Fodor's London 2008 (Fodor's Gold Guides) (Paperback)

by Fodor's (Author)
Key Phrases: spitalfields market, state apartments, opening hrs, Covent Garden, South Bank, Notting Hill (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Of all the world’s travel spots, London may be the most popular for repeat visitors. Despite a weaker dollar and uncertain international climate, over 3.5 million Americans visit the U.K. every year, and over 60% spend their time exclusively in the capital. Fodor’s London 2008 has been completely revamped to keep up with the destination that just won’t quit!

·New “Experience London” section highlights the city’s top attractions and niche offerings, to help both the first-time traveler and the repeat visitor plan the perfect trip

·New, separate "neighborhoods" chapters with easy-to-use indexes quickly point out the best eats and the chicest shops

·Tips from clever, opinionated local writers help you save money, bypass lines, and avoid common pitfalls

·Dozens of different pub listings for those seeking a river view or a true British brew

·Unique, pictorial layouts of the Thames River, Hyde Park, Westminster Abbey, and London’s famous street markets—to name a few

·Expanded lodging for all budgets, from the latest pod hotels to London’s oldest grande dame establishments
·Pullout map and color insert

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Fodor's; Revised edition (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400017904
• ISBN-13: 978-1400017904
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #499,511 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #12 in	Books > Travel > Guidebook Series > Fodor's > Great Britain
  #92 in	Books > Travel > Guidebook Series > Fodor's > Europe

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not entirely up to date, February 9, 2008

By	No One in Particular - See all my reviews

I just purchased this book yesterday. My edition is copyrighted 2008, and it's early '08 now. I was excited to read it because it goes into more depth on the attractions and hotels than some of the guides. But after skimming the book, I feel disappointed and even a little ripped off. I've already discovered errors and hurried work that makes it seem as if they did just enough updates to be able to slap the word "2008" on the cover. For example, in the section on Greenwich they do mention that the Cutty Sark basically burned down in 2007 (restoration efforts are under way), but in the section on day trips toward the back of the book, the Cutty Sark is still alive and well. In the hotel section they list Five Sumner Place, which closed down many months ago and reopened in a different location as the Sumner Hotel, which has no listing.

A few other preliminary quibbles: There is one reference to Jack the Ripper in the index, but in fact Jack is mentioned elsewhere as well in a paragraph about a walking tour. But that paragraph conspicuously omits mention of the most highly regarded J.T.R. walking tour, the one offered by Original London Walks, a company that is, to Fodor's credit, mentioned elsewhere in the book in regard to walking tours more generally. Placement of maps is also not as user-friendly as it could be, but that's a minor complaint.

Fodor's does deserve "props" for daring to include Tipping the Velvet as a recommended novel featuring London, and they offer a terrific self-guided walking tour of Westminster, as well as their good descriptions overall.

Honestly, I would recommend the small but excellent guide from Eyewitness called Top 10 London, as well as Frommer's Best Day Trips from London and Rick Steves' (hey, the apostrophe error is his) London (which has the best touring plans for museums) before I would recommend this guide that certainly does have many merits but that leaves one (or at least me) feeling a little manipulated.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great guidebook..., December 23, 2007

By	JR Pinto (New Jersey) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

My last "Fodor's London" was five years old, so I figured it was time to get a new one. I just returned from my trip and - once again - Fodor's was invaluable. One thing that I miss from the old guide is having London broken down into 4 day-long walking tours - each with its own map.

To be fair, there are maps aplenty in this book - and you'll need them. I've been to London four times and I still get lost. Without the close-up maps, you'd never find the restaurants they recommend. The most useful map is the detachable one at the back of the book, for when you don't want to look too much like a tourist.

London's most salient characteristic is its price - it has got to be one of the most expensive cities in the world, especially with the current exchange rate. Fodor's helped me find a hotel in my budget range that actually had its own bathroom. For those willing to spend even less money, they have a good selection of B&B's and hostels as well.

I was able to find good, affordable meals and the best pubs in town. (Go to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street for some meat pies!) The book also has great sections on markets, day excursions (I did Greenwich), and activities for those who feel there is nothing new left to see.

Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars London 2008, April 23, 2008

By	T. Edwards - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought both Paris and London 2008 books for my upcoming trip to Europe, and I enjoy both. The guides are easy to read, tell you how to make the most of your time at various locations, tell you how to get to where you want to go and provide a variety of eating and shopping locations for all budgets.