Where to park my GT4 in London for a few days?
Discussion
I am doing a bit of a tour round my family in a couple of weeks time and that includes Son 3 who now lives in Streatham. As a country boy I am not really up to speed with parking in the "city". No fully sorted the itinerary out yet but I am assuming a couple of midweek nights in a hotel somewhere in London. Recommendations on hotels with decent parking would be great. The other option is presumably Arabic plates and just park anywhere 
Advice please. The other option is to leave the GT4 at home and use something less conspicuous but that seems a shame.
Advice please. The other option is to leave the GT4 at home and use something less conspicuous but that seems a shame. I regularly drive into London (from Richmond). Parking is most efficient at Hyde Park Q-Park off Park Lane. Its expensive but safe. You also save the congestion charging as you stay (just) outside the CC boundary which is Park Lane.
Another good car park (but much narrower) is Kinnerton Street in Knightsbridge. There is a wash/detail set up inside so if you want a good detail whilst you are there talk to Gurcham at Elite Detailing.
I would not be concerned about driving in London. There are lots of valuable cars around and in August the city is fairly empty so not too much congestion. However, as posters have said. It might be more fun to stay in Richmond and then take the Tube/Train/District Line in every day for sightseing and then take the car for evenings where you can park on the streets after 18:30.
East End or south of the river is more tricky as there is less good parking available and traffic can be a nightmare and i would let Uber rule.
Another good car park (but much narrower) is Kinnerton Street in Knightsbridge. There is a wash/detail set up inside so if you want a good detail whilst you are there talk to Gurcham at Elite Detailing.
I would not be concerned about driving in London. There are lots of valuable cars around and in August the city is fairly empty so not too much congestion. However, as posters have said. It might be more fun to stay in Richmond and then take the Tube/Train/District Line in every day for sightseing and then take the car for evenings where you can park on the streets after 18:30.
East End or south of the river is more tricky as there is less good parking available and traffic can be a nightmare and i would let Uber rule.
There will be plenty of hotels with underground/secure parking. I'd figure out where in London I want to stay roughly and go from there.
I parked under the Park Tower hotel in Knightsbridge a short while ago and that would do the job. I think it's Q-Park run. Plenty of arab cars down there so you'll be in good company.
As a side note, I take my 430 in to London occasionally and it is a bit tense at times with the way London traffic moves, but it wouldn't stop me doing it.
Roof down at sunset/late night touring the sights is something else if you ever have a convertible to hand.
I parked under the Park Tower hotel in Knightsbridge a short while ago and that would do the job. I think it's Q-Park run. Plenty of arab cars down there so you'll be in good company.
As a side note, I take my 430 in to London occasionally and it is a bit tense at times with the way London traffic moves, but it wouldn't stop me doing it.
Roof down at sunset/late night touring the sights is something else if you ever have a convertible to hand.
Many central London hotels have underground parking but they are not perfect. Loads of idiots driving around, might damage your car. Not to mention safety, I was at a very famous and over-priced underground car park a few weeks ago, near tottenham court road. When I came back to my car, there was no entry to the park as there had been a fire inside! Horrible smell, and panic imagine my fear during that time but luckily fireman stopped the thing. Anyway, it was not a good experience to get out of the underground car park, completely dark due to fire all electricity and computer systems were shut down so staff were helping manually. 
I usually use Imperial car-park near Russell Square st. It's underground but not too deep, and there are loads of great cars parked, permanently. I assume they trust security! Prices also are not that much. Quite close to Oxford st. and Holborn, walking distance. I would not try to drive in London during the day, especially with a powerful vehicle like GT4, traffic is nothing but a nightmare. But at evenings, it's a joy to drive, almost empty and fun
I usually use Imperial car-park near Russell Square st. It's underground but not too deep, and there are loads of great cars parked, permanently. I assume they trust security! Prices also are not that much. Quite close to Oxford st. and Holborn, walking distance. I would not try to drive in London during the day, especially with a powerful vehicle like GT4, traffic is nothing but a nightmare. But at evenings, it's a joy to drive, almost empty and fun
In the past I have parked for day times at the Selfridges carpark. It seems quite large with half decent sized spaces unlike many of the underground/multistoreys in central London. It can be busy on a weekend but mid week should be quiet enough. Unfortunately I think it is within the congestion zone.
You can add "London Q Park (Marylebone)" as well into your list. Quite large, a little bit pricey and open car park not underground. Very safe area in my experience, and quite central. I think after 18.30 in the evenings, many streets have free parking in London, and some residential areas after 20.30.
NCP's are also pretty good and secure but pricey.
Be careful where you park it though, there have been some instances like these, not to scare you but here we go
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11987...
NCP's are also pretty good and secure but pricey.
Be careful where you park it though, there have been some instances like these, not to scare you but here we go
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/crime/11987...
gbrown2014 said:
WCZ said:
hornbaek said:
in August the city is fairly empty so not too much congestion.
why is that?bigmowley said:
Thanks for all the advice, followed one up and all booked up now. Only going to use the car to get there and leave. Tube and Boris bikes after that. The rest of the week is all over the UK so worth the city traffic hassle to enjoy the rest of the driving around
If you've not downloaded Uber yet, do that and use my referral code "zx0mw". Gets us both £10 of rides or something similar. I don't use the tube in London anymore, Uber is so cheap and I find it to be a great service. If you're pottering around, most trips are £5-7 (15 min journey) and you get to actually see London rather than travelling under it.
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