Now is the time to visit London

Fancy a short break in London? Then go this summer if you want to take advantage of the lowest hotel rates for more than 10 years. The foot and mouth crisis coupled with the strong pound has led to discounts of between 30 and 50 per cent between May and September.

'I haven't seen such good value since the late Eighties,' said Ray Jones from UK short break specialist Superbreak. 'Normally hotel rates are discounted by around 10 to 20 per cent between the end of Wimbledon until the end of the school holidays when fewer business travellers are about, but this year some hoteliers are extending the discount period from May to September,' he said.

London is renowned for having some of the highest hotel prices in Europe. According to American Express, the average room rate for a five-star hotel last year was £147 in Paris, £169 in Amsterdam and £247 in London.

This summer, hotels such as the new five- star Renaissance Chancery Court are offering weekend rates of £49.50 per person including breakfast until 31 August (normal price £90pp). From 8 July the offer is available throughout the week. The four-star Swallow International Hotel in Cromwell Road also has rates of £49.50 per person per night (normal price £71.70pp). If you fancy a night at the Ritz, the five-star Piccadilly hotel is offering a summer rate of £142.50 per person per night including breakfast (a 30 per cent saving) between 8 July and 2 September.

The British Tourist Authority estimates overseas visitors are down 20 per cent from the beginning of the year with the biggest dip coming in the number of US tourists. Hotel rates are expected to drop even further as new properties open. Hilton Hotels have unveiled two new properties in London at Paddington and Trafalgar Square. Mike Killeen, managing director of The Hotel Directory, which offers discounted rates to more than 43 London hotels, said the best deals this summer are for four- and five-star hotels.The London Tourist Board has set up a new website featuring discounted hotel offers in conjunction with Superbreak.

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