Discount Rates at Apex Hotel City of London

Discount Rates at Apex Hotel City of London 

What Should I Know About the United Kingdom?

The United Kingdom (UK) is a country that consists of several islands off the coast of mainland Europe. It consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and northern Ireland. For centuries, it has been one of the greatest world powers, though its influence has depreciated somewhat since World War II, but it is still the fifth largest economy in the world. In 1801, Great Britain and Ireland were formally united as a kingdom. The current incarnation of the United Kingdom was formed in 1927, when the southern part of Ireland declared independence as a separate country. Throughout history, the country has been formally controlled by a monarchy system. However, today, the monarchy controlled by Queen Elizabeth II is little more than a symbol; the royal family has not actively participated in the country's politics for centuries. Though the monarch is responsible for signing Acts of Parliament into law, no one in the royal family has refused to sign a bill since 1708.
The United Kingdom has been one of the world's largest colonial powers. Over the past centuries, it has developed colonies and held power in many countries for a period of time, including the United States, Canada, Australia, India, and many islands, including the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Bermuda. The United States was first settled by British colonialists, but the Americans later rebelled against control by the United Kingdom, sparking the Revolutionary War for American freedom. Other countries, such as Australia and Canada, never initiated such rebellion against British control, and still maintain symbolic ties to the UK, although they are now regarded as independent countries.

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Royal Park Hotel London at Discount Rates

Royal Park Hotel London at Discount Rates

These are the 6 Things You Need To Know About London 

London is one of Europe's largest cities
London has a population of 7.5 million people and covers 600 square miles which makes it one of Europe's largest cities. Over 270 nationalities live there and between them they speak over 250 languages, more than any other city in the world. 
For traveling the 'Tube' buy a 'travel card' or an 'Oyster Card'
London's underground, better known as the 'Tube' transports over 1 billion people around the English capital every year. There are 12 lines in operation and because many of the city's top attractions have their own stops, you'll definitely use it at some stage. For buying tickets you should buy one of these two: Off-peak travel card for zones 1 and 2: Costing just over £5, this will permit you unlimited travel on the tube within zones 1 and 2, which should be enough for any visitor to the city Oyster Card: These can be picked up at tube stations. They cost £3 and work on a pay as you go basis. Each journey then costs £1.50, but there is a 'capping' scheme where once you use a certain amount, it will stop taking money off your card. They make traveling on the tube cheaper, easier and quicker. 
Many of the world's most instantly recognizable landmarks are here
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge and more landmarks can be found in London. A great way to see lots of them in a short space of time is by going on a walk up the Thames from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge. First you'll see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, then the London Eye, while further down the river you'll see St Paul's Cathedral, the Gherkin Building, Tate Modern, Tower of London and, of course, Tower Bridge. 
The city's top museums and galleries are free
Many of London's top museums and galleries are free. This includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, and the Victoria and Albert Museum around the corner from here on Cromwell Road. Closer to the West End are the National Portrait Gallery on St Martin's Place behind Trafalgar Square, along with the National Gallery which is actually on Trafalgar Square. The famous Tate Modern is also free, while the most popular of all is the British Museum on Great Russell Street which has over 7 million artifacts.
There are lots of parks to chill out in
As London is such a busy city, it's good to know there are lots of parks to chill out in. The biggest and best known is Hyde Park which is full of lakes and fountains, and is where you will find the famous ‘Speakers Corner' where people come to speak their mind on all subjects every Sunday morning. Other parks worth checking out are St James's Park and Green Park in front of Buckingham Palace, and Regents Park and Primrose Hill up in North London.
This is one of the best cities in the world for shopping
Some of the best known streets for shopping in London are Carnaby Street, Regent Street and Oxford Street. The famous department store Harrods can be found in Knights bridge, while bargains can be found at the markets in Camden Town. 

For great hotel rates at Royal Park Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel

Discount Rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel

Here are 10 of the many reasons why London is one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the world.

1. Three of the top ten museums and galleries in the world are in London and 857 art galleries in total.
2. London has four UNESCO world heritage sites: Tower of London, Maritime Greenwich, Westminster Palace which includes Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret's Church as well as Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
3. There are more than 300 languages spoken in London, more than in any other city in the world.
4. There are more than 17,000 music performances a year across London's 300+ venues including The O2 Arena - the world's most popular music venue for the last five years running.
5. 84% of Londoners think that the city's cultural scene is important in ensuring a high quality of life. (GLA/ICM research).
6. London has over 170 museums with 11 national museums including the British Museum - home to thousands of years of culture including the Rosetta Stone (196 BC).
7. Around 250 festivals take place in London every year including London’s largest free festival - The Mayor’s Thames Festival and Europe's biggest street festival- The Notthing Hill Carnival which attracts near one million people.
8. The first performance of a Punch and Judy show at Covent Garden was recorded in Samuel Pepys's diary entry for 9 May 1662, and it is believed a similar puppet show has been seen there every year since. (Oh yes there is!)
9. London presents more live comedy than any other city in the world. From hosting new talent in the backrooms of pubs to the likes of Ricky Gervais, Chris Rock and Steve Coogan performing in major arenas.
10. London dominates the UK visual arts sector, which accounts for 30% of the global art market.

For great hotel rates at St Giles London – St Giles Classic Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Montrose Guest House London

Discount Rates at Montrose Guest House London

Wondering where to Find Stylish Clothes for the Figure at These London Stores?
As you might hope and expect, women in London come in all shapes and sizes and we have shops for everyone. Firstly, I have some handy international Clothing Size Conversion Charts here to guide you to the UK equivalent sizes. It seems most of the Plus Size women's clothes shops in London are around Oxford Street so you won't be dashing around all over town. 
Evans
Evans has 180 stores of plus size fashion so they know how to get the shape right to flatter curvy women. They stock up to size 32 and have everything from nightwear to special occasion wear.Evans have been the plus size women's fashion leader for a long time but don't dismiss them as too 'safe' as Evans had their first catwalk show at London Fashion Week in 2014. You can check the online store locator for other branches but, if you are shopping at Oxford Street, Evans has a branch near Marble Arch.
Primark
Also at the Marble Arch end of Oxford Street is a huge branch of the cheap fashion chain Primark. They cater for all sizes, including children's and men's clothing, and don't have a lot in larger sizes but it can be worth checking for basics (t-shirts, leggings, etc) and for some cheap summer dresses.
Next
On the opposite side of Oxford Street is the chain store Next and they have clothing up to size 26 and a better quality than in Primark.
New Look
Almost next door is a large branch of the chain store New Look. The clothing is quite cheap and the range changes regularly so there's usually something on-trend.
Marks & Spencer
Carrying on along Oxford Street, there's a large branch of M&S on the same side of the street. The M&S Plus range goes up to size 28 and has some good everyday clothes which are usually better quality fabrics than other chain stores.
Long Tall Sally
If you are tall too, head up Orchard Street to find Long Tally Sally on Chiltern Street where they specialize in flattering clothing for women 5'8" (173cm) and above. Clothing is up to size 24 and they stock larger shoe sizes too.
For great hotel rates at Montrose Guest House London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Baglioni Hotel London at Discount Rates

Baglioni Hotel London at Discount Rates

Have you Seen the Smallest Permanent Sculpture in London?
 
