So took the train down from Edinburgh to London. Because of a whole bunch of AmEx points and a good offer, I was staying at L’Oscar London. This is not my usual type of hotel. And I probably wouldn’t do it again. But it was a fun thing to do once. Turndown service and all that.
The reason I picked this hotel is that it’s smack in the middle of London, right around everywhere you read about in books. Half a mile from the Charles Dickens Museum; quarter mile to the British Museum;
two blocks from the John Soane. Short walk to the Thames:
St. Paul’s:
and right next to the neighborhoods you always read about in London: The West End:
Soho:
The best thing about this? My first trip to the UK in 1994 was to Brighton, for the UK Data General conference. Back when I was a young boy. With this game I have now officially played the silver ball from Soho down to Brighton.
My favorite, though, was the London Science Museum. Everything from Stephenson’s ‘Rocket’ to
It wasn’t in walking distance – but I have an Oyster Card, and the tube is simply wonderful.
Oh, yeah. I went to a pub or two. 🙂
Fantastic trip, and I will be going back. I flew Delta First, but the flight was actually run by Virgin Atlantic, so I got to take advantage of their lounge at Heathrow. This will give you an idea.
OK – I was curious, so I went to Google Maps and scrolled around until I got my bearings and located the “hotel” I stayed at when I was in London. Stamford Street Apartments. 1.1 miles from L’Oscar. It is amazing how much you can separate with 1.1 miles…
https://goo.gl/maps/Mt6CmwmRsf2mncNZ9
Nice – sometimes it is worth it to splurge on the opulent hotel – if even just for a single night. When I visited London, I actually stayed in what was student housing at King’s College since it was summer I guess they let the rooms out to tourists – definitely not L’Oscar (but I also think I paid like $50/night).
But I think basically anywhere in London ends up being chock full of the sites and neighborhoods you read about. That place is definitely a bit of sensory overload. Everything is so steeped in history it is crazy.
Did you happen to swing by the Battersea Power Station? When I visited, it was under construction (https://www.ktuli.com/photography/index.php/2019/08/29/battersea-power-station/).
Saw it on the map, but did not go there. I remember that picture of yours!
And it’s such *casual* history. I’m sitting eating dinner at the Cheshire Cheese while reading Bleak House. It’s mind-numbing. I have to go back!
When I lived in Germany, we made many trips to London for the British Museum. Truly one of the greatest places to spend time at. Most memorable trip was through the Port of Calais in France. Took the car on a boat.