London is one of those capitals that you may have to visit when on business, for it is the epicenter of many trading companies, as well as real estate and financial concerns, so here are a few helpful tips to make your business trip to London a success.
On arriving at Londons Heathrow airport, the sheer size of the structure may overwhelm any first time traveler.
However it offers excellent shopping opportunities if you need to buy a last minute gift be it for business or the family.
The terminals 3 and 4 are the international ones and the biggest with T4 covering three floors. Here you will find a sports room and observation deck as well as pay for access VIP lounge for extra comfort while waiting for your flight.
To get to the city center from Heathrow airport the fastest way is by the Heathrow Express. This service is available at all terminals and leaves every fifteen minutes arriving at Paddington Station after 15 to 20 minutes.
The first-class fare will cost you about 46, which is excellent compared to the taxi that will charge you between 110 to 120, and will take you at least one hour especially when traffic is heavy.
If you are planning to do most of your business within the city there are plenty of centrally located hotels that offer comfort and affordable price ranges.
Although the expense may be an issue, it is also true that mingling with the business scene can be useful for your business; this is why you may like to consider the following locations for your business trip to London.
The most expensive hotels are located in the Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia areas and include the Dorchester, the Hedge and Fund Alley and the Metropolitan hotels.
This is where you will find the bankers and big business men as well as the media people and movie stars.
The area in Soho is where you will find celebrities and entertainers, notably in hotels such as the Claridges, Charlotte Street, the Soho and Covent Garden.
The City area is where the financial district lies and most business travelers would not choose to stay there if they want to mingle with other professionals of the business world.
When you are planning to eat out there is just so much to choose from with Londons multiracial population, you will be able to find menus from all around the world.
If you want to blend in with the politicians and doctors try the Cinnamon Club near the House of Parliament, where you can savor excellent Indian food. For traditional Japanese food you can eat at the Zuma in Knightsbridge or the Roka with grilled dishes on the menu.
In Chelsea, the Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, named after the notorious chef proposes a classic menu as does the Claridges.
If you are planning to close a deal the Savoy Grill is the place to be seen at. Here most business deals take place, so you can tell who is doing business with whom and be seen doing business too.
If you are looking for discretion then book a table at Wiltons in St. James’s or at the Green Restaurant and Oyster Bar.
The financial crowd can be seen at Vertigo 42, a wine bar which is located on the top floor of the tallest building in London, and at the restaurant on the 18th floor named the Rhodes 24.
These are some useful places to keep in mind when you travel to London, for being in the right places can often make a difference to a business deal.