Considered by some to be the smallest permanent sculpture in London, the Philpot Lane Mice are indeed small and missed by many a passersby. Two brown mice and a piece of very yellow cheese can be seen above head height on the Philpot Lane side of 23 East cheap, EC3, where the cafe meets its next door neighbor at 13 Philpot Lane. These mice apparently date from 1862 when the Victorian building was constructed for the spice merchants Messrs Hunt & Crombie by John Young & Son.
Philpot Lane
This small side road is named after Sir John Philpot who was Lord Mayor of London between 1378-1379. Philpot Lane links East cheap and Fen church Street and is going to get a lot more visitors since 20 Fen church Street - the skyscraper better known as the Walkies Talkie has opened. The entrance to The Sky Garden is at the back of the building so you will walk along Philpot Lane.
Why Mice?
The story goes that two builders who were good friends were having lunch together high up on a building site (and before the days of Health and Safety). They had packed bread and cheese to eat but one of them found his lunch had been nibbled and he wasn't happy. He accused his friend and a fight broke out which led to both men falling to their death. It was after this accident that a mice infestation was discovered on the building site. Some say it was during the construction of the Victorian building where you can see the mice sculpture and some say it was during the construction of The Monument. As that was completed in 1677 - nearly 200 years before this one. I somehow doubt that story is true.But most people do believe these mice are a memorial to the builders who died.

For great hotel rates at Baglioni Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Hotel 41 London at Discount Rates

Hotel 41 London at Discount Rates 

Have you Seen these Pods at Heathrow Airport?

London is a city that is well known for iconic transport. From the red double decker buses to the London Underground trains, Boat Travel and even a Cable Car Over the Themes, we really do have it all here. But not many people know about these pods at Heathrow Airport. Unless you are a British Airways Business Class Traveler who drives to Heathrow Airport and uses the business car park you may never have seen these pods. (That does rather narrow down the chances, doesn't it?) But they are too much fun to leave just for those travelers so here's where you can find them and what they are all about.(By the way, if you really do like London public transport I've put together this London Public Transport Day of Families and all for a plan for a great day out. I first did this with my daughter but have also done the route again with adult friends and we all had fun.)
 What Are The Pods?
Commissioned by Heathrow Airport operator BAA, The Heathrow Pod Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system was designed and developed by Ultra Global PRT and has been operational since May 2011. This was Ultra’s first commercially operational pod system and it provides 800 passengers per day with a vital link between the T5 Business Car Park and the terminal itself. The transfer system had to fit within the tights constraints imposed by the airport infrastructure.
There are three stations on the system: two in the T5 Business Car Park and one at Terminal 5. Each journey takes four to six minutes. The system consists of 21 vehicles and covers a total of 3.8 kilometers of one-way guideway. The pods travel up to 40 kilometers per hour and each pod can carry up to four passengers. All are driverless and are started by the passenger and then operate automatically.The autonomously driven vehicles have carried over 1 million passengers already.
Where Are The Pods?
If you are a business traveler, and driving to the airport, follow the signs for Business Parking. If you are in Heathrow Airport, head to Terminal 5 and look for the signs for the car park. It is free to use the pods and you do not need a flight ticket to take a journey. If you have spare time at the airport do pop over and see the pods and have a quick ride. I've even got the tube out to Heathrow Airport just to enjoy them on a sunny day!
For great hotel rates at Hotel 41 London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London

Discount Rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London 

What to Find the More Interesting London Markets?

There are a lot of London Street Markets from the local neighborhood ones which sell the everyday basics to the large tourist attractions such as Camden Market and Portobello Road Market. But I'm often asked where are the more unusual London markets. The ones that are not on every visitors' list. So I've put together this list of interesting London markets to appeal to the more curious shopper. I've already written about where to buy antique in London but these markets are great for browsing. Alfie's Antiques Market is in a former department store in Marylebone. The Egyptian-style art deco facade gives you an idea how quirky this place is but head inside and you'll find around 100 dealers and a rabbit warren of routes across the floors. Whether you're looking for furniture, vintage clothing, artworks or just a really unusual one-off item this is a great place to explore. And if you need to make a decision on a purchase head up to the rooftop cafe while you contemplate. 

For great hotel rates at Rose and Crown Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London

Discount Rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London 

Ever Wanted to Know Can we Share an Oyster Card?

What Is An Oyster Card?
An Oyster card is a reusable credit card-sized plastic card for paying for London transport. You can use it on London Underground, the buses, London Overground and for discounts on river services. You simply add credit to the card and then tap it on the yellow reader as you enter and exit stations for the correct fare to be automatically deducted. Using an Oyster card offers cheaper fares than paper tickets or cash fares. (Do note, you cannot pay cash anymore on any London Buses.) If you make multiple journeys in a day the Oyster card knows to cap the amount deducted when you reach the equivalent Day Travel card rate.
Do We Need An Oyster Card Each?
Yes, you do. You can't put credit on a single Oyster card and then try it use it to pay for the travel of more than one passenger, when traveling together. Each passenger needs a separate Oyster card to pay for their journey.
Can We Share An Oyster Card When Not Traveling Together?
If you have a Pay As You Go (PAYG) Oyster card and are traveling at different times then yes, you can share a card. I keep a spare one at home for visitors and there is no photo card needed; I just need to add enough credit to cover the journey/s. If you have a weekly, monthly, or annual Oyster card then you cannot share it and you do need to use a photo card for the registered user.

For great hotel rates at 9 Hertford Street Apartments London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at Malt House Hotel London

Discount Rates at Malt House Hotel London 

Did you Know There's Chocolate Museum in South London?

