Where to stay for the London 2012 Olympics

richard

For the lucky ones who struck gold in the draw for tickets to the London 2012 Olympics the race is now on to find affordable accommodation.

Many hotels are cannily not releasing room rates until nearer the time so you can be sure prices will rise.

But there are a few budget options worth considering for those hoping to see British stars like world and European heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis.

There are half a dozen YHAs in central locations in London. St Pancras YHA is in a great location - just a 10-minute, Javelin train ride away from the Olympic stadium in Stratford.

Private rooms are going fast (£100 per night for a family of four). But there's still room in the six-bedded dormitories from just £30.65 per adult if you're a member (www.yha.org.uk, 0800 019 1700).

The Great Eastern is one of the properties offered by HostelBookers.com which is close to the action. You can be at the Olympic Village in 25 minutes as it's just a short walk to the Dockland Light Railway's Mudchute station.

A website worth checking out is Crashpadder. com where you can stay in someone's spare room in the capital for as little as £35 a night. The people behind the site say you pay on average 70 per cent less than what you would for a night in a hotel.

If all else fails you could give your tent an airing and pitch up at one of the campsites that the London Borough of Havering will be setting up in July and August next year in partnership with the Camping and Caravanning Club. Westfields Playing Fields which has just been added due to demand will have 430 pitches and entertainment on site. Prices will start at £30 a night for a minimum three-night stay (www.campingandcaravanningclub. co.uk, 02476 465426, 0845 130 7633).

You can even set up your tent in someone's back garden as homeowners are renting out their lawns (www.campinmygarden.com) from £4 to £40 per person per night.

Source
By Marjorie Yue
www.mirror.co.uk

Mad Sportsman

[QUOTE=richard;20838][B]

Westfields Playing Fields which has just been added due to demand will have 430 pitches and entertainment on site. Prices will start at £30 a night for a minimum three-night stay QUOTE]

Hi Richard

I thought that I would add another link for a campsite as the one you have listed seem rather expensive. I've found CampLondon2012 and their pitches start from £10 a day with no minimum stay.

Hope that helps!

ang

Hey guys,

I know a few people that are staying at campinlondon.com - it's five minutes from Olympic Park on their shuttle bus service. They are volunteers so they are getting a decent discount but it looks like pitches start from £15/night which seems good given the location!

Gemma103

I'm new to this and have Olympics Tickets and have been trying to work out where the best place to stay might be and am considering camping as there seem to be a few options. staying at a hostel is probably my favourite option but I also looked at Camp In London and Camp London, as recommended above, and they look interesting / a good idea. Hadn't really thought about camping in a city!
When I was busy googling I also found that some sport clubs in London are setting up campsites for £10 a night which could be good too:2012 Olympics Camping - book budget accommodation for London Games.

What does anyone think would be the downside of camping, and should I just bite the bullet and stay in a hostel? I do already have a tent and stuff?

The only think I know is that I can't afford to stay in a hotel at all....

Anyone else got any ideas?

richard

The way the pound is devaluing against the rest of the world currencies will make staying in London an absolute bargain for many foreign visitors lucky enough to live outside of the EU.

Not sure why many visitors would want to go to the expense of flying into the UK, then camping out to watch the London 2012 Olympics but there will probably be a few.

However, I can see many UK residents taking up this cheaper camping option when presented with potentially huge bills for staying at any hotels who will be marking up the prices for the 2012 Olympics.

I don't have tickets for London 2012 and I don't know anyone else who has tickets for the Olympic games, so I guess a lot of us will be sitting at home watching the games from the comfort of our living room

Gemma103

R there is so much choice, but I don't want to leave it till the last minute to book but at this rate it looks like I might have to!

I still don't know what I will definitely be seeing yet and I don't want to spend £30 if I don't end up staying, do you know how flexible these places are? Have any of you guys booked?

Gemma

Visit Westerham

Visit Westerham Town, home to Sir Winston Churchill and General James Wolfe! Our residents have organised a Homestay offer, with suggested itineraries using Westerham as a base for Olympic visitors who wish to see a little more of our country and heritage. Easy access to the Games, and London....and to wonderful countryside and English culture. Westerham Website

richard

Hi Visit Westerham and welcome to our UNOFFICIAL London 2012 forum, thanks for the info regarding your town. I've taken a look at your website but couldn't for the life of me, find any information as to where in the UK Westerham is on the map.

To anyone unfamiliar with the location of Westerham, it's near to Biggin Hill Airport which is on the south side of London and very close to the M25.

The Google Maps link is westerham - Google Maps

Gemma103

Hi guys,

Just in case anyone is still looking I just received an email from Camping At The Games saying bookings are now open, so might be worth a look. Also think they are doing pre erected tents, but not sure how much this will cost.

P.S. tickets go on resale tomorrow, get in there! x