Travelling to London over xmas

[zatarontoast]

We have booked to be (in a hotel) for 5 days over xmas. The plan was to chill out, relax and eat out in the evenings. No family or friends so wouldn't be meeting up with anyone. The flights are booked, but I'm in an absolute quandry whether to go or not. My biggest worry is that restrictions on restaurants/hospitality will go on and it will be takeaway only. We never eat out so this was going to be a special break for us.
Don't know why I'm posting really, but would you still go, or cancel everything now and lose the money.

Where are you flying from?

We just don't know what the restrictions will be - there have been some warning shots fired today about continuing restrictions after this blanket lockdown

Also, when you say fly, is that domestic or international?

NI. There are no restrictions that way, I'm worried about once we get there.

Really tricky - it's all so uncertain. How much would you lose if you cancelled now? Would you get a refund from the hotel and how much were the flights?

Most hotels let you cancel up to 24 or 48 hours. But maybe not over a holiday. Check their cancellation policy - if lockdown continues you shouldn't be staying in a hotel anyway unless for work, so they may give you a refund.

We booked ages ago and the hotel made it clear that it was non refundable from our side. If they have to cancel then I'm sure they will refund. It's the not knowing that is the worst, I just wish someone would tell me that the restrictions are definitely going to be lifted, which obviously isn't going to happen!

Ah, I'm really sorry. It's so frustrating and I can imagine you've been really looking forward to it. But I guess if they aren't going to refund there's nothing you can do but if, nearer the time, it becomes clearer that you can't come then at least you might get some money back. And if you can't get the money back but the travel is possible, you might still be able to have a nice time. Lots of places offering nice food via click and collect etc And exploring a slightly-less-crowded-than-usual London at Christmas time could be fun. But I appreciate that it's not at all what you had in mind when you booked.

You will have an experience that is a one-off regardless of whether or not everything is open. You can get around on Christmas Day on a bike (if you are in central London), see places such as Buckingham Palace without crowds, and be able to talk about your Christmas during Covid for ever.

I'd booked London for me and my oldest in December (booked this time last year) and I cancelled it. We were planning to see a show, go ice skating etc and have a couple of nice meals. Just pointless now. I've booked us glamping for 2 nights instead with a hot tub.

Literally no one knows, sorry op. I read the other day that even some hotel restaurants are closed as there are so few guests.
I would not go under the current restrictions. I love wandering and walking but without lunch to break it up or pubs/coffee shops to dive into when it rains it could be pretty miserable.

But I wouldn't cancel now, no. If the government advice at the time is not to travel and stay away for anything other than work (like now) then I think you've got a good case to be refunded by the hotel.

Cancel now and you'll get fuck all from them.

What type of hotel is it? Would room service meals be an option instead of eating out?

Obviously things are going to be different but even in lockdown there's plenty to see in London just by walking around.

If it's just the two of you and restrictions allow, I would still go, you can make the best of it.

Definitely do not rely on room service. Check before you go. I bet many places will be offering reduced service (also it is always so expensive!!)

You can get takeaways into the hotel and museums and galleries are still open. I know my DD who lives in London is going to have takeaway drinks at the weekend. Lots of lovely parks. I would go!