I made all my bookings on
Hostelworld. With lots of reviews and lots of accommodation to choose from, it was easy to find one. Using it together with Google Map, I was able to determine which hostel to choose from. I put a high preference on the location of the accommodation as we could then spend more time walking around the city rather than commuting.
After looking at the price ranges, the answer became really clear. Definitely it would be hostels and not hotels, at least not those with more than 3 stars rating. The facilities and services included are naturally reflective of the price that you pay, however we decided we can do without some luxury and save the rest.
We chose Journey's Waterloo in London, mainly due to the great location and price. It was less than 10 mins away from the underground station, and less than 10 mins away from the banks opposite of the Houses of Parliament! Try beating this location! It turned out pretty adequate, it's not luxury however, it was clean and comfortable.
For the trip in Paris, we chose Hotel Europe. Though its a hotel by name, it was listed in the hostel category. It's a two start hotel. Again, it was clean and comfortable. Location couldn't be better for this hotel. 5 mins walk from Gare du Nord (the North station) where the Eurostar terminates. This is also where a single metro trip would take us directly to the heart of Paris!
Shortcomings of these two hostels: no air conditioning and lifts were available. I somehow convinced myself that these were Asian luxuries. It wouldn't be logical to install air conditioning units only to be used during the peak of summer and only during the day. The weather was cool in London but was warmer and more humid in Paris. Journey's gave us a fan in the room. In Paris, we could only open the windows at night and hope for the best...
This was the view from the hotel in Paris, Sacre Coeur. A point of advise: stay away from Africans wandering around attraction sites (mainly around Sacre Coeur, literally, Sacred Heart, ironically, such 'sacred' activities were allowed uncontrolled). They carry colourful bands in their hands and give you sinister smiles. Their so-called 'friendship band' is just a way to part you with your Euro, and they are not particularly friendly when approaching you. Stay clear!
With the accommodations settled, we were all set and ready to see what London and Paris have to offer! Hooray!
It was built to celebrate the millennium, and when it was opened to the public, was the tallest. It is now surpassed by the Singapore Flyer, they were both very similar. However I have not yet have the chance to board the one in Singapore, yet.
The pods were really spacious, easily able to accommodate nearly 20 persons. A small air conditioning unit was left in the pod, keeping it well ventilated and cool while you take your own sweet time savoring the views of London from above. Due to its location, you can see the Houses of Parliament very clearly. At the distant, you can see St. Paul's Cathedral and Tower Bridge (commonly and mistakenly known as London Bridge, about that in coming posts...) . The views were spectacular, however the sun was nearly at the horizon and it was hard to look at buildings on the west. We took the 830pm ride and the sun had not set, amazing no?
The night scene was taken just past 11pm, accompanying the Eye, is the London Aquarium. We did not have time to visit that however. These are the new attractions to revive the south bank of the Thames. The dark moonless night brought out the best of the London Eye.
