Need info on London

The visa questions depends on what passport your daughter is carrying. If US, then no visa.

I'll be staying there this week. I'll let you know what I thought when I return on Sunday

UK is a visa waiver country for US tourists, so no visa needed for a simple tourist visit. If you intend to work or stay a long time, you need a visa. The details are available on the web by looking up the British Embassy.

Hello Donna. I was a guest a St. James House. It is nearly identical to Cartref House, and on the same street (Ebury Street), and both places were owned and managed by the same people. St. James House is not in business now.
The rooms in Cartreff house are small, old, plain, and most of the rooms do not have a private bathroom. No smoking. Rick Steves mentioned it in his travel guide books, because it is conveniently located near Victoria train station, and being a guest there costs less money than the cost at many of the hotels in London. I think Cartreff House is satisfactory.

Thanks for the info about Cartref House. All input is helpful!

Donna, I stayed at Cartref House on my last visit to London, and would certainly recommend it. The rooms are "basic" but comfortable, and my room did have a private bathroom with shower (it was on the top floor - there's NO Elevator). The bathroom wasn't large, but quite adequate.

The owners (Derek & Sharon) were wonderful, and certainly one of the reasons I would stay there again! The breakfasts were always hot and freshly prepared (I usually had the "English breakfast").

I found Ebury Street to be a very convenient location. It's an easy walk to both Victoria Station (~10 minutes) and the Victoria Coach Station (National Express buses to Bath, etc.) is right around the corner. The Ebury Wine Bar just a few doors from the Hotel is a great place for meals or a quick "refreshment", and there are some nice Deli's close by for lunches. For those with a larger budget, Santini's is about two blocks from the Hotel (reportedly Sinatra's favourite restaurant in London).

Cheers!

What is an "English breakfast"? Is it like an American breakfast?

I hear the streets of London can be dangerous. Is there a certain time at night not to be out on the streets? My daughter will be staying at Cartref House near central London.

A full English Breakfast usually includes eggs, toast, sausage, bacon, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, grilled mushrooms, black pudding, and more.

London is like any city. Some areas are fine, others are dicey.

The great and wise Al of Nottingham once told me, dont go south of the Thames.....

I hope Great and Wise Al of Nottingham ment that only for places to stay. The exception is ...Premier Travel Inn County Hall.

Before we start arguing points...it's probably wise for a young, single female visiting London for the first time not to wander the streets of South London at night. And some parts during the day.

Frank, any suggestions on places to avoid during the day?

Thanks.

I'm going to get jumped on for this...but...I would limit visits south of the Thames to the area near the Thames.

Unless your daughter is truly street savvy in mixed cultural areas, I would stay away from Brixton, Peckham, and some parts of East London. (I took a guided walking tour of East London on it's history and cultural changes and it was fascinating.)

Anyplace that gets lots of tourists is fine. If she's there for a month, she'll quickly pick up where to go and where not to go.

BTW...if she's going to be in London for a month, it might be less expensive, and more convenient, to rent a small apartment than stay in a hotel.

However, I'm also getting the feeling that you're a mother sending off her daughter for the first time and probably has not been to London herself? :) Am I right?

European cities are not like American cities. They are much safer. If she uses her head she'll be fine.

I'd suggest she read "Europe Through the Back Door," if she hasn't already. It will give her a good introduction to traveling in Europe.

Let her also come to this board and read many of the posts on safety and security on the Graffiti Wall. The more knowledge she has, the safer she'll be.

So, the great and wise Al of Nottingham may be correct.

Isnt the London Eye south of the Thames??? As well as Canary wharf, Cutty sark, etc...

Im going to London solo as well, but im 40 not 20 and im shaped more like a pear than an hourglass... guess it would be safe to say I wont be followed by young lechers out on the pull .....

As far as the East End (Jack the Ripper territory), I do plan on staying away from there at night.....I hear its not much improved over the past 120 years...

Yes, Tami, most of those you mentioned are south of the Thames (except Canary Wharf). But they are all near the Thames, within a block or two, as is the Tate Modern, the Globe Theater, and some pubs on a popular Pub Crawl. And like I said, you're okay if you stay "near the Thames."

I agree with Frank. She will be fine. I went to London for a month at 21 years old and felt perfectly safe at night. I was really going to the theatre and coming home straight away. But, as with any place, if she is smart about where she goes and who she goes with, she will be fine.

found this review:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g186338-d209148-Reviews-Cartref_House-London_England.html