This small, free independent museum opened in 2013. It's in Brixton, south London, and just a short walk from the tube station. The museum was established in 2008 by French artisan chocolatier, Isabelle Alaya who also runs Melange Chocolate in Peck ham, south London, where they specialize in chocolate blends including many herbs and spices. The Chocolate Museum has a ground floor, which includes a cafe and shop, and most of the collection is downstairs on a lower level. I discovered that the first Chocolate House in London opened in 1657. And when cocoa first arrived in Europe it was considered a medicine and therefore healthy and good for us.
The collection has a range of memorabilia dating back to the 18th century. There is a permanent collection about worldwide chocolate history and the processing of chocolate on the ground floor. On the lower floor there's the British History of Chocolate collection, as well as the History of Cocoa and Slavery. The lower floor has a video to watch about the chocolate production process from a plantation in Venezuela. I liked seeing the different shaped chocolate molds, plus the hot chocolate cups and pitchers. While only a small collection, the intention is to convey a sense of how the status and demand for chocolate has changed and increased and since the 17th century. The Chocolate Museum also offers chocolate making workshops and chocolate tasting workshops for children and adults but you do need to book in advance. I stopped in the cafe to try the traditional and flavored hot chocolate with friends. There are dairy-free options, and a fun 'solid choc on a wooden spoon' option which you stir into hot milk, plus a children's hot chocolate too.

For great hotel rates at Malt House hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Cafe Royal at Discount Rates

Cafe Royal Hotel at Discount Rates

Want to know how you can see the London Monopoly board places by bus?

While the Monopoly board game originated in the US, the London Monopoly board is world famous.
I wanted to find a way to see the London Monopoly board locations without having to walk for a day (6+ hours) and the pub crawl tour didn't appeal. I didn't want to be on the tube as then I wouldn't see very much along the way so I decided to find normal London buses that would pass as near as possible to all of the locations on the board.I chose not to see the locations in the order they appear on the board, as that would have taken much longer, but I have found a way to see the London Monopoly sights with just four London buses. I've even got a Tick List you can print out to use along the way. The total journey time is around 2.5 hours.
No booking is required - these are standard public transport bus routes - and, of course, you can get on and off as often as you like along each of the routes as long as you have an Oyster Card or travel card.
Even if you have a Pay As You Go Oyster card it will 'cap' (stop charging more) when you reach the equivalent cost of a one day travel card so it doesn't matter if you do 4 or 40 bus journeys on the same day. Do note,you can no longer pay cash on London buses. I've tried to name some of the bus stops to help and you'll be able to find them easily, once on board, as there's a display on both levels of the bus naming the next stop and there are now audible on board announcements too.

For great hotel rates at Cafe Royal hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at The Landmark Hotel London

Discount Rates at The Landmark Hotel London

Have you tried the 139 London bus for cheap sightseeing?

There are many London Bus Route that are Great for Sightseeing. I like the number 139 route as it starts in northwest London, passes through central London, and ends in southeast London so there's a lot to see.
Do note, London Buses no Longer Accept Cash Fares so you will need an Oyster Card but if you have it loaded with a travel card your bus trip is free (well, it costs no more for however much travel to do). Or you could use a Contact less Payment Card which will also 'cap' at the one day travel card rate however many journeys you take.

There are some great official hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tours but, if you have some confidence traveling on London buses, you can make any route a hop on/hop off service.

The No. 139 London Bus

Time needed: 1 hour approx.

Start: West Hampstead

Finish: Waterloo
To reach the start of the route you need to go to West Hampstead station which is on the Jubilee Line for the Underground and is also on the Overground network. Walk up West End Lane to bus stop T, near to West End Green. It's on the righthand side of the road as you walk up the hill and is under ten minutes away. (Do note the Underground and Overground stations are not in the same building but are on the same stretch of West End Lane.)

On the same side as the bus stop there are some charity shops to browse for a bargain.
I must say I had the nicest bus driver who smiled and laughed with the first passengers on and stopped and waited for passengers dashing to bus stops along the route.
As ever, it's good to get an upper deck front row seat, which is why it's worth coming to the start of the route. I had a very clean bus as it had clearly been washed recently (but, sadly, this meant the front windows were a bit smeared so I couldn't great photos) yet I did still have a good enough view of the sights along the way.

For great hotel rates at The Landmark Hotel London click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

The Halkin Hotel at Discount Rates

The Halkin Hotel at Discount Rates

Have you tried the shortest London Underground line?
The Waterloo & City line is the shortest underground railway line in London as it only connects two stations: Waterloo and Bank. Yet it is a proper tube line and part of the London Underground system. Some Londoners refer to the line as the "Drain" as it passes under the River Thames.

History

The Waterloo & City line opened on 11 July 1898 with the prime purpose to move commuters from the southwest of England arriving at Waterloo mainline railway station to their work location in The City.

The line became part of London Underground in 1994.

The Journey
The route is just 1.5 miles long and the journey takes four minutes.The line is busiest at the commuter rush hours so on weekdays at 7-10am and 4-7pm.The trains have only four carriages so are shorter than other tube trains but they are the same design as used on the Central Line.

Opening Hours

Since September 2013, The Waterloo & City line is open until 00:30 Monday to Saturday. It still remains closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Bank Station

Bank station opened as City and was renamed on 28 October 1940.The Waterloo & City Line is separate from the other tube lines at Bank so you need to come through the barriers and cross over to the W&C Line walkway. There’s a traveler here which always makes me feel as if I’m going on holiday as I generally only see them at airports. The 300 ft long sloping moving walkways were added in 1960 to ease congestion.

Make sure you 'touch in' again with your Oyster Card/Contact less Payment Card so the system knows you are catching a Waterloo & City Line train. Look out for the ‘validators’ before the platform. (When at Waterloo, make sure you 'touch out' at the end of the walkway, before the stairs, and not on the South West Trains platform or you’ll get overcharged. Check with station staff if you’re unsure.)

What To See Near Each Station

While the Waterloo & City Line is mostly used by commuters it is a really great way for visitors to connect two parts of town that you might not think of seeing on the same day.

Waterloo brings you to the South Bank so you can stroll along the pedestrianized riverside walkway for a fabulous free day out. You can start from the London Eye (also the London Aquarium and London Dungeon in County Hall), then the South bank Center which often has free events including a weekend food market just behind, watch the skateboarders, stop for a bite to eat at Gabriel’s Wharf, shop at the OXO Tower and visit Tate Modern – the nation’s free contemporary art gallery in a former power station.

For great hotel rates at The Halkin Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Sofitel London St James at Discount Rates

Sofitel London St James at Discount Rates

Have you been to London's Little Venice?

Little Venice is a pool of water where the Regent's Canal meets the Padding ton Arm of the Grand Union Canal. It is a lovely calm location in upmarket Maida Vale and a real contrast to the busy London you may be expecting.There are colorful narrow boats and tree lined streets with white stuccoed mansions and villas in this wealthy neighborhood. It's a popular spot and right on the water there is a puppet theater and waterside cafe. Plus there is a boat service to Camden and London Zoo.

The Name!

