Where Will You Stay?
When I first heard that London would host the 2012 Olympics, I was shocked. I couldn’t imagine where they would put it and after the Millenium Dome fiasco, I was sure it wouldn’t succeed. Now, I have to admit that I am sure I was wrong. No one can put on a show like the Brits. They will more than likely go over the projected (and increased) 9 billion-pound budget but I’ve no doubt they’ll win it back in the end. So the next question is where will they put all the new hotel rooms and which ones will be the type of hotel you will want to stay in?
Olympic Park – the nerve center of the games – will be headquartered in East London in an area known as Lower Lea Valley. East London has been the butt of a notorious background since the Victorian era and it’s about time the British government gave it a leg up. Historically, it has numerous tales to tell and the East Enders took it on the chin during World War II. So we’re happy to hear that they’ll be getting employment opportunities as well as a face lift! In fact, after the games, they are planning on transforming it into the largest urban park created in Europe for more than 150 years!
Originally, it was planned that there would be an additional 2000 rooms added to London’s hotel roster, but it is now revised down to 1000. No one is quite sure who will be the final brands to receive approval and funding but according to CNBC European Business, “Wyss di Corrado says Travelodge, Premier Inn and Hilton are certain to open hotels, as well as some key international brands.” Of course, that will be hotels in the immediate vicinity.
There’s nothing preventing your staying at one of your favorites in the West End! In fact there will be a much-improved East End transport system installed by then. Already under construction, Transport for London is preparing for 7.7 million ticket holders at the Olympic games and according to its website, “We’re aiming for 100 per cent of spectators to get to the Games by public transport, or by walking or cycling.” That means improvements and/or additional facilities to rail, light rail, tube, bus, waterways and even cycling and walking routes!
So have no fear — there will be appropriate accommodation and transport for everyone in time for the games.
You can stay up-to-date on the construction project by watching the progress online: The London 2012 Official Website
