NOVOTEL – LONDON WEST (Hammersmith): 300 rooms WRP Staff: Michael Buckland  - Tour Manager Nigel Barker Mike Bull Kip Dwyer Caroline Rowlands Jennie O’Donaghue

WRP first used this 629 room, West London hotel some 14 years ago and in that time have seen it emerge into a state-of-the-art, multi-award winning conference, exhibition and event facility. The hotel has had millions of pounds spent on it and is of a very high standard and we are extremely proud of our relationship with this flagship hotel.

The hotel is in the centre of Hammersmith – on the western side of the city close to shops, the Riverside Walk along the River Thames and boat race landmarks such as Hammersmith Bridge.

This hotel is used as our main base for the weekend – primarily because of its size and range of facilities which are second to none. It is also used as a weekend base by many of the charities with whom we work. As it has coach parking, WRP coach services from Weston-super-Mare, Exeter and Bristol are roomed at this hotel as also it gives the quickest access on Saturday and easiest return access to the motorway system on Sunday evening.

“ My first London Marathon was a fantastic experience both for myself and the rest of the family. We were based at Novotel London West which is superb!  WRP took all the stress out of all the logistics which are almost as challenging as the race itself. A huge “Well Done” to all WRP and hotel staff. I had a ball!  Roll on next year."

Rooms:
WRP have an allocation of 300 rooms of which approximately half will be available for 1 night bookings. As with all the hotels, the rate for 2 (or 3) nights does represent far better value.
Note;  this is usually the only hotel where we can take booking for 4 or more nights.

Please note that all rooms have one double bed plus, (if needed), one sofa bed which can allow the room to be used as either a double, twin or, as family room for parents with either one or two children.
Note that triple rooms – rooms with 3 single beds are no longer available at this hotel.

Normal check-in cannot be guaranteed until 14.00 hrs and normal check-out is at 12.00 hrs.
For those leaving on Sunday evening after the race a complementary “late check-out” facility is available whereby guests can retain their own room until 18.00 hrs so long as it is pre-booked with WRP.

Coming by air?
This hotel is ideally located for those arriving at Heathrow as there is a direct link (approx 40 mins) by Underground on the Piccadilly Line from the airport to Hammersmith or you can use a taxi.

By road?
The hotel is just off the A4 with easy links to the M4, M25 and other major routes out of London.  The hotel has on-site parking for 240 cars and special car passes offering a generous discount (£16 per night stayed), can be pre-purchased via WRP.  Those who do not think ahead and pre-book the WRP passes will have to pay the normal rates of up to £3 per hour.

Note; if you are approaching from the west or north then you will not be affected by the London Congestion Charge. Those who have to cross the city and the zone will be affected and should be aware of the basic regulations concerning the London Congestion Charge which operates Monday to Friday in this area of London.
For up-to-date information go to - www.cclondon.com
If you will need a ticket for part of your weekend WRP strongly advises that you pay in advance, on-line so that you do not forget -  penalty fines are expensive!

By Underground?
You have access to the Piccadilly, District and Hammersmith & City Lines – all within 400m of the hotel.

Restaurant and bar
The Garden Brassiere restaurant is open from 06.00hrs until midnight. You can also purchase bar food in the main lounge Bar. The WRP / Novotel Discount voucher offers a 15% discount on all food purchases in the hotel restaurants/ bars during your stay.
**  Those who have stayed here before should expect to see a large change in these facilities for by April 2010 the transformation and upgrade of these facilities will have been completed.

Travelling to Marathon Expo at the ExCeL Centre
Our recommended route from Hammersmith would be to take the Piccadilly Line to Green Park; change to the new Jubilee Line (east) to Canning Town. Change platform for Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House- just 2 stops up the line.

Note: On an Underground map the District Line can often appear to be the most direct but it does tend to be slower as it stops at all stations. Both the Piccadilly and Jubilee Lines offer much faster services.

Sunday – post-race
Novotel London West is also our main post-race centre with the majority of our post-race facilities including 40 rooms for showering (including towel, soap and shampoo) plus two rooms for our team of masseurs.  There is a large seated area for post-race light refreshments and the opportunity to watch the video of the race as shown by BBC TV earlier in the day. There will also be first-aid care in a special room from our own qualified paramedic on site.

Sunday – free late check-out of your room
In 2010, for the first time, a free late room check-out, until 18.00 hrs, will be available to all guests who are departing on Sunday after the race. This is based on the understanding that;

• this has been pre-requested via WRP on their “Late Orders and Requests” form in early March
• that the guest has given their credit card details to hotel Reception when they checked-in, and
• if the room is not vacated and ready for cleaning by 18.00 hrs then a fee of £35 will be charged by the hotel against the guests credit card

Note: WRP will continue to have a number of other rooms available for showering (inc soap. Shampoo and towel) until 19.00 hrs. This service is complimentary and automatically included in your package.

Prices
Adding a third night to your stay at Novotel London West costs just £41 pp inc full breakfast. That extra day/ night can transform your weekend into a 4* leisure break with time for sightseeing, doing a little shopping, going to a show, etc. – as well as running the marathon.

“ Once again WRP excelled. This was our third time with WRP Tours. This time we opted to pay the extra for a late room check-out which was a huge benefit and made a massive difference. We also loved the new buffet meal on Saturday evening. Both the hotel and WRP staff were very efficient and approachable. Next time we plan to take advantage of your long-weekend break.” KH - Macmillan Cancer Support Thank you for an amazing weekend. Your organisation throughout was amazing and really took the stress out of the whole event. Should I do it again (and I probably will) I now know a man who does everything – except run the miles for you!  SG I just had to drop you a quick line to thank you all once again for your amazing hospitality and support over the weekend. It was truly memorable and I look forward to seeing the team again next year.  D & C Very impressed with WRP’s organizational skills. Great to have so many knowledgeable staff on hand – and so friendly! Hotel food was first class and excellent value. Thank you for making this a no hassle-informative trip. JH   Phab Kids

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel London West (Hammersmith) The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£124 £181	£175 £276	£216 £353
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £23	Free £23	Free 23
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs)	Free	Free	Free
Other rates: 2 course evening buffet meal on Saturday evening: Adults £18.00 per person     Children £7.00 per person Car parking (if available): (Covers vehicle up to 23.59 on day of departure) £16.00 per night stayed | Top |

	NOVOTEL – TOWER BRIDGE: 100 rooms WRP Staff: Elaine and Jim Stewart

“ I want to say a big thank you to all of you for yet another wonderful weekend in London. The organisation was seamless and your staff made everybody feel special and relaxed – nothing is too much trouble for them. I shall be booking again next year; all your hard work is appreciated and for anyone running a marathon you always make it special.  NN

2010 will be our tenth visit to this excellent 4* hotel in the heart of the City of London. It is immensely popular and now is either first or second of the hotels to fill – invariably by Christmas.

So, why is it so popular?  Without doubt one of the primary reasons is the fact that it lies on the marathon route – not once but twice so is absolutely ideal for spectating. The first time is when the runners cross Tower Bridge at about half way – all of 5 mins walk away and again at 22/23 miles when they come behind the hotel (alongside the Tower of London) – just 200m away!

Secondly, there are so many interesting sights within a short distance – be that the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern or Tower Bridge itself which has organised trips showing you how the bridge is raised – you can even walk across the top!

Alongside Tower Bridge, steps lead down to St Katharine’s Dock – the capital’s first Docklands redevelopment. The area once had over 1,000 cottages, a brewery, hospital and the 12th century church of St Katharine but in 1828 all this was removed to make way for a vast new area of docks designed by Thomas Telford. From the early 1970’s the area has been transformed into a hugely successful and attractive residential, commercial and leisure marina with a lighthouse ship and old sailing barges. It really is well worth a visit and is a super location for lunch as there are many attractive waterside places at which to eat!

Just across the bridge – you can turn left into Butlers Wharf offering a selection of smart and interesting shops, cafes and restaurants. Alternatively, turn right and you are on the Queens Walk which will take you past HMS Belfast to the Globe Theatre. Why not use the Millennium Bridge to bring you back to the hotel by St Paul’s Cathedral ?

For runners in the marathon other reasons for its popularity include its proximity to the Marathon Registration and Expo out at the ExCeL Centre (15 mins), easy of access to City Airport (30 mins on the Docklands Light Railway) and the proximity of the Tower Hill Underground – just 100m from the hotel. The delightful area of Greenwich where the race starts is but 30 mins away on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR).
Tower Hill Underground station is on both the Circle Line (linked to Paddington, St Pancras, Euston and Kings Cross stations) and the District Line. Both give rapid access back after the Finish of the race. Only 400m away is Tower Gateway station on the DLR – the transport system that will take you both to Marathon Registration and the Expo – as well as to Greenwich. Also, with the hotel being in the heart of the City, in the evenings and at weekends, the area is quieter than many city hotels.

WRP staff: Elaine & Jim Stewart
This will be Elaine’s eighth year in charge of this hotel.  Husband Jim is a highly experienced marathon runner and many times finisher at London as well as a UK Athletics coach so anyone who has not done the London Marathon before has expert individual advice on hand all weekend! Hardly surprising that he will be one of the WRP team leading the WRP Walking Tours of both the Start (Friday afternoon) and Finish (Saturday morning) as well as taking the race clinic on Saturday afternoon.

Rooms
We have 100 rooms booked at this hotel. Due to its great popularity the hotel insist that most of these are for 3 nights although we do have a small number of 1 and 2 nights. All rooms are en-suite with hairdryer, air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, colour TV.
The basic room configuration is suitable for single, double or twin room occupancy and, with an added sofa bed, can easily accommodate families with 1 or 2 children.
Normal check-in cannot be guaranteed until 15.00 hrs and normal check-out is at 10.00 hrs. For those leaving on Sunday evening after the race, a “late check-out” facility is available whereby guests can retain their own room until 18.00 for a charge of £30.00.

Coming by rail?
The hotel is within easy travelling distance of most of the main line stations via the Circle and District Underground lines. If you are not sure just ask the WRP office for advice.

Coming by road?
Though the hotel does not have a car park though there is a NCP Car Park at The Minories - about 4 mins walk away. Charges apply but are very reasonable for the weekend.
Clients coming by car to this hotel should be aware of the basic regulations concerning the London Congestion Charge which operates Monday to Friday in this area of London.  See -  www.cclondon.com
If you will need a ticket for part of your weekend WRP strongly advises that you pay in advance, on-line, as there are no shops in the immediate area selling Congestion Charge tickets… and fines are expensive!

Travelling to Marathon Expo at the ExCeL Centre
It is a 4 minute walk from the Hotel to Tower Gateway Station – one of the two city termini of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). A 15 mins ride takes you Custom House station which is alongside the ExCeL building. It is very easy.  You can also go from Tower Gateway to Greenwich.

“Just a note to say thank you very much again for your help in providing such a great weekend. Going with WRP takes away a lot of the stress and worry of an already fretful event. Knowing that WRP will take care of us – from the coach to the start, the post-race reception as well as a fantastic venue such as the Novotel at Tower Bridge just makes it so easy.”  PJ

An excellent base on marathon day
On Sunday, Novotel Tower Bridge will be acting as an “on-course” centre for all guests on the WRP tour and so during the day will be providing live coverage of the race on a large plasma screen, have bar facilities including coffee, tea and soft drinks plus excellent bar food, a place to sit down and take a break… and toilets!  In the midst of a tiring day this is a great bonus for all WRP spectators.

Prices
Adding a third night to your stay at Novotel Tower Bridge costs just £39 pp including full breakfast. That extra day/ night can transform your weekend into a 4* leisure break with time for sightseeing, doing a little shopping, going to a show, etc. – as well as running the marathon.

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel Tower Bridge The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£146 £229	£197 £315	£237 £398
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £23	Free £23	Free £23
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs) * If applicable	+ £30	+ £30 *	+ £30 *
Other rates: WRP 2 course buffet on Saturday evening: Adults £19.00 pp    Children £8.00 pp | Top |

	NOVOTEL – LONDON CITY SOUTH: 60 rooms WRP Staff: Gerri Hope Neale Jarrett

“Many, many thanks to the excellent WRP staff at Novotel City South. They were welcoming, informative, and reassuring to the first time marathoners amongst us. They were always ready to give us their time and were a great support throughout the weekend.” “Thank you so much for the fantastic marathon weekend. Those weeks training on a treadmill in a war zone is very different than running on hard tarmac.. but still managed 3:48. Please thank the whole team – your organisation is perfect in every way. Have a guaranteed place for 2010 but next year want to bring the whole family so 2 rooms for 2 nights please … and at City South! “ TH

Gerri and Neale are returning for their fourth year. Both are marathon runners and successfully finished the 2009 event.  That was her first marathon experience though Neale has run it many times.

WRP first visited this lovely bright and airy 182 room hotel five years ago – just days after it opened its doors. The hotel has a central location being some 200m from the Thames on the southern bank of the river and but minutes walk into the City, St Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre etc. From the front door of the hotel it’s only a 400m to the marathon course at the 23½ mile point!  You can’t get much closer!

Following the river through the City is the Thames Path / Jubilee Walk and this is a great, traffic-free, way to see central London. From the hotel you could turn right (east) and in 15 mins you would be at Tower Bridge – a key viewing point at both 13 and 22½ miles.

Alternatively, many enjoy heading west (upstream) past the Globe Theatre, Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern on to the South Bank buildings of the National Theatre and Royal Festival Hall to the London “Eye” and Westminster Bridge. This is a fascinating walk with lots of restaurants and pubs en-route. It’s an ideal location for a relaxing evening stroll and looking across to the other river bank (“The Embankment”) along which you will be running on Sunday. These days the “South Bank” is one of the most interesting and exciting areas in London.

Coming by rail?
Most South Eastern trains going into London stop at London Bridge station just 5 mins walk from the hotel.
Both the Jubilee or Northern lines on the Underground also stop at London Bridge - hence Victoria train and coach stations are but two stops from London Bridge.
Alternatively, use either the Circle or District Lines to Cannon Street and then just walk across Southwark Bridge.

Coming by air into Gatwick?
It’s just 40 mins by train to London Bridge station.

If arriving by car
The hotel shares a small car park with the hotel next door so parking cannot either be  reserved or guaranteed. Payment is via a machine and is not that cheap.
Be aware also that many of the NCP parks in the vicinity do not open on Saturday or Sunday.
If you did use a car on either Friday or Monday coming by car to this hotel guests should be aware that the hotel is located within the central Congestion Charge zone. For up-to-date information on charges go to: www.cclondon.com 
If you did need a Congestion Charge ticket WRP strongly advises that you pay in advance, on-line, as there are no shops in the immediate area selling Congestion Charge tickets… and fines are expensive.

“Just like to say that we had a wonderful time over the weekend and the WRP staff in the hotel were brilliant… very knowledgeable and helpful. Even though running themselves they had all the time in the world for the rest of us and their tips and advice were very helpful on the day. Thank you for your help in a truly wonderful weekend.“ MS

Rooms
This was the first Novotel in the UK to incorporate the new “Novation” design throughout its bedrooms. The rooms have a double bed with either a single armchair or double sofa bed. The sofa bed can pull out to make the room suitable as a twin or for a family with either one, or two, children. The bedrooms incorporate both a bath and separate shower unit.
The rooms have air cooling, duvet, hair dryer, satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, mini-bar, modem point and lap-top sized safe.

We have 60 rooms booked at this hotel – 20 for 1 night and 40 for 2 or 3 nights.
Normal check-in cannot be guaranteed until 15.00 hrs.
Normal check-out is at 10.00 hrs though for those leaving after the race on Sunday, the hotel is offering complimentary late check-out until 18.00 hrs.

Sunday – free late check-out of your room
The hotel have agreed that a free late room check-out, until 18.00 hrs, will be available to all guests who are departing on Sunday after the race. This is based on the understanding that;

• this has been pre-requested via WRP on their “Late Orders and Requests” form in early March,
• that the guest has given their credit card details to hotel Reception when they checked-in, and
• if the room is not vacated and ready for cleaning by 18.00 hrs then a fee of £35 will be charged by the hotel against the guests credit card.

Note: After 18.00 it will be possible to have a shower using the facilities in the hotel leisure centre.

Travelling to Marathon Expo at the ExCeL Centre
From London Bridge station (just round the corner), take the Jubilee Line (east) to Canning Town. Change platