Experts, I need you!!!! Staying in SOU instead of London

[Murphey]

We are flying to Ireland for 10 days prior to our cruise from Southampton. We have 3 "extra" days. Flying from Shannon/Dublin directly into SOU seems to be an issue with luggage. I can only find service through FlyBe and their luggage fees are huge.

 

What we really have left to see in London are the war rooms/museum. I found a great hotel in SOU. So I am thinking....fly to Heathrow (Aer Lingus leaves from Shannon, Cork or Dub), bus to SOU and stay there. Then, take a day trip via train into London.

 

What do you think??? What (approx) is the fare into London?.

 

I have been through a thousand possiblities for these days, and now I am dizzy!

[Cruisin'cockney]

I suggest staying a night in London seeing the war rooms and then train to Southampton. Trains to Southampton are from Victoria or Waterloo so a hotel close to these will put you in the heart of the action. I would suggest Thistle Victoria as a good location for both the War Rooms and access to the station. IMHO travelling from LHR to Southampton and then making a return journey to London makes no sense. Cost depends upon when you travel but it would work out cheaper to stay in London 1 night rather than make the return journey.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

We flew Ryan Air to Bournmouthe (near Southampton) and paid 200 Euros in luggage overage. They only allow 12killos (about 30 pounds). On the return flight to avoid the fees I bought a large carryon ( that would be allowed) and put every thing that was heavy in there- all the shoes, travel books... it weighed a ton but they don't weigh carryons. I am sure Flybe is the same so make sure not to be over their limit.

 

As for your plans. I stayed in the Novotel in Southampton and highly recommend it. I think once you drop off the luggage travel is so easy. I suggest taking the bus to London because it is a fraction of the price of the train and we didn't even have seats on the train from Southampton to London because it was so crowded. When you arrive in Southampton airport there is a train to Southampton Central and the taxi to Novotel will be no more than 5 pounds.

 

The National Express will take you to London for 12 pounds per person roundtrip. The train will be about 100 pounds each for the roundtrip.

 

Now the previous poster is probably right to advise you to do London for one night. The train station is at Southampton airport and it is just as easy to get on the train there and head north to London. Problem is expense of the train, possible discomfort on the train, switching trains halfway, and the expense of hotel in London (triple at Thistle versus Novotel in Southampton).

[Twickenham]

The train will be about 100 pounds each for the roundtrip.

 

Where are you getting that number?? While the train is more than the NE, it's certainly not going to be anything close to 100 pounds; indeed, I'm getting day-returns for around 34 pounds on the National Rail site, and Megatrain could cut that rate even more.

 

Having said that, I agree, unless you're getting a fabulously cheap rate in the Southampton hotel, I would stay at least 1 night in London.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

I bought our one way tickets at the station and I know that it was about 50 pounds per person one way coming from Victoria and I can't honestly remember what we paid going the other way. So I guess it depends which train at which time. Point being there are two options and one is cheaper than the other. The bus is cheaper and you would have a seat, luggage stowed for you. Train was very full coming from Southampton and we stood in the luggage area the entire trip (my son sat in the luggage bin!)

 

Also there are trains at the airport and not sure that this is the same train as Megatrains (which are 32 for a single journey and 62 pounds for a roundtrip)

 

I do know that we paid about 80 pounds ($140) to stay in Southampton and this included two full breakfasts. So the Novotel was a good deal. The Thistle is about $300- $350 depending on time of year. So it is a big difference.

[Murphey]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did indeed find a lovely hotel in Southampton for $79 which I thought was dirt cheap. Thus my thoughts of staying there instead of traipsing into London, one night with all our luggage. Indeed, I was thinking that once we dumped our luggage, things would be logistically easier. I do realize that the bus takes longer and may not be feasible for a one day sojourn. It also may make more sense to go ahead and use Flybe, pay the luggage and just get to SOU instead of Heathrow, then still needing to negotiate getting to Southampton.

[rebeccalouiseagain]

Personally (and this is just me). My mother is from England and I had always pretty much bi-passed staying in London in all but three trips to England but I wanted my sons to say that they had been to London and spent alot of money to visit there (sort of like a trip to NYC). Hotels in London (and most of England) are a bit musty and ugly... sorry but its true. Unless you can find a Marriot, Hilton or Westin or something along those lines.

 

Once you get to London you will be hard pressed to converse with English people. In a 24 hour period we had an Indian porter, Italian front desk manager, a Polish woman at the Cornish Pasty stand, an Italian waiter at our hotel and some other Eastern block woman at the London Eye. I spent more money in one day in London than I care to remember. Food was not exceptional. In fact, English pub food is probably the best food if you want true English food or opt for Indian, which is really good.

 

So if it were me... I'd stay in Southampton, which is reasonable and the people there are actually born in England!

[scottbee]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did indeed find a lovely hotel in Southampton for $79 which I thought was dirt cheap. Thus my thoughts of staying there instead of traipsing into London, one night with all our luggage. Indeed, I was thinking that once we dumped our luggage, things would be logistically easier. I do realize that the bus takes longer and may not be feasible for a one day sojourn. It also may make more sense to go ahead and use Flybe, pay the luggage and just get to SOU instead of Heathrow, then still needing to negotiate getting to Southampton.

 

If you travel on a train timed to arrive in London AFTER 9:30am, and don't leave London during rushhour there are cheaper rates available on the train. Also, check Megatrain, who have specific carriages on some London-Southhampton trains for as little as just a few pounds (again, outside of rushhour)

[Morgans]

Booked Megatrain a few weeks ago and paid £1 ! (Single journey Waterloo to Southampton.)

Another point is if you are paying standard fare in advance, return tickets can be as cheap (more or less) as singles. Always get quotes for singles and returns as it can make a big difference pricewise.

[Cruisin'cockney]

Regarding trains, the further ahead you can book and the more specific you can be the cheaper it will be i.e. commit to a certain train on a certain day and NOT an open ticket and you will find it much cheaper. Certainly don't just pay at the station, particularly if you travel before 9.30am. £100 return can be paid but research and planning may more than half this figure.

 

Regarding the nationalities in London, be aware that London is a cosmopolitan city and you will find many individuals from many countries - particularly in service industries. There is no restriction on working in the UK for other EU citizens and this inevitably attracts east europeans. The UK's imperialist past and the existing British Commonwealth attracts many individuals from the sub continent/Africa/Australasia and all are welcomed. Most do speak English - it is not possible to have a long term future unless you do as we Brit's are not great at foreign languages. it is true however that many will be heavily accented. The cosmopolitan nature of London is what makes London what it is and it has been the case for a long time. We have been a safe haven for displaced and disenfranchised peoples throughout europe for centuries.

 

Enjoy London (warts and all). It can be expensive but IMHO is worth the effort. With all respect to my fellow countrymen living in Southampton I cannot recommend staying there over staying in London. It is similar to travelling to Civitavecchia and not visiting Rome. If cost is important then stay on the outskirts. There are many budget (but decent quality) hotels near Heathrow that you can secure for less than £50 per night.

[John Bull]

I'm not surprised that you're dizzy, Murphey.

And the options / pitfalls on this thread probably hinder more than help.

Let me add to your confusion :D

 

My understanding is that you have three days between Ireland & the cruise from Southampton, that you have been to London before, & that the only place you're keen to visit in London is the Cabinet War Rooms (just off Parliament Square). Thus you have two more days/part-days for sightseeing elsewhere.

 

Ryanair no longer fly into Bournemouth from anywhere in Ireland.

 

Ireland to Southampton with Flybe

If your only pre-cruise time were your day in London, it would make sense to stay at the Premier Inn in Southampton airport, & take the frequent fast direct train service from there to London Waterloo. Trains from Southampton central or airport which arrive at Waterloo after (10am?)qualify for cheap day-return tickets, and although that limits your sightseeing time its no problem if your only "must see" is the Cabinet War Rooms.

Like all airport hotels, Premier Inn & its surroundings are pretty soulless for more than an overniter though an acceptable base for visiting local places of interest by train or hire car. Without a car or taxi, your evenings there would be pretty desolate.

Forget other hotels quoted as "close to the airport" - they aren't.

 

London-bound coaches don't go via Southampton airport, you'd need to start from Southampton (or Winchester). They take over an hour longer than the train, though in your circumstances that's not so important. Base fares are cheaper than the train, though there are silly-cheap offers on both ("fun fares" on National Express or Greyhound coaches, or megatrain tickets on the train)

 

Whether you stay at the airport or in Southampton, there's plenty in the area to interest you - most are easy to visit by train (Portsmouth, Salisbury/Stonehenge, Winchester, even Bath, etc), some are infinately better & easier by car, such as the New Forest or the Jurassic coast.

But the city of Southampton itself is pretty limited for the visitor, its few sights can be enjoyed in half a day. So choose a hotel reasonably handy for the rail station or with easy car parking.

 

Ireland to a London airport, such as Heathrow.

As others have posted, it doesn't make a lot of sense to travel to Southampton & then return to London for a day - that's duplicating your travel time & costs.

If you just want a day in London, consider a Heathrow hotel for one night. Take the tube into London for the day, then the coach from Heathrow to Southampton next morning. Yes, that means two hotels, but packing overnite stuff in your carry-on simplifies the issue.

If you give up on visiting elsewhere & choose to spend all your time in London, then of course a central London hotel makes sense.

 

.............................................................................................

 

To repeat, trains from Southampton central or airport to London Waterloo are frequent and direct, take about 1hr 20, and will cost anywhere between £3 and £34, coach to London Victoria will take about 2 1/2 hrs & cost between £2 and £32. The big variations in cost are because of variables such as early booking, budget offers, ticket limitations, time of day.

But forget £100 !!!

London trains are crowded & expensive during the rush-hour, but otherwise very comfortable.

 

.............................................................................................

 

The cockney sparrow puts the case for the Smoke extremely well, but I'm assuming you've (almost) seen your fill of London.

 

I trust this with muddle your brain even more, and will be pleased to send you into a coma if you need any more info :D

 

John Bull

[2irisheyes]

Hi Murphey - just be aware Nat Express funfares are only available online. The same applies to Megatrain fares. Megatrain fares are not available on Sundays. The Nat Express journey from Heathrow to Southampton is easier with luggage than by train. The bus driver loads and unloads bags. Have a great trip.

[2irisheyes]

Forgot to mention Nat Express (bus) has discounts for over sixties. Option to select for this is "routesixty" I think.

[seven1113]

Thanks for your thoughts. I did indeed find a lovely hotel in Southampton for $79 which I thought was dirt cheap. Thus my thoughts of staying there instead of traipsing into London, one night with all our luggage. Indeed, I was thinking that once we dumped our luggage, things would be logistically easier. I do realize that the bus takes longer and may not be feasible for a one day sojourn. It also may make more sense to go ahead and use Flybe, pay the luggage and just get to SOU instead of Heathrow, then still needing to negotiate getting to Southampton.

 

 

What hotel, in Sou, please.

Thank you.

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

I go back and forth between London and Southampton a lot. A couple of thoughts:

 

*National Express bus service isn't fabulous but if it's the most convenient option please book it ahead of time (online). Not being savvy to that, I nearly missed a flight out of LHR on debark day because all the buses were booked (a sweet young college kid in Southampton actually escorted me to the train, humping my luggage up and down stairs, etc. He was an angel and I made my flight).

 

*If I'm going to Southampton straight from LHR, I typically take the National Express bus to Woking, then the train to Soton. Probably it's easier just to take NE all the way down but it never seems to be as convenient.

 

*Southampton hotels are overpriced and not fabulous (sort of like what a previous poster said about musty London hotels). We've tried Novotel, Ibis, Holiday Inn and more often the rusty DeVere, all pretty expensive and not terribly value-oriented. We love Ennios -- it's a six room (think it's six) urban inn just down the main drag from the DeVere, has a lovely restaurant, is done up in IKEA like furnishings, clean and cozy. And new -- the inn is created in an old factory building. But it's small, just six rooms, so try to book ahead (and book a reservation in the Italian restaurant below, marvelous).

 

*Our last trip we tried an adventurous approach by flying into London, then going to Winchester (the last main stop on the London train from Southampton) and staying overnight there before heading into Southampton the next morning. Loved the experience, loved the city, loved it so much I'd move there. Train ride is about 25 minutes or so to Southampton. We stayed at the Hotel du Vin, right in town.

