London, UK
London is one of the world's most important business, financial and cultural centers, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the major global cities of the world.
For more information: http://wikitravel.org/en/London and www.visitlondon.com.
Currency
British Pound
Climate
London has a temperate marine climate like much of the British Isles, so the city rarely sees extremely high or low temperatures. The average temperature in London in February is between 33°- 44° F (1-7°C).
Accessibility
By Air:
London is a major hub and is served by 5 international airports. Heathrow Airport is located 25km southwest of the centre of London just 15 miles west of Charing Cross, and is the world’s third busiest airport handling more international passenger traffic than any other airport in the world.
By Rail:
London is connected to the European network of trains by the high speed Eurostar trains that run from St. Pancras International Railway Station in the centre of London to Paris/ Brussels in less than 2.5 hours.
London Travel is made easier by a wide array of railway stations in London. Known as the busiest railway station of London, London Euston Railway Station is well connected to all the major cities of England and Scotland. Clapham Junction is another busy railway station that makes getting to London an enjoyable event. Connecting Waterloo and London Bridge Stations is the Charing Cross Station in London. Tourists can also choose to board trains from the Kings Cross Railway Station to reach London. Docklands Light Railway is the latest addition to London railways working on the latest technologies.
By Road:
Reach London by availing services of National Express, Eurolines and MegaBus operators. Feel free to choose from a variety of Minicabs, Double Decker Buses, Taxis and Lady Mini Cabs for getting around London.
The conference venue is just 15 minutes from Heathrow Airport by the Heathrow Express trains which stop at Paddington Station located minutes away from the hotel.
There is an underground (metro) station located just opposite the hotel with many of the city’s tourist sights located a few stops away.
Airport Travel
HEATHROW AIRPORT
Taxis
London black taxis wait outside all the terminals and can bring you anywhere in central London, The fare has to be according to the meter inside the taxi, so it varies according to traffic and exact route taken. Journey time to Hilton Metropole can be as little as 45 minutes but will probably be considerably longer in rush hour - maybe 90 minutes or even 110 minites.
Underground
London underground trains (Piccadilly line) have a station at Heathrow but this is not recommended as the trains are "commuter" services and stop everywhere on their journey into town! This train route offers several possible stations in central London but none particularly close to Hilton Metropole, so you will end up needing a taxi once you get off the train in central London. Journey on the train is approximately 1 hour.
Heathrow Express
Heathrow Express special train service runs directly into Paddington Station, from where there is a short walk to the Hilton Metropole. Journey time on the train is 15 minutes. For further information on Heathrow Express, please visit: http://www.heathrowexpress.com/Home
GATWICK AIRPORT
Taxis
Local Gatwick area taxi cabs are available outside the terminals and will go anywhere in central London. It is wise to ask the fare before commencing the trip. Journey time can be as little as 90 minutes but will be considerably more in the rush hour.
Gatwick Express
Gatwick Express train operates from the main railway station that is incorporated in Gatwick South Terminal, and runs directly into Victoria Station in London. From there you will need to either take an underground train to Edgware Road station (next to the hotel) or take a taxi across London. Journey time to Victoria is 30 minutes.
LONDON CITY AIRPORT
Taxis
London black taxis are available outside the airport and will go anywhere in central London. Journey time to the Metropole should be minimum 40 minutes but considerably longer in rush hour.
Dockland Light Railway
The dockland Light Railway (DLR) picks up at a station opposite the airport and will take you into the City of London but the route stops at Bank where you will connect with the regular underground railway system or else take a taxi across London to the hotel. Journey time on the DLR is 30 minutes to Bank, then at least another 30 minutes across London.
STANSTED AIRPORT
Taxis
Local Stansted taxis are available outside the terminal. Check the fare before making the journey. Journey time at best is about 90 minutes and considerably longer in rush hour.
Stansted Express
Stansted Express trains operate from the special railway station at the airport and come into London Liverpool Street. From here you will need to take the underground railway or a taxi across London. Journey time on the train to Liverpool Street is 45 minutes but thereafter the journey across London will take another 30 minutes by underground train or taxi - more in rush hour.
Easy Bus
From Gatwick and Stansted Airports a public bus service called "Easy Bus" operates 24 hours a day to a drop off point at Baker Street, which is not far from the hotel. This is a service similar to the airline "Easy Jet" - no frills and very cheap. However, there are no guarantees of getting a seat unless you pre-book and buy a ticket on their website!