Most attribute the name of Little Venice to the poet Robert Browning who lived overlooking the canal at 19 Warwick Crescent from 1861 to 1868. But the London Canal Website believes it is Lord Byron who should be credited with comparing this section of London's waterways with the Italian city as while we think the area is incredibly picturesque now it was, apparently, even more beautiful in Byron's time. The name came into use after the Second World War as the area was largely untouched by bomb damage.

How To Find Little Venice?

The nearest tube station is Warwick Avenue on the Baker loo Line. Take the left exit from the tube station and walk straight up Warwick Avenue (that's the name of the road). At the traffic lights turn right on Bloomfield Road and the Pool of Little Venice will be on your left. Walk down to West bourne Terrace Road Bridge on your left and cross over.On the right-hand side of the bridge is the Old Toll House which dates back to 1812. On the left at the end of the bridge, at the junction of Delamere Terrace and Warwick Crescent, there's a slope to lead you down to the canal path.Alternatively, you can also walk from Padding ton in about 15 minutes. Follow the directions for the Rolling Bridges but instead of going up the steps and crossing the canal, stay on the canal path and walk on for about 10-15 minutes to reach Little Venice.

For great hotel rates at Sofitel London St James click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Discount Rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel

Discount Rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel

Do you know about Regent's Park's secret garden?

The Regent's Park secret garden as it is such a peaceful location with few visitors. It's a garden that was designed to be meditative, providing an elegant counterbalance to the busy pathways of the larger park. It's also a bit hard to find which helps with the mystique.Many visitors to Regent's Park may never find the secret garden, or even know if its existence, and that just makes it all the more exciting when you do.

Regent's Park was designed by John Nash (1752-1835) who was a government architect and friend of the Prince Regent. The large round park included a processional road to St. James's Palace, that we now know as Regent Street. 56 villas were planned for The Regent's Park but only 8 were ever built.
St John's Lodge
Located off the inner circle in Regent's Park, St. John's Lodge is one of two remaining garden villas included in John Nash's residential plan of 1811. (The other is The Holmes.) St. John's Lodge was the first villa to be built in Regent's Park in 1817-19 and remained a private residence until 1916.

The grounds had an informal layout until the 3rd Marquess of Bute purchased the lease to the Lodge in 1888.The Bute family did not extend their lease on St. John's Lodge as some of the land (5.5 acres) was taken back into Regent's Park in 1916 and it would have made their chapel near the lake inaccessible from the house. The chapel is no longer here but the Regent's Park nursery was established near the east of the garden and, I believe, that's now the Regent's Park Allotment Garden, which is just next door and also open to the public to visit.During World War One, the villa and outbuildings were used as a hospital for disabled officers, and later, in 1920-37, by the St. Dunstan's Institute for the Blind. Other occupants include the University of London's Institute of Archaeology, from 1937-1959, and by the history department of Bed ford College, from 1959-1983. A development company, Messila House, occupied the house from 1987-1994 before it was sold for £40 million.

Today the villa is a private residence again, owned by the Kuwaiti royal family and the royal family of Brunei, but the garden is open to all and has been available to the public since 1928.
St John's Lodge Gardens

In 1888, Lord Bute commissioned Robert Weir Shultz (1860-1951) to carry out works to the villa and grounds including 'a garden fit for meditation'.

For great hotel rates at The Bentley London - a Hilton Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Egerton House Hotel at Discount Rates

Egerton House Hotel at Discount Rates

Have you seen those green sheds London taxi drivers use?

You may have seen the green garden shed-like buildings in London and wondered what they are. These are cabbie shelters for London's Black Cab Drivers and inside they can get a hot drink and a freshly cooked meal at a very reasonable rate.London Cabbie Shelters History Back in 1875, Captain George Armstrong, an ex-soldier and editor of The Globe newspaper, wanted to hail a Hansom cab (horse and two-wheel cart) and while there were plenty of vehicles to be seen there were no drivers. He discovered the drivers keeping warm in a local pub which, of course, also meant they were drinking.

Armstrong took a typically Victorian approach and encouraged reform and a better solution to drunken cabbies. Along with the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury, and other philanthropists, they set up the Cabman's Shelter Fund. Between 1875 and 1914 the Fund build about 60 shelters in London to provide shelter from the weather and "wholesome refreshments" (no alcohol). Each shelter had an attendant who received no wage but was paid by selling food and drink. They could also charge half-a-penny to cook any food brought in by the cabbie.The first shelter opened in 1875 in Acacia Avenue, St. John’s Wood close to Captain Armstrong's home.

The Shelters As the shelters are on the public highway, the police specified that each shelter could be no larger than a horse and four-wheel cart. Yet even though the structures are small each has a kitchen and seating, with tables, for about 12 drivers.There are railings around the shelters that were intended for the tethering of the Hansom cab's horses. Some of these can still be seen today.Another typically Victorian approach towards bettering oneself, the shelters always had a selection of books and newspapers, and gambling was forbidden. Even today, there is always a selection of newspapers to read to ensure the drivers are up-to-date with the day's news when chatting to 'a fare' later.

While there are 21,000 black cab drivers on the streets of London just 13 shelters have survived. Some were lost during bombing in WWII and others were removed for street improvements for the larger vehicles on the road today. The Cabmen's Shelter Fund look after the Grade II listed buildings. A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund also ensures their place in history is recorded.

For great hotel rates at Egerton House Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Threadneedles Hotel at Discount Rates

Threadneedles Hotel at Discount Rates

Find out what to expect on a backstage tour of London's Royal Opera House!

The Royal Opera House in Convent Garden is Britain's leading opera house. It is home to The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera. The iconic building covers an area of 2.5 acres.The Royal Opera House Backstage Tour gives an insight into the behind-the-scenes areas as well as the Front of House and the elegant Paul Hamlyn Hall (see more below).Your Guide will explain about the history of the building and how much has changed during the major refurbishment between 1997 and 1999.As this is a working theater every tour varies. You will hopefully get to see inside the auditorium and possibly see The Royal Ballet in class or rehearsing.

Important Notes
There is quite a bit walking on the tour but the tour route is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Photography is not permitted.
Tours are not suitable for children under 8 years old.
Tours available Monday to Saturday.
Tour duration: 1 hour 15 minutes maximum.

Backstage Tour Review

Tours start from by the Cloakroom area for a good reason. It can be very hot backstage as the ballet dancers cannot let their muscles cool down so do put your coat in the free cloakroom.Your Tour Guide leads the group through the Front of House areas and explains the history of the theater. This is actually the third theater on this site. The first was a playhouse, not an opera house, in 1732. Sadly, it burned down and took two years to rebuild. The second opened as an Italian opera house but that too burned down during a masque ball in 1808. The theater was rebuilt, on time and under budget and opened in 1858. By 1892 the theater gained royal status.

