Expert: Graham Thomas - 5/25/2007

Question
My wife and I will be traveling to England-- arriving at Heathrow: 1) are there any "reasonable" hotels near Heathrow (with local transfers) - also, within walking distance, where we can get meals? 2) we will need to get to the Southamton cruise terminal from Heathrow; what is the best method with some luggage at hand? Train, coach, etc?? 3) On the return, we will need to transfer from the Southampton Cruise Terminal to either a Heathrow Hotel -- OR to one near Earl's Court (holiday Inn Express-- we get free stay- and then the next day, transfer to Heathrow for our flight. Can we do a train, coach here-- what is the best way to get back to the airport?   If worst come to worst-- what about renting a car from Southampton for the day, and driving to the hote(Earl's Court) and then to the airport the next day.  Please advise. THANKS.

Answer
There are a number of hotels near Heathrow which offer free transfers from the aiport to the hotel and back again. I would do a Google search for that. I do not think you would be able to walk anywhere to eat as they are all remote and really only accessible by car. You would be able to eat in the hotel though - or maybe a neighbouring one.

For travel to and from Heathrow to the cruise terminal see http://www.londontoolkit.com/travel/heathrow_southampton.htm

If you decide to stay in Earls court on your return you can take the tube direct from there to Heathrow or get a taxi if you have a lot of bags

Hope this helps

Graham