AIA International Conference
London 2022: Transformations
Sept 29 – Oct 3, 2022
FAQS - TRAVEL Advice AND Where to Stay in London
Q: Where should I stay in London?
A: The London 2022 Conference is decentralised, i.e. we will not be based at a single venue, but rather focusing on different areas of the city each day. Therefore, we recommend that you choose a hotel in or near one of our areas of focus, which are centrally located and include King’s Cross, Holborn/ Aldwych and Liverpool Street/ Shoreditch. Of these, King’s Cross will naturally become our major hub, as it is a focal point for both transport and nightlife. Liverpool Street/ Shoreditch is another buzzing area with great transport links east of the centre and right by the City, while Holborn/ Aldwych puts you right in the historic heart of town. Travelling between all three by public transport is quick and straightforward.
Q: Are there specific conference hotels?
A: There are no designated conference hotels, but London has a host of accommodation options, though this will be a busy weekend so we encourage you to book early. We recommend you base yourself in or near one of the areas we will be spending time in, i.e. King’s Cross, Holborn/ Aldwych and Liverpool Street/ Shoreditch. Below are just a few suggestions for hotels around those locations.
Budget
Yotel London City ~ £205 per night
Point A Hotels – Liverpool St ~ £220 per night
Inhabit London (Paddington) ~ £160 per night
The California (Kings Cross) ~ £215 per night
Z Hotel – Holborn, City, Covent Garden ~ £175-£180 per night
Mid-range
Hilton London Angel Islington (near Kings Cross) ~ £260 per night
CitizenM Shoreditch ~ £240 per night
CitizenM Bankside ~ £240 per night
Malmaison (City) ~ £240 per night
Hotel nhow London (near City) ~ £260 per night
High-end
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (Kings Cross) ~ £330 per night
The Standard (Kings Cross) ~ £370 per night
The Hoxton, Shoreditch ~ £300 per night
ME London (Holborn) ~ £366 per night
Montcalm Royal London House - City of London ~ £290 per night
Q: What is the best way to travel around London to conference venues?
A: London has a good public transport system, run by Transport for London, which includes the Underground, trains, buses and even river boats. The best payment method is usually with a contactless card (or mobile device), to benefit from reduced fares compared to buying a single ticket. Citymapper is a good option for planning your trips around the city. Black cabs and licensed taxis are available, particularly in the centre, as are numerous rideshare services including Uber and Bolt.
Q: What travel restrictions are in place in the UK relating to COVID-19?
A: The UK government has removed COVID-19 travel restrictions for people travelling into the UK. This includes both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers. See here for details: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19
However, your airline and return destination may have COVID-19 rules in place. Often the best place to keep up to date with any travel restrictions is the airline website, so please check there before travelling.