The 1997-99 refurbishment kept many of the Victorian features but also introduced up-to-date technology to allow the theater to function more efficiently. Previously each set had to be dismantled and carried to storage across the road for a different show but now three sets can all be ready to use on a stage that can rotate them into place.

For great hotel rates at Threadneedles Hotel click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

The Berkeley Hotel London at Discount Rates

The Berkeley Hotel London at Discount Rates

Where to see love locks in London?
Love locks are yet another way for couples to declare their love is eternal and cannot be undone. Bridges have been the most popular locations as you can attach the padlock to the bridge and then toss the keys into the river below.
The idea has been seen across Europe since the early 2000s and some say the Pont des Arts bridge in

Paris was where it all started.Lock locks or love padlocks are now often seen in Wedding Ceremonies as the symbolism works well for unlocking your heart and all that romantic stuff. What was once done together in secret at night is now a ceremony performed in broad daylight with accompanying blatant photos and videos to prove you did it.

Some couples use a standard padlock and write or paint their initials onto the padlock and others have special padlocks engraved with the date of their, often Honeymoon,visit.
While love locks can be seen in London there are nowhere near as many as in Venice and Rome where the authorities are spending a lot of time and money removing the locks as they are damaging historic bridges.
I've heard it said it’s a souvenir to leave in a city you love that you hope you can visit when you next return together. Others say it simply disfigures a beautiful bridge.
This footbridge connects the South bank, by the South bank Center, to Charing Cross station and The Embankment on the north side of the river Thames. (Hunger ford Bridge is the railway bridge that runs parallel.) This isn't the most popular bridge for love locks but there are always a few to be seen.

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Discount Rates at The Fox and Grapes Hotel

Discount Rates at The Fox and Grapes

How to enjoy a night out in London without drinking?
Londoners often spend a lot of time socializing down the pub which has made drinking part of our lifestyle. Pubs do also serve soft drinks so many non-drinkers still choose to head to the pub but maybe you are looking for somewhere else. If you have teenagers, health or religious reasons to avoid the booze you will be pleased to know there is plenty to do in London in the evenings that doesn't involve alcohol and this list should get you started.Visit a Museum or Gallery Many museums and galleries have a Late Night Opening either once a week or once a month. Some of the best weekly nights to know about are The V&A which is open until 10pm every Friday and Tate Modern which is open until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Some of the best monthly nights include the Science Museum, Museum of London and the London Transport Museum.You could even stay all night if you do a London Museum Sleepover.

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Discount Rates at Metropolitan Hotel London

Discount Rates at Metropolitan Hotel London

Ever Wanted to Know What is The Sky Garden London?
The Sky Garden is a public area on the top of the skyscraper best known as the 'Walkie Talkie' (and shortly nicknamed the Fry scraper due to its tendency to focus light onto a patch of ground that could just about cook an egg, or Melt all of the plastic on very expensive Parked Car Bellow).
This three stores atrium space is central London’s highest garden and is open to the public but you must book in advance.While the Walkie Talkie certainly isn't the tallest the building in The City of London it is dominant on the City skyline with its unusual reverse tapered design meaning the 37-stores tower office block has a smaller foot print than the previous building yet it expands wider at the top because higher floors can demand higher rents. This has given us a deceptively large amount of public space for the Sky Garden, a condition of the planning permission.

The Sky Garden is on levels 35, 36 and 37. It is 45,000 sq ft of high level 'amenity space' with 360 degree panoramic views of London. There are three events spaces available for hire as well as two restaurants and a private dining room. In all, there is room for 400 diners, plus an extra 200 members of the public exploring the 'garden'.The three dinning options are essentially a cafe, a brasserie and a seafood bar.

Sky Pod is the cafe on level 35. It's a 'coffee and cake' place during the day and a cocktail bar at night. There are sofas, tables and chairs, plus stools and high tables to enjoy the view. This area is under a roof but is within the garden so has no heating but is 'naturally ventilated' which basically means it can be cold in the winter and probably hot in the summer. A bit like the outdoor temperature but without the wind. In case it is a bit chilly there are faux furs and cashmere blankets available to keep you warm.You can book a table or, if there is space, you can just grab a drink if you have a Sky Garden ticket. Sky Pod is the most accessibly-priced dining option in the Sky Garden with a pot of tea costing £3.50 (2015 rate).
There is also an outside terrace next to Sky Pod but it was closed during the winter when I visited. It's basically going to end up as a smoker's terrace as food and drink is not allowed. It is called the Francis Golding Terrace after the architect who died in a cycle accident in 2013.
The two restaurants above have heating and air-conditioning so are not as affected by outside temperatures. To dine at either of the restaurants you must book in advance.
Darwin Brasserie is on level 36 and offers classic European cuisine. There is a semi-exposed kitchen and a large bar to provide 'food theater'.
Fen church Seafood Bar & Grill is on level 37. This is the most expensive and, bizarrely as it's at the highest level, has the worst view as it has frosted glass windows. This is all about privacy and an exclusive place to be rather than the sights.

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Discount Rates at Hullett House Hong Kong

Discount Rates at Hullett House Hong Kong

The Best 3 Hong Kong's Beach Restaurants and Bars!
Hong Kong’s beaches are hugely underrated. They span packed sands minutes from Central to untouched stretches of golden grain on uninhabited islands. You can see our favorites in top Six Beaches in Hong Kong. But where to eat where to drink while enjoying the sea view?

In this city focused on the boardroom rather than board shorts not much has been done to develop the seaside and it can be hard to find a good beach restaurant or cafe. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Below are our top picks for a bit of food and drink next to the lapping waves of the South China Sea.

The China Beach Club

While it doesn't quite make it on to the beach, China beach club does offer excellent views over Silver mine Bay from its terrace. A shabby chic interior is accidental rather than planned but all the more enjoyable for it with plastic seats and mismatched cutlery joined by pictures of Buddha and the Italian countryside sharing wall space. The menu is similarly erratic veering from burger and chips through lasagne and curry. Top of your list should be the BBQ steaks, prawns and other seafood which come straight from the grill out the back at very reasonable price.

The Cococabana

Hong Kong’s classiest seaside restaurant is still pretty relaxed with smart white tablecloths joined by bamboo seats on the patio. You’ll just about get by with sandals and shorts. The patio offers front row seats onto the beautiful beach at Shek O and with drinks served until 23:00 it’s a great place to enjoy some time under the stars. The star studded location does mean inflated prices for a menu of passable French and seafood dishes. Close to the action on Hong Kong Island it's absolutely jammed at weekends and during the evening later in the week and it’s well worth making a recommendation.

