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 classic W Beetle by Caroline

As promised on Twitter, here are a few photographs that were taken at the Koç Museum in Istanbul of the Classic VW Beetle.

This is the car I really really wanna have. Actually we had a couple of VW Beetles when I was a child- Naturally they were named Herbie and were totally reliable and unstoppable.

As the engine of the VW Beetle is in the back, we used to drive with ease in the snowy winter months. Also, as the car has no radiator, there was no chance of over heating and during the Summer I remember as we drove past all the overheating cars of the verge of the motorways

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

Wroclaw

Wroclaw is one of the biggest and most beautiful cities in Poland. It is the capital of Lower Silesia and is located upon the river Odra. Wroclaw is an important academic, economic and cultural place not only for Poland but for the whole Europe. What to see? Market Square In the heart of the Wroclaw the Market Square is located. This is a place where all the tourists and the citizens of Wroclaw come to eat, be entertained and relax. In the market square you can admire the old town hall. The construction of the town hall started in 13th century and today this building represents many architectural styles like Renaissance and Gothic. You can also find here a monument which is known as Pillory and which was used in the past as place of punishment for criminals. The next important place of admiration is the statue of Alexander Fredro who is one of the most well known of the Polish play writers. Ostrow Tumski Ostrow Tumski which is called Cathedral Island is the oldest part of Wroclaw, of course the place that needs to be visited in here is Cathedral. The construction of the cathedral again started in 13th century however through the years the building was reconstructed and renovated many times. The cathedral is named after John the Baptist. Another place worth visiting in the Ostrow Tumski is Church of the Holy Cross. The Cathedral Island is place where you can visit some important monuments of culture and religion. Panorama Raclawicka Panorama Raclawicka is a painting which presents the battle of Raclawice in 1794. What is so interesting about this painting? The painting is in the shape of a revolving hyperboloid and is very large. size : 120m and 15 m. You can admire the painting in the specially constructed building: Rotunda. The building is open every day (except of Monday) from 9 am to 6 pm. Where to find entertainment? Wroclaw has also a great base for entertainment and night life. Of course many good places are located just in the market square for example Zwiazki which is quite nice. The other important place where many pubs are located is Ruska Street near Pasaz Niepolda. Here you can find bars and clubs like Niebo, Metropolis or Bezsennosc. Of course there are many more places to head for when you are in Wroclaw .Everything depends on taste and individual preferences Where to eat? Of course a city like Wroclaw has a great selection of fine restaurants which are offering great food. For the traditional food you can stop by at Karczma Lwowska Restaurant or Kurna Chata. Of course there is also many places that serve international cuisine like Akropolis or La Luz Art bar and Mexican Restaurant. How to get there? It is easy to get to Wroclaw as there is airport situated close to the city. Ryanair is offering a lot of flights from many different cities in Europe. Where to stay? For the selection of the best accommodation and rates visit our webpage: http://www.gtahotels.com/cities/wroclaw.htm

Get the best rates for your Wroclaw hotel when you book your Wroclaw accommodation online

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