Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest

Fisherman’s Bastion was built in 1905 on the medieval castle walls, the neo-Romanesque ramparts were so named after the city's fishermen whose duty it was to defend this side of the hill during the Middle Ages, but the existing bastion never actually served a defensive purpose. It is solely ornamental with gleaming white cloisters and stairways connecting seven turrets symbolic of the Magyar tribes that conquered the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. Set back from the ramparts is an equestrian statue of King Stephen, a memorial to the founder of the Hungarian nation. The view from Fisherman's Bastion, over the Danube, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament Buildings with Pest stretching out into the distance, is outstanding. Floodlit at night, the bastion is a mesmerising sight from across the river. Review our cheap Budapest hotels and get the best rates when you book online with gtahotels.com http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/budapest.htm

Earls Court

Earls Court is home to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre which is one of the most popular venues for concerts and events. If you plan on attending a event or concert at Earls Court then its best that you book a London hotel in or near to Earls Court well in advance. Earls Court has many art galleries such as Zest Gallery which is just 358 meters from Earls Court Exhibition Centre and Irish Contemporary Art Gallery which is 897 meters away. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Earls Court and these include the Kings Walk Shopping Centre, Duke of York Square and Fulham Broadway Retail Centre. Earls Court’s nightlife is very lively with plenty of typical London pubs. Many of these show sports on wide screen televisions so you can keep up to date with what’s going on in the sporting world If you want to book a hotel in or near to Earls Court then its worth knowing that Earls Court has two underground or Tube stations so its very easy to get around and visit other parts of London. Earls Court and West Brompton Underground stations There are many hotels close to Earls Court and these can be very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Enjoy Earls Court and enjoy your London hotel - Get the best rates when you book your Earls Court hotel online with Gtahotels Fast facts for Earls Court; There are plenty of popular pubs on the Old Brompton Road Earls Court is 5km from Charring Cross 500 years ago Earls Court was no more than open fields and greenery

Soho

Soho sits right in the centre of the West End of London. Soho covers an area of about one mile. You can walk through Soho from Oxford Street which is one of Soho’s original boundaries.

Soho was once famous for its sex shops and sex industry which had been running in the area for the past 200 years! But since the 1980s Soho underwent a complete transformation and instead of a no go area for most visitors to London, Soho is now the place to be seen and is a fashionable and upmarket area. In the West of Soho there is a small remnant of times past and a few sex shops still operate. Soho has been famous since the nineteen forties for its music scene starting with Club Eleven on Windmill Street and Cy Laurie jazz club. Soho was also the setting for the famous song Mack The Knife which was sung by Louis Armstrong in the nineteen fifties. Soho can also claim fame to being home to the first skiffle club in London which was on the first floor of the Roundhouse pub, Wardour Street. More and more clubs and theatres started to open in Soho including the famous Windmill theatre, The Raymond Revue bar and Ronnie Scotts jazz club in Frith Street. The list can go on because Soho was also home to the legendary Marquee club in Wardour Street. The club opened in the late fifties and it was here that the Rolling Stones first performed in 1962. Soho is a super area of London to wander through and it has a unique character all of its own. Book your hotel close to Soho and you will find yourself right in the centre of all the fun and action. Vinyl junkies should head to the areas around Berwick Street where famous shops such as Vinyl junkies and Blackmarket records sell the latest releases and merchandise. Despite its small size, Soho has everything, pubs, bars, restaurants, late night snack bars, a hare Krisna temple close to Soho Square a small Mosque on Berwick Street, Chinatown in Gerrard Street, and even a primary school for local children! There are many hotels close to Soho and these are undoubtedly very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Whenever you visit London and its famous and historical area of Soho, one thing is for sure....You will get to see London life as it really it, mulcicultural and anything goes! Enjoy Soho and enjoy your London hotel.

Fast facts for Soho

Carnaby Street was in the 1960s the fashion centre of ‘Swinging London’ these days Carnaby Street is a popular shopping area

Berwick Street is home to record shops and a small street market

Gerrard Street is the centre of Chinatown

Wardour was home to the legendary Marquee club

Soho is the centre of the gay scene in London

Bayswater

Bayswater is within the London borough of Westminster. If you book a hotel near Bayswater you can be sure that you will have all that the West end of London has to offer right on your doorstep. It may be interesting for those planning to book a London hotel close to Bayswater to know that most of the hotels in Bayswater are the converted Victorian or Georgian town houses some features of which have been preserved. The famous Whiteleys Shopping centre is in Bayswater and is a haven for those who love shopping. Bayswater is also home to the famous Portobello Road. If you have seen the film Bedknobs and Broomsticks with Angela Lansbury you will have seen Portobello Road and heard the song. Portobello Road is a well known antiques market If you want to book a hotel near Bayswater then its worth knowing that Bayswater has four underground or Tube stations close by so its very easy to get around and visit other parts of London. These are; Bayswater, Lancaster Gate, Queensway and Royal oak Underground stations, Bayswater infact covers Charing Cross and parts of Hyde park and Kensington gardens There are many hotels near to and in Bayswater and these are undoubtedly very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian and Georgian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Whenever you visit London and its famous Bayswater area, one thing is for sure....you will do a lot of walking and sightseeing! Enjoy London and enjoy your Bayswater hotel Fast Facts for Bayswater; Bayswater is within walking distance of Hyde Park and Marble Arch Bayswater has one of the highest hotel concentrations in London Bayswater is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of London and Queensway has a huge selection of ethnic restaurants

