www.paxlodge.org/en/visitus/accommodation. I would ask for the group discount.
Wow! I never got to have a girl scout outing like THAT when I was a kid! Lucky them!
A hostel might be a great choice for you. You could get one or two bunk rooms and all stay together.
vrbo.com is a great resource for larger places, as is airbnb.com, but I don't know if you'll find something that large for 800 pounds - that's quite a bargain for London.
I have been looking at all these sights but most are booked are out of our price range. I did find a partial stay in Fulham, anyone familiar with that area near Parsons Green Station.
Hi Kathy...as fellow Girl Scout leader I was thinking that Girl Scouts has lodging available in London...I could be incorrect, but I think I had read that at some point. Investigate your regional website or Girl Scouts USA website. In addition, sometimes college dorms will host students, so you might investigate that as well. Also just thought about WAGS...or at least that might be a good place to find a lead. Good luck! Ruth (I will also pop an email to another leader who just took a troop over last year and see where she stayed...will let you know what I find out)
Ok, received reply from my friend...afraid it wasn't very positive, but here it is...
"Our London hotel was out in Watford. I wouldn't recommend it for a trip just to London. Sorry."
Again, good luck to you and kudos to you for taking your girls on such a wonderful trip! Ruth
In addition to the official hostels at www.yha.org.uk, Rick's book has long listed the Norwegian YWCA near Holland Park, which accepts Norwegian families, non-Norwegian women and girls under 30, or older women if they're Norwegian. Perhaps they will consider your request.