 

*And, finally, if you want to splurge, towns and villages surrounding the vast New Forest are a mere 20 minute ride (taxi or rental car) from Southampton and there are some gorgeous spots. We love Hotel Terravina, and also enjoyed the swanky (but not too swanky) Lime Wood. Both were adjuncts to Southampton-based cruises....

 

Carolyn

[seven1113]

I go back and forth between London and Southampton a lot. A couple of thoughts:

 

*National Express bus service isn't fabulous but if it's the most convenient option please book it ahead of time (online). Not being savvy to that, I nearly missed a flight out of LHR on debark day because all the buses were booked (a sweet young college kid in Southampton actually escorted me to the train, humping my luggage up and down stairs, etc. He was an angel and I made my flight).

 

*If I'm going to Southampton straight from LHR, I typically take the National Express bus to Woking, then the train to Soton. Probably it's easier just to take NE all the way down but it never seems to be as convenient.

 

*Southampton hotels are overpriced and not fabulous (sort of like what a previous poster said about musty London hotels). We've tried Novotel, Ibis, Holiday Inn and more often the rusty DeVere, all pretty expensive and not terribly value-oriented. We love Ennios -- it's a six room (think it's six) urban inn just down the main drag from the DeVere, has a lovely restaurant, is done up in IKEA like furnishings, clean and cozy. And new -- the inn is created in an old factory building. But it's small, just six rooms, so try to book ahead (and book a reservation in the Italian restaurant below, marvelous).

 

*Our last trip we tried an adventurous approach by flying into London, then going to Winchester (the last main stop on the London train from Southampton) and staying overnight there before heading into Southampton the next morning. Loved the experience, loved the city, loved it so much I'd move there. Train ride is about 25 minutes or so to Southampton. We stayed at the Hotel du Vin, right in town.

 

*And, finally, if you want to splurge, towns and villages surrounding the vast New Forest are a mere 20 minute ride (taxi or rental car) from Southampton and there are some gorgeous spots. We love Hotel Terravina, and also enjoyed the swanky (but not too swanky) Lime Wood. Both were adjuncts to Southampton-based cruises....

 

Carolyn

 

 

 

Thank you!!

cAROLYN

[John Bull]

 

 

*Southampton hotels are overpriced and not fabulous (sort of like what a previous poster said about musty London hotels). We've tried Novotel, Ibis, Holiday Inn and more often the rusty DeVere, all pretty expensive and not terribly value-oriented. We love Ennios -- it's a six room (think it's six) urban inn just down the main drag from the DeVere, has a lovely restaurant, is done up in IKEA like furnishings, clean and cozy. And new -- the inn is created in an old factory building. But it's small, just six rooms, so try to book ahead (and book a reservation in the Italian restaurant below, marvelous).

 

*Our last trip we tried an adventurous approach by flying into London, then going to Winchester (the last main stop on the London train from Southampton) and staying overnight there before heading into Southampton the next morning. Loved the experience, loved the city, loved it so much I'd move there. Train ride is about 25 minutes or so to Southampton. We stayed at the Hotel du Vin, right in town.

 

*And, finally, if you want to splurge, towns and villages surrounding the vast New Forest are a mere 20 minute ride (taxi or rental car) from Southampton and there are some gorgeous spots. We love Hotel Terravina, and also enjoyed the swanky (but not too swanky) Lime Wood. Both were adjuncts to Southampton-based cruises....

 

Carolyn

 

Hmmmm, at the risk of falling out with "the management" ;), I think you're being more than a tad unfair about Southampton's hotels.

 

The Southampton hotels that you name are all popular low-to-mid priced chain hotels, and their rates compare to their counterparts elsewhere in the country.

Ibis is £56 ( Manchester £61, Bristol £67)

Novotel £78 ( Leeds £69, York £89).

Holiday Inn £114 (Brighton £105)

All standard undiscounted cancellable rates, all for the same date.

So how can you call their Southampton city centre hotels expensive??

 

It's at the top end that Southampton falls down - De Vere Grand Harbour has no 5-star or even 4-star competition in the city centre, other than the boutiques. And yes, it's pretty manky, though £119 for a large 5-star should give a clue. The city's better hotels are on the outskirts or in the surrounding countryside such as the New Forest or the Meon Valley, so inconvenient for those without a car.

