Things to consider when booking accommodation for the London Olympics
Whether you've been lucky enough to get tickets for the London Olympics and Paralympics or you are simply keen to visit the capital and get involved in all the action, you'll find there is a lot to consider when it comes to booking accommodation.
From choosing a location to finding the best deals, it's essential to spend a little time doing some research to avoid disappointment. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent hotels in London to choose from - read our guide to discover how to find the one that's right for you.
Book early
When it comes to any getaway, the general rule is the earlier you book, the better. This is particularly true of the Games, with millions of people set to flood the capital - so don't delay making your reservation.
You'll find much of the accommodation gets snapped up fast - especially establishments close to the Olympic Park itself and those offering the most attractive deals.
Where do you need to be?
Before you dive in and book accommodation as close as possible to the Olympic Park - which is situated in east London's Stratford - check your tickets.
Not all of the events will actually take place at the park, with many scattered around the capital in places such as Wembley, Wimbledon, Greenwich and Hyde Park, to name but a few.
So, snapping up a hotel right next to the park itself might not be your best option. Try searching for London's cheap hotels close to the actual event you plan to attend.
Consider transport links
Another important point to consider is transport links. After all, you will want to have easy access to tube and bus routes that can get you to the right venue quickly.
So, before booking your hotel, check how near it is to key stations and how easy it will be for you to reach the event - or events - you will be watching.
Hunt for deals
Of course, for many, price will be a chief concern when looking for accommodation - and it's possible that some hoteliers may choose to increase their rates during the busy Games season.
Fortunately, there are numerous discount hotels in London to choose from, but it's also well worth looking online to review the latest deals.
When doing so, bear in mind that the cheapest option may not necessarily be your best - remember to factor in the cost of travel, meals and any other extras you may need.
Secret hotels
One option to consider when looking for value accommodation during the Games is secret hotels.
This simply means that when booking, you will know only the location, price and other essentials of each establishment, rather than the exact venue, which you will find out on reserving your room.
The advantage of this is that you'll typically enjoy excellent discounts, often on top-quality hotels that may have otherwise been out of your price range.
Extras
Other points to consider when searching for a hotel include things like meals - options that come with breakfast, for example, can be a great way to save on dining out in the mornings.
Meanwhile, if you plan to do more with your visit than attend the Games alone, it's a good idea to consider how close your hotel will be to other sites that interest you.
Choosing options close to some of the city's many free attractions, for example, can be a great way to reduce the overall cost of your trip.