The Stoep

One of Hong Kong’s most established seaside restaurants is also one of its most controversial. There are no doubts over the location. The setting on Cheung Sha beach over on Lantau is one of Hong Kong’s best and the patio seating at the front spills onto the sand. There is also good news from the menu. The South African kitchen cooks up BBQ meat and sausage – perfect break at the beach food. Unfortunately, the service gets mixed reviews with some visitors vowing they’d rather hot foot it over hot coals that make a return.

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Island Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Island Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

The New Territories Hong Kong guide!

Usually overlooked for the skyscrapers and star ferry trips across the harbor (and rightly so), the New Territories are nevertheless cruelly overlooked. Hong Kong may be famed as a city state but the stretch of green that spreads out between the end of Kowloon, in the south, and the Chinese border in the north, offers endless opportunities to relax on unexplored beaches, hike over jungle like greenery and explore villages that have changed little since Imperial China.

Where is The New Territories?

The last piece of the puzzle when the Chinese were forced to hand over Hong Kong, the New Territories run from the top of the Kowloon Peninsula to the Chinese border.In the seventies and the eighties the Hong Kong government built a number of new towns in the New Territories, such as Sha Tin, and these have developed in large bedroom communities.Beyond the new towns, the New Territories remain as they always were rural. You’ll still find farmers, ramshackle huts set around ancestral halls and acres of unspoiled countryside.

The coastline is especially inviting, with dozens of small islands scattered just off the coast, while much of the southern New Territories are occupied by country parks.

The New Territories how to get there For the great outback The New Territories are well served by public transport with a couple of MRT lines serving the area.As you step off the beaten track you’ll increasingly need to reply on public minibuses. These are cheap, fast and frequent although they can be a little bit of a challenge to negotiate if you don’t speak Chinese.

The main new towns, such as Tuen Mun (West), Sha Tin (Central) and Sai Kung (East) tend to act as central transport hubs into the rest of the countryside.
What to see in the New Territories?
Walled villages Originally built to stop villagers in neighboring villages murdering each other, there are still several walled villages in Hong Kong that are a couple of hundred years old. Still very much based around family clans these villages often have ornate ancestral halls and intact outer walls. The best of the bunch is Kat Hing Wai where, beyond the satellite dishes and luxury cars, you’ll still see women in head to toe traditional black dress and a fantastic ancestral hall Seside towns Sai Kung just around the corner from Kowloon the low rise village of Sai Kung has grown large enough to be worth exploring and alongside the excellent seafood restaurants that made it famous it has a number of other good places to eat.

There is little to do in town apart from stroll along the promenade and watch fisherman haul in their catch and watch luxury yachts parade around but it’s an enjoyable place to while away an easy afternoon.

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Discount Rates at East Hotel Hong Kong

Discount Rates at East Hotel Hong Kong

Every People want to know How has Hong Kong changed since the Hong Kong handover?

Since the Hong Kong handover in 1997, not much has changed in Hong Kong. The British left in place the Basic Law, to protect Hong Kong’s ‘way of life’ and capitalist system for at least fifty years. However, some largely symbolic changes related to royalty and Britishness have taken place. See the list below for the Hong Kong handovers more superficial changes.

Goodbye Queen Liz

Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait that graced banknotes and postage stamps has been withdrawn. The flower of Hong Kong, the Bauhinia has replaced her highness in most cases. You'll still find many coins from before 1997 in circulation. They are still legal tender.

Lowering the Flag

All state buildings now fly the flag of the PRC, often alongside the flag of Hong Kong, rather than the Union Jack. The Hong Kong Protest that gripped the city in 2014 and the associated protest groups have often used the Hong Kong colony flag while on the streets.

Happy Holidays
Public Holidays were revamped, many British standards like the Queen's birthday were dropped, while more traditional Chinese ones, such as Buddha’s Birthday, have taken their place. Hong Kong still celebrates Christmas and Easter as official holidays. Similarly, events are still held to commemorate Hong Kong's role in World War Two at the cenotaph in Central.

No More Royal

Organisations such as the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals decided to drop the Royal from their title, while others, such as the police, were obliged to. The only organization to continue using the prefix is the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club. The word royal can only be used when an organisation or institution has been issued a royal letter of patent.

Lingua France

The official languages of Hong Kong remain Cantonese and English, however the government now pursues a tri-lingual policy, inclusive of Mandarin. Levels of English and Mandarin speaking are a hot topic in the city, with government and school language policies frequently the subject of heated debate. One interesting change is the Hong Kong subway, the MTR, where Mandarin swapped with English as the number two announcement.

Green Changes
The traditional British red post boxes were replaced by the Hong Kong posts green ones. You can still find one of the very few remaining red post boxes outside western market.
The changes listed above are largely superficial. If you are interested in learning a bout the city's political changes, read our piece on the Hong Kong Protest.

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Discount Rates at Ovolo 2 Arbuthnot Road Central Hotel Hong Kong

Discount Rates at Ovolo 2 Arbuthnot Road Central Hotel Hong Kong

Ever Wanted to Know Where is the Best 3 Hong Kong Islands?

The region of Hong Kong is made up of hundreds of individual islands. These range from the bright lights and city escapes of Hong Kong Island to the forgotten stretches of wilderness on Peng Chau. We’ll be looking at the latter below.
If you’re in town for more than a couple of days then it’s well worth getting away from the concrete and glass of the city center. Hong Kong’s islands offer a fantastic alternative for tourists. You’ll find golden beaches, unspoiled stretches of jungle like wilderness and dozens of small fishing villages where you can enjoy giant sized plates of fish for a fistful of dollars.
The Lamma Island
Probably the most popular of Hong Kong’s Islands with tourists, Lamma offers a laid back haven that has attracted backpackers, dropouts and bankers sick of the sight of skyscrapers. The island has about 5,000 residents, mostly clustered around the enjoyably ramshackle ‘capital’ of Yung Shue Wan. With no cars allowed on the island, this one street outback town has a relaxed appeal and the many makeshift bars are great places to tuck into a cold San Miguel.
Lamma is also a destination for seafood aficionados with the bare bones seafood restaurants over in the fishing village of Sok Kwu Wan serving up everything fresh from the fisherman’s boat. Surroundings offer little more than plastic chairs and tables but the food quality is high and prices low.
You can reach Sok Kwu Wan via an enjoyable hike through the rich greenery in the center of the island. Don’t miss out on a stop at Lo So Shing beach on the way. This small bay of golden sand is regularly and rightly ranked as one of the best beaches in Hong Kong.
The Lantau Island
Hong Kong’s largest island is often overshadowed by its association with the airport and the sprawling new town of Tung Chung. Don’t be put off, there is plenty to see here and Lantau Island is well worth exploring.
The most well-trodden route is the Ngong Ping Cable Car. The glass bottomed gondola ferries visitors from Tung Chung up to the Big Buddha statue and monastery in the interior of the island. The cable car is expensive and the ‘traditional’ village erected at its destination is well worth missing, but the views the cable car offers over the lush greenery below and on the South China Sea are spectacular.
For a less crowded experience, try the south and south west of the island. Much of the interior is carpeted in greenery and offers fantastic opportunities for hiking. The hike from Shek Pik reservoir on the south of the island to Tai Po in the north is an enjoyable one. The reward at the end is Tai O village – one of the more unique destinations in Hong Kong. Many of the houses in this small fishing village are built on wooden stilts, perched precariously above the tidal flats below. The village is till enjoyably busy and you’re likely to be the only tourists in town.
The Hong Kong Island
You probably aren't here to read about Hong Kong Island so we won’t waste space singing its praises. Unlike the rest of the islands here,Hong Kong Island isn't an outlying island but actually holds the majority of Hong Kong city (along with Kowloon). If you’re looking for Hong Kong; the city of skyscrapers, neon signs and endless neighborhood restaurants, set your sights on Hong Kong Island.

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Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East at Discount Rates

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Kowloon East at Discount Rates

Everyone Wanted to Know Where is The Best Hong Kong wet markets?

The best destination for any budding gourmet when in Hong Kong. Wet markets are where you can pick up fresh from the water seafood, meat that’s still alive and kicking as well as enjoy some cheap and excellent canteen food.Whether you need some apples and pears, want to see what a star fruit looks like or just need to pick up a fresh chicken or three, the wet markets of Hong Kong remain the best place to pick up fresh produce and meat. Set in the heart of districts around the city’s wet markets are still where many Hong Kong residents still do their food shopping.

You’ll find most wet markets have moved from their traditional location on the street and are now bunker-ed down in ugly concrete carbuncles that look more like a car park than a market. Inside is pure bedlam. Dozens of independent market stalls line the walls, while fish splash around on butchers blocks and keen eyed patrons pluck the choicest chickens from their cage. You’ll also find an endless selection of fresh fruit and veg and stalls bursting with colorful flowers.

Most of the meat, especially poultry and fish, is sold live and often butchered on the spot and wet markets aren't for the faint of heart. Most stall holders won’t speak English but you will always find someone who can lend a hand in translating and many signs inside will be in English. Prices are usually cheaper than the supermarkets and you may get a good deal on a pound of apples or a lobster when the markets close around 7pm.

Graham Street wet market By far the most atmospheric wet market in Hong Kong, the stalls on Graham Street have been operating since before the turn of the last century and it’s one of the few markets still set on the street. Watch as buckets of ice are swilled down the street, market traders try and career tumbling baskets of fruit up the hill while tourists snap everything in sight with their camera. If you only see one wet market make it this one. And it's in Central.

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Lanson Place Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Lanson Place Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Why Hong Kong is still the best place in Asia to shop?

While they may take a spin on the Star Ferry and enjoy a plate of Dim Sum or three what most tourists want in Hong Kong is a good old fashioned shopping spree. The city has long had a reputation for being a shopping fanatics playground. Whether you want to lord it inside the biggest Louis Vuitton shop outside Paris or get your hands dirty bartering at the Goldfish market Hong Kong is still the sheikh of shopping.

Here are our 3 reasons why Hong Kong is still the best place to shop in Asia.

Long nights and neon lights

Forget 9 am to 5pm. While Hong Kong’s shops open early in the morning they don’t start to fill up until 6pm or 7pm in the evening and by 9pm you've got streets crammed with eager shoppers. Whether you’re weighed down with your newly bought loot or a weary companion ragged along for the ride the atmosphere is exhilarating: thousands of shoppers on the streets lit by the neon glow of the city’s famous shop signs.

Climbing around Causeway Bay

And nowhere does Neon better than Causeway Bay. This neighborhood is dedicated to shopping.The streets are crammed with international names and local retailers looking to make their name. But look up and you’ll find skyscrapers stuffed with markets, malls and some of Hong Kong’s best independent shops.

Causeway Bay is one of the most iconic areas in Hong Kong; those photos you've seen of the city’s brightly lit, neon streets, packed with shoppers are usually of here. Many of the shops in this area keep their doors open until after 10pm., while the crowds are simply phenomenal they make New York or London look roomy.Several of the main streets have been pedestrianized to allow more room for shoppers,and Causeway Bay differs from other parts of Hong Kong, notably Central, in that the majority of the shops are on the street not in Shopping Malls.
Tailor Made Experiences 
The best tailors in the world still do their business in Hong Kong. Descendants of Shanghai immigrants who fled communism and with a fine pedigree of dressing generals and governors, the tailors in Hong Kong can knock you up a top notch suit cheaper than their competitors in New York or London and better quality than across the border in China.Hong Kong has an absolute army of tailors and the city is rightly famed for being able to stitch-up top quality suits at bottom dollar prices we've picked five of the best. Best in Hong Kong doesn't always mean pretty and the top tailors are as likely to be found buried down a backstreet or at the wrong end of a shopping arcade as in a five-star hotel.

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Discount Rates at The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

Discount Rates at The Ritz Carlton Hong Kong

Ever Wanted to Know what is the 3 Things not to do in Hong Kong?

Just pack T-shirts and shorts Yes, Hong Kong is hot. Yes, the humidity will reduce you to tears. But, no, no one will thank you for turning up for dinner in your best Bermudas. A pair of shorts to the beach or even sightseeing is fine but expect to attract the unwanted attention of the door staff if you want to have a sit down meal or a drink. And for those of you who think shorts are OK for the boardroom, they aren't – and they certainly aren't in snappy dressing Hong Kong.

Speak Chinese or Mandarin.

There is no such language as Chinese. Instead there are a variety of languages and dialects defined as Chinese. The one you have probably been learning is Mandarin which is the official language of China and spoke in large parts of the country. It is not spoken in Hong Kong where the official language is Cantonese. While Hong Kongers have lessons in Mandarin there is enough resentment towards the dominance of the language that Hong Kongers don’t appreciate it when people try to communicate with them in Mandarin. Stick to English, or, if you know it, Cantonese.

Only eat western food

Yes, it’s possible but you’ll be missing out on the best Cantonese food in the world. From Dim Sum to honey roasted pork and rice and a dozen brilliant dishes in between. And it’s cheap. A bowl of noodles from a cafe will be delicious and cost little more than a fistful of dollars while some slap up seafood will still be less than $10.

Only eat Chinese food

Tell some people you had a fantastic burrito in Hong Kong and they’ll accuse you of a grand cultural betrayal. But Hong Kong doesn't have to mean rice, noodles and wantons with every meal. This is a fantastic international city with a split Chinese and western character and that’s something that’s reflected in the food on offer. There are some fantastic western restaurants here and having a pint in a British pub or some bread and butter pudding in Jimmy's Kitchen is every bit as much a Hong Kong experience as the clattering of a Dim Sum restaurant.

