Doing London with Tesco vouchers- possible during Easter holidays?

[CurlyhairedAssassin]

We've got 120 quid in club card vouchers but am struggling to find family rooms online at participating hotels for dates we want (Easter hols, can't go during term time). Do you have to phone hotels direct to get the deals?

Really would like to take children to see my elderly aunt, her health isn't good and not sure it would be possible again. . She lives in central London but doesn't have the space to accommodate us in her home. Well, at a squeeze we could do it but would have to leave dh at home. So really need a cheap (I.e. free with club card vouchers!) hotel for us all.

You have to exchange your vouchers on the clubcard website then wait for the hotel chain paper voucher (eg hilton) to arrive in the post. Then you ring the bookings number on the back of the voucher to book - you can't book online. So you can't check availabilty then exchange because it takes too long IFYSWIM. Also you may find there is availabilty at the hotel by looking online but the hotel won't accept the voucher because it has used up all its allocated rooms for tesco vouchers!!! They do not make it easy for you! It's better booking 6 months in advance I think.

Would you consider staying in a youth hostel? (They are much more upmarket than they used to be - ensuite family rooms etc).

www.yha.org.uk

A quick search shows ensuite family room available for £82 at YHA Central. There are quite a few places in london.

In the past, I have made my booking over the phone and then you just have to post the vouchers off - I have then instantly order them on-line and posted them recorded delivery as soon as they arrive. This has worked well.

Just trying to decide if going somewhere at feb half term is possible for us at the moment.

Thanks.

Yes, Dreamer, I think I've left it a tad late really - 6 months ahead wold have been better.

Patsys, I've never considered a youth hostel before, so will check that out!

Might all be a non-starter though......

You could always stay a bit further out and commute in - the tube is easy with children honestly - avoid rush hour and they will find it very exciting and if you have a buggy someone always helps.