The London Eye

The London Eye is the landmark observation wheel in London. More than 3 million people a year take a ride in the London Eye and get a bird’s eye view of London. If you book a London hotel close to the London Eye you can be sure to see all that London has to offer very easily. If you decide to stay at a London hotel close to the London Eye then you will have the chance to walk around places which have become famous from the cinema. The London Eye can be seen in various films such as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Fantastic Four Rise of the Silver Surfer. You will get the greatest panorama of London from the London Eye so don’t forget your camera. The pods of the London Eye are all sealed and air conditioned, so it’s a very comfortable way to enjoy the scenery even if it is raining outside! The London Eye is also adjacent to the Jubilee Gardens, which makes its location even more advantageous. Every New Year the London Eye is the main point for London’s New Year celebrations and there is always a memorable 10 minute firework display from the London Eye. If you want to book a hotel close to the London Eye then its worth knowing that this area of the South bank has two underground or Tube stations so its very easy to get around and visit other parts of London; Waterloo and Westminister underground stations There are many hotels close to the London Eye and these are undoubtedly very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Enjoy the London Eye and enjoy your London hotel! Fast Facts: With a height of 135 meters, the London Eye or the Millennium wheel as it has also been known is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and is the main attraction for visitors to London. During the 2012 Summer Olympics which are to be held in London, the Olympic emblem will be attached to the London Eye. It will be unforgettable to see the emblem rotating on a giant Ferris wheel. British Airways sponsor the London Eye it so when you get in and of your pod they make an announcement like they do when you are on an airplane! Before you get off the pod you will have your picture take by one of the observation cameras so you should give a good pose! You can buy your photograph from the shop the flight. The queues can be quite long, but they are well organized. You can buy combined tickets with Madame Tussauds.

You can pre book your London Eye visit as well as a Thames River sightseeing cruise online

http://www.gtahotels.com/activities/productdetails.php/SIC.3542BALE.htm

Paddington Station

Paddington Station is home to the Underground and National Rail. There are a number of hotels near to Paddington Station and these provide a convenient base from which to explore the rest of London. Paddington Station was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and first opened in 1854. The site of Paddington Station is a historic one in that it was, before 1854 the London station for the Great Western Railway. Many of the original features of Paddington Station can still be seen today although over the years Paddington station has been extensively extended. Paddington Station has 14 platforms and trains departing from Paddington Station cover long distance services such as Bristol, Gloucester, Bath, the West Country and South Wales destinations. As well as the long distance services Paddington station also serves West London and Heathrow Airport. Paddington Station serves the Heathrow Express link which whisks its passengers from Paddington Station to Heathrow Airport in just 15 minutes. During the peak hours the Express trains run every 15 minutes. If you arrive to London’s Paddington station and want to freshen up, there are showers, toilets and baby changing facilities at the station. If you need to change your currency then there is a Bureau de change and cash machines. Photograph booths can also be found at the station. There are also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants on offer. In 1863 Paddington Station became home to the first underground station in the world. Today Paddington Underground station covers the District, Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith & City lines. In 1854 the Great Western Royal Hotel opened on Praed street. The hotel formed part of the Paddington Station complex. The hotel is still open today but is now known as the Hilton London Paddington . The hotel is connected to Paddington Station by a footbridge so getting to and from your destinations couldn't be easier. When choosing your hotel close to Paddington Station, you will be at the centre of some excellent transport options that will enable you not only to see all of London, but also to travel easily to other parts of the United Kingdom. There are many hotels close to Paddington Station and these range from budget to luxury hotels. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. The budget hotels in the Paddington Station area are all converted Victoria houses, charming and comfortable but don't expect large rooms. Fast facts for Paddington Station; The famous children's book character was named after Paddington Station. You will find a statue of Paddington Bear at the station and there is also a shop full of Paddington Bear goodies. A popular haunt for Children and adults who grew up reading the antics of Paddington bear! Paddington Station is just 15 minutes away from Heathrow Airport by the Heathrow Express Paddington Station was first opened in 1854 and is one of the busiest rail terminals in London Hotels close to Paddington station include the Hilton London Paddington Hotel http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/hilton_london_paddington_hotel.htm?

