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Lack of tourists means great deals in London
 
Theatres are selling great seats for less than the half-price shops charge on the day of the performance; seniors get better deals

Quick, come to London. I'm writing this from London where the winter travel buys are at their lowest in years. The London Tourist Board is calling it the Great London Stay-Away. The usual number of January visitors have failed to arrive due to the freezing weather and the ongoing depressing financial outlook. The result is prices for theatre productions, hotels and restaurants have fallen to unbelievable low rates. The outlook is for prices to remain low for January and February before rising again for the start of good weather in the spring.

Prices are exceptionally good for Canadians as our dollar is very strong against the British pound. The prices shown in today's column are in Canadian dollars based on this week's rate of exchange. You will want to book quickly as prices are subject to change and are based on availability.

Don't let the cold weather reports stop you from visiting. It is cold but the blue skies and clear sidewalks are a treat after Vancouver's snow removal problems.

THEATRES

Theatres are aggressively marketing their award-winning productions.

Forget about the half-price shops and go directly to the theatres for the bargains.

Last night I sat in the second row of one of the top shows for just $18. It was a special price being offered for the day of the performance.

After buying the ticket I went up to the half-price shop on Leicester Square and found they were selling the same row for $52 plus service charge. Seniors are getting the best ticket deal in town.

For just $38-$50, they can reserve the best seat in the house at all the major theatres. That means they can book ahead and arrive at the theatre just in time for the performance. No need to wait outside in the cold.

HOTELS

Hotels deals can be found on the Internet and at the check-in counters. Most of the best buys are at the major chains as they are suffering from the lack of the business traveller as well as European vacationers. Thistle Hotels room rates are under $200 for downtown locations. Holiday Inns are also offering reasonable rates.

Remember most hotel prices in London include taxes and a complimentary breakfast.

I am enjoying the many advantages of apartment living for my stay.

I'll be writing about how to find the best apartment rentals in a February column.

RESTAURANTS

You will need to buy the papers to check out the restaurant deals.

Also keep your eyes out for all the bargains posted in windows and billboards along the streets.

I am heading out Saturday evening to enjoy a dinner at one of Gordon Ramsay's newest eateries. It is a promotion that offers a two course meal for $30 per person. I've made the reservation, checked the price, clipped the coupon and am ready to experience what is considered the "in" place to be. Another bonus to London during this period is the lack of crowds.

Anyone who has struggled against the crowds along Regent or Oxford streets will find the same streets strangely quiet. Needless to say the bargains in the shops will make the most hardened shopper's heart flutter.

And here is the icing of the cake as to why this is a great time to visit London. The government has reduced the VAT (value added tax) and the pubs have lowered the price of beer. So I am off to take advantage of "free" Mondays at the Coulthard Art Gallery before heading down to theatre row to see what bargains are available for tonight's performances.

Ruby Turner is an enthusiastic traveller and former industry professional. E-mail questions for Ruby to travelwise@novuscom.net. Only those questions chosen for publication will be answered.