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Discount Rates at Conrad Hotel Hong Kong

Discount Rates at Conrad Hotel Hong Kong

Best new attractions in Hong Kong 2015?

There’s always something new in Hong Kong - whether it’s the Guinness World record breaking light show at the ICC or a pair of new attractions at Disneyland and Ocean Park. Below we pick the latest and greatest new attractions in Hong Kong from the past twelve months.Not content with the world’s biggest light show, Hong Kong has now bagged the title of world’s biggest light show on a single building. And it is an absolute showstopper. The stage is the 118 story ICC skyscraper the tallest in Hong Kong - and it’s decked in hundreds of individual LED lights. During the 10-minute show you’ll see footballers juggling balls, horses galloping and space invaders all passing across the facade of the building. The show is aimed at those sat across the harbor on Hong Kong Island and the best seats are at the IFC mall on the waterfront. The show runs at 7.45pm and 9pm each day and is not to be confused with the much bigger Symphony of Lights.

Hong Kong Disneyland had a rough time when it first opened in Hong Kong, suffering from a lack of rides and a string of PR missteps. Things have improved considerably and the park can now claim to match its rivals around the world. This year saw the addition of a night parade. Featuring floats filled with Disney’s favorite characters parading down main street it’s a pleasing piece of American Pie. Stars of the show for the kids include Cars and Monsters while older Disney fans can watch old favorites Tinkerbell the Little Mermaid in action. The curtain closer is of course everyone’s favorite mouse, Mickey.

For great hotel rates at Conrad Hotel Hong Kong click the link at the top of this page and enjoy discounts from over 300 different travel agencies.

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Ever Wanted to Know where is the Best Christmas shopping in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is a fantastic place to shop and a fantastic place for a spot of Christmas shopping.

Whether you want to pick up a handmade Christmas bauble or a tree or you want some tips on the best stocking fillers and gifts with a little local style  we've profiled the city’s best festive malls, markets and shops.It might be balmy outside but that doesn't mean Hong Kong can’t pretend to welcome in a white Christmas. head over to the Elements shopping mall in Kowloon to enjoy an ice skating rink dressed in all the usual Christmas trimmings.
All of the Hong Kong malls will be in an arms race to produce the most attractive Christmas decorations. The gargantuan Harbor City is promising Santa’s train, including the bearded man himself holding court, while nearby 1881 Heritage will offer a more artistic interpretation of the festive season with its themed enchanted forest.The best place in town to pick up traditional Chinese cheongsams, jackets and handbags with a modern twist is Shanghai Tang.There are sections for men and womens clothes as well as a small selection of home ware. While there are now stores in most major world capitals, anything you buy here is still likely to be unique and very Hong Kong.

For something a little less pricey but still with plenty of local flavor, why not try a little tea. The Best Tea Shop is as the name suggests - one of the best in town, offering dozens of local green, red and black teas from their flagship store in Kowloon as well as tasting sessions.

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W Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

W Hotel Hong Kong at Discount Rates

How Does Hong Kong Differ from Shanghai?

Although Hong Kong’s has grown vertically due to the density of the population, Shanghai’s population of more than 24 million people makes it the most populous city in the world. Not to be confused with autonomous regions such as Tibet or special administrative regions such as Hong Kong, Shanghai is considered to be a ‘direct controlled municipality.’ In September 2013, Shanghai became mainland China’s first official free trade zone.

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Discount Rates at Hotel ICON Hong Kong

Discount Rates at Hotel ICON Hong Kong

Why Is Hong Kong So Important?

Hong Kong’s deep harbor has made it a key strategic location for trade as well as a world economic powerhouse. Hong Kong ranks fifth in the Global Cities Index, only surpassed by New York City, London, Tokyo, and Paris.Along with performing as a top financial center for the international community, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

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Discount Rates at Crowne Plaza Hotel Hong Kong Causeway Bay

Discount Rates at Crowne Plaza Hotel Hong Kong Causeway Bay

Is it Hong Kong a Country or a City in China?

Although Hong Kong enjoys a certain level of autonomy and even issues its own passports,it is a special administrative region in China.After 156 years of British rule, Hong Kong was transferred back to the People’s Republic of China on July 1, 1997. Hong Kong is now considered one of two special administrative regions belonging to China the other is Macau.

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Discount Rates at Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong

Discount Rates at Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong

Looking for Best New Hong Kong restaurants 2015?

Mrs Pound Restaurant

Dressed up like a traditional Chinese chop shop and serving Asian street food, this place couldn't be more of a hipster if it grew a fashion beard and pulled on a turtle neck. But look past the pretension and the neon draped, disco inspired interior and what’ll you’ll find is absolutely fantastic food. It’s nominally fusion food but everything is sensibly paired, such as beef rending poutine or double fried Sichuan peppercorn chicken wings. It’s rare to say this but at Mrs Pound you’ll find new flavors and tastes – and you’ll like them.

Mott 32 Restaurant
Probably the most talked about restaurant of 2014, Mott 32 has an interior straight from the pages of a magazine and food that has its eyes on a Michelin Star. While it’s named after the famous main drag of Mott Street in New York’s Chinatown, Mott 32 is a homage to everything Hong Kong. The World Interior of the World award winner features rooms themed on Hong Kong history; from the swinging chains inside the fishing village room to the decked in red mah-jong parlor. On offer is both Dim Sum and tarted up local dishes of abalone, pork belly and noddle combinations. Some say the char siu (BBQ pork) is the best in the city.

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Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong at Discount Rates

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong at Discount Rates

How to make the most of a stopover in Hong Kong?

Whether you're airline is dropping you off on a stopover or Hong Kong is your first step on a trip to Asia, you can get plenty from a stopover in Hong Kong. Here's how to make the most of your time whether it's one hour or ten.

Where is Hong Kong Airport?

The airport is on Lantau Island, which is about 30km from the city center on Hong Kong Island. While Lantau Island is well worth exploring, especially the village on stilts and the Big Buddha, most visitors will want to see the Hong Kong of skyscrapers and flashing neon lights. Luckily, it's only a 30min trip in to town.

How to get to the city center?
The Airport Express is really the only smart way to get into town. It runs every few minutes and takes just 30 minutes to deliver you to either Kowloon Station or Hong Kong Central Station. It's not only cheaper than a taxi but it's quicker too. It's also worth flagging the excellent in town check in service offered. This allows you to check in and leave your bags at Hong Kong Station up to twenty four hours ahead of your flight - leaving you free to explore the city. Check with your airline if they participate, although the vast majority do

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