Oxford Street

Oxford Street in London is one of the most popular streets for shopaholics. If you plan on spending some time shopping then its best that you book a London hotel near to Oxford street so that you don’t have far to carry your newly purchased items! Oxford street is popular with locals and visitors alike because it is not an expensive street for shopping. Nor is it full of designer shops which come complete with huge price tags. Instead you will find all the affordable high street brands and department stores. Best of all, there are a number of flagship stores so you can be sure of getting the best choice of goods and in the most modern surroundings. The Flagships also have some great promotions and sometimes celebrity appearances. Top Shop have their flagship store on Oxford Street, its close to Oxford Street underground station so really cant be missed! Its a huge store on more than 3 levels and includes cafes, music videos, often live entertainment and an enormous selection of clothes and accessories. Oxford Street is not all about shopping and walking! If your boots haven't been made for walking then you can take a rest in one of the many restaurants and fast food outlets that line Oxford Street from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court road. As well as Shops and restaurants there are also large internet cafes that cover 3 floors so there is no excuse not to keep in touch! If you visit London in December and want to stay close to Oxford street, do book your hotel early because the city is always busy in the run up to Christmas. Oxford Street is always decorated with Christmas lights from mid November to the beginning of January and the lights are always switched on by a celebrity . In 1996 the Spice girls had the honour of switching the Oxford Street lights on and in 2007 singer Leona Lewis pressed the button to light up Oxford Street. If you want to book a hotel near to Oxford Street then its worth knowing that Oxford Street has four underground or Tube stations so its very easy to get around and visit other parts of London. Marble Arch Bond Street Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road When choosing your hotel close to Oxford Street, do bear in mind that Oxford Street runs for over a mile and a half which is approximately two and a half km There are many hotels close to Oxford Street and these are undoubtedly very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Whenever you visit London and its famous Oxford Street, one thing is for sure....However comfortable your shoes are, your feet will ache from all the walking up and down Oxford Street and at the end of the day all you will want to do is put your feet up with a cup of tea! Enjoy Oxford Street and enjoy your London hotel Fast facts for Oxford Street; Oxford street is the busiest shopping street in Europe Oxford street is over one and a half miles long from end to end which is Tottenham Court road to Marble Arch Every year the famous Oxford Street Christmas lights are switched on by a celebrity and stay on until the 6th of January

Victoria Station London

Photograph by Petteri Kantokari

Victoria Station is home to the Underground , National Rail and Victoria Coach station. There are a number of hotels close to Victoria station and these provide a convenient base from which to explore the rest of London.

Victoria Station first opened in 1862 and included a 300 bed roomed hotel, the Grosvenor hotel which is still open today and has managed to retain some of its Victorian grandeur over the years. The Grosvenor hotel is in Buckingham Palace road which is adjacent to Victoria Station. Trains departing from Victoria Station through the counties of Kent, Surrey and Sussex which include Gatwick Airport and the Gatwick Express and the popular seaside resort of Brighton. Most trains that depart from Victoria Station stop at Clapham Junction and from here you can connect to trains that travel to the county of Hampshire and other parts of Surrey and Sussex. Clapham Junction is the busiest train station in London because of the number of passengers that alight here merely to board another train and complete their journey. Victoria Station also serves the Venice Simpson Orient Express from platform 2. The Venice Simpson Orient Express is a private luxury train that travels from London to Venice. The train also offers day trips should you want a truly luxurious day out. If you arrive to London’s Victoria station and want to freshen up, there are showers, toilets and baby changing facilities at the station. If you need to change your currency then there is a Bureau de change and cash machines. Photograph booths can also be found at the station. There are also plenty of shops, bars and restaurants on offer. Victoria Station also covers Victoria underground station which serves the District, Circle and Victoria lines. Just two stops from Victoria Underground station on the Victoria line (The blue line) and you will be in Oxford Street. The London Underground or Tube as it is also known is the best way apart from walking to get around London. It’s quick and easy to use but best avoided at the rush hours when commuters are trying to get to and from work. Just outside of Victoria Station in Buckingham Palace Road you will find Victoria Coach Station. It’s very close and well signposted. Victoria Coach Station is the largest coach station in London and it is from here that the long distance coaches depart. The coach station is served well by National Express, Eurolines, Megabus services and Oxford Express which has Wi fi on board. The Oxford Express will take you between London Victoria Station and Oxford in less than one and a half hours. Victoria bus station serves local London buses only. There is also the separate Green Line Coach station for all Green Line buses. Green Line Buses also offer a number of day trips from their Green Line Coach station at Victoria Station including Windsor, Whipsnade Animal Park and London sightseeing tours When choosing your hotel close to Victoria Station, you will be at the centre of some excellent transport options that will enable you not only to see all of London, but also to travel easily to other parts of the United Kingdom. There are many hotels close to Victoria Station and these are undoubtedly very popular. One thing to remember when you book your London hotel is that most London hotels are converted Victorian townhouses so guest rooms are small and may come as a shock to visitors from some countries. Fast facts for Victoria Station; Victoria station is in the London borough of Westminister Victoria station includes a terminal for trains serving Gatwick Airport During the second world war, Victoria station was used to transport soldiers to and from France http://www.gtahotels.com/hotels/grosvenor_hotel_london.htm