 

Winchester at least is accessible by train, but the Hotel du Vin at prices from £145 can hardly be compared to Ibis or Novotel.

Limewood is too swanky, been there but not stayed there -and at rates starting at £254 for an eaves room, so it should be :D

 

We've not lodged at Ennio's but we've eaten there, very good but over-priced (we chose an evening with a 2-for-1 offer :rolleyes:)

 

For a 5-star boutique hotel, The White Star Rooms in Oxford St has a good reputation, at £109 compared to Ennio's £105.

 

Or the historic Dolphin Hotel in the High Street, recently taken over & re-modelled by Mercure, and getting excellent reviews.

 

And a dozen more hotels, both cloned chains & independents. Some good, some not-so-good. Just like anywhere else. :)

 

John Bull

[scottbee]

.....

 

And a dozen more hotels, both cloned chains & independents. Some good, some not-so-good. Just like anywhere else. :)

 

John Bull

 

+1

 

 

I know a lot of North American's are scared by it, but there are also plenty of great B&Bs sprinkled all over Southampton (and slightly west of Southampton in the New Forest)

such as ; (all of these are located one major train station SW of Southampton near Brockenhurst - just stay on the train and go one more stop past Southampton)

crossings-brockenhurst.co.uk

cottagelodge.co.uk

poppy-cottage.co.uk

 

and so on...

 

 

You could also do the same thing, and stop one major town BEFORE Southampton and get a very nice B&B in Winchester (an interesting town all to itself)..

[cruisingisrad]

Hi John,

 

You have been sooooooooooo helpful in the past so I was just wondering what you have heard about the Iceland volcanic eruption on Sunday and how it might affect our ability to fly into Heathrowe on Saturday (what is your best guess)? Our cruise leaves on Monday 5/30 and we would be VERY sad if we couldn't go. Also, has the ash had any effect on the weather in London? Obviously I have NO experience with this -- it's not a big problem in southern California (just earthquakes - LOL). Any help you can give will be appreciated!

 

Thanks bunches!

Joan

[John Bull]

Hi John,

 

You have been sooooooooooo helpful in the past so I was just wondering what you have heard about the Iceland volcanic eruption on Sunday and how it might affect our ability to fly into Heathrowe on Saturday (what is your best guess)? Our cruise leaves on Monday 5/30 and we would be VERY sad if we couldn't go. Also, has the ash had any effect on the weather in London? Obviously I have NO experience with this -- it's not a big problem in southern California (just earthquakes - LOL). Any help you can give will be appreciated!

 

Thanks bunches!

Joan

 

Hi Joan,

it's currently affecting flights in Scotland & Northern Ireland, and the extreme north of England. Ryanair have flown (empty) across the closed airspace & are kicking up that there's no problem.

The general opinion is that last time the cancellations were over-kill, and that any disruption this time will be much less for the same levels of ash.

 

Heathrow saturday is anyone's guess, a lot is gonna depend on wind direction & speed. There's a big soccer match in London saturday, Manchester United vs Barcelona, & the Barcelona team are flying in tomorrow (that's earler than planned). But that's only a precaution, they got fouled-up in Germany with the last ash cloud.

 

I'll try to keep you up-to-date via this "Britain" forum, but under an ash-cloud thread.

 

I'm on the south coast, not in London, but the ash cloud will have no effect on the weather.

Last time you'd not have known about the ash-cloud, other than flight cancelations/re-routing.

 

Fingers crossed ;)

 

John Bull

[Murphey]

Yooowzer!!!! Geesh....my love of spending hours on this forum was crudely interrupted by the necessities of real life!! Things are slowly working it's way back to normal now, so I can now breathe....

 

Dear John Bull (gee, never got to write a "dear John' letter!) But, a "Dear" John you are. You got my circumstances exactly right. Bless you for your meticulous suggestions.... I know you have probably had to regurgitate many times over for us dear "over anal worry warts" and those of us who are in charge of "others" happiness on our trip!

 

As for our hotel in SOU. I contacted the Dolphin(Mecure) and received a quote of 75 GBP w/o parking. Then I went to Travelocity and received a quote of $79 + change, immediate booking. Sounds good to me...However dear travelers...have not booked this yet, waiting for others in our party (scattered about the US) for their approval. Leave us a couple of rooms please!! The location sounds perfect for procurring a case or two of wine for our 29 day voyage.

 

So, what we've decided to do is just stay our extra days in enchanting Ireland and worry about London on our next venture. Only issue now is to price out Flybe direct to SOU with all our crap (luggage to you refined brits!) or go to LHR and bus down.

 

scottbe, Carolyn, 2irisheyes, Cruisin'cockney, rebecca and all the rest: You have all been incredibly nice and to all of you, you are welcome to come visit us in Oregon......yes we do hug our trees and we don't tan, we rust!

 

I do reserve the right to come back for help when our plans change!! :D

[scottbee]

So, what we've decided to do is just stay our extra days in enchanting Ireland and worry about London on our next venture. Only issue now is to price out Flybe direct to SOU with all our crap (luggage to you refined brits!) or go to LHR and bus down.

 

scottbe, Carolyn, 2irisheyes, Cruisin'cockney, rebecca and all the rest: You have all been incredibly nice and to all of you, you are welcome to come visit us in Oregon......yes we do hug our trees and we don't tan, we rust!

 

I do reserve the right to come back for help when our plans change!! :D

 

 

If you're flying EI/AerLingus into Dublin to start with, your best bet is book AerLingus all the way through with a stopover in Ireland. If it's all on the same ticket, then the transatlantic luggage portion will also apply for the intra-europe leg. Then fly DUB (or SNN or..) into LGW/Gatwick. From there it's an easy direct train (2h) to Southampton. 2nd choice airport on EI might even be BHX/Birmingham, as there's also a direct train (2h20m) to Southampton. LHR forces you into a bus/train combo, or bus only

[John Bull]

Sounds like your choice of airport boils down to cost vs convenience.

 

Flybe to Southampton will be best if you can emulate Cliff Richard

But you're American :rolleyes:

So you probably can't :p

 

As Scottbee's suggestion, from Heathrow, Nat Express coach direct to Southampton (destination Southampton coach station, not cruise terminal)

http://coach.nationalexpress.com/

Journey time around 2 hrs, around £15pp, frequency approx hourly, book ahead.

Railbus & train half-hourly, same total journey time, around £34pp & luggage to haul at the transfer.

 

As Scottbee's suggestion, from Gatwick, Southern Rail train direct to Southampton (destination Southampton central)

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/planjourney/search

Journey time around 2 hrs, £10 to £28pp depending on time, frequency hourly. Best to ignore alternative trains which involve changes.

Nat Express coach is every two hours, journey time 2hrs 40, from £5pp upwards, book ahead. Best ignore alternative times, which take you for a scenic tour of Heathrow on the way.:rolleyes:

 

From Southampton Airport, ignore irregular & very inconvenient local bus services.

Train to Southampton central at least 3 per hour, £3.10pp, journey time about 10 mins.

Or taxi, about £20 per vehicle to Dolphin hotel, about 20 mins. Airport taxis are mainly geared for luggage so you'll squeeze in 3, probably 4 per vehicle. A little cheaper if pre-booked but hardly worth the grief.

 

From coach station or central train station, taxi to Dolphin about £6 per vehicle. Same from Dolphin to any cruise terminal.

 

I think you'll like the Dolphin. Some of the disadvantages of a historic building, but it's recently refurbished, in the heart of the city, close to Southampton's few tourist sights, & very Olde England - not a plastic international clone.

And $79 is excellent value, esp as it seems you'll be packed-in 12 to a room :p

That'll be a fluid price, don't leave it too long.

 

JB

[Murphey]

Since we will only be in SOU one night, what is the best way to secure a few pounds to pay for taxis - one from airport to hotel ~ one from hotel to port. I don't suppose they would take Euros?

[Globaliser]

If you're arriving at SOU airport, have a look at page two of the terminal map, which shows you where there are ATMs (marked as "cash points" in a "hoover"-type misuse of one bank's branding) in the terminal after you exit from customs. Get £20 or £30 or whatever from one of these and you should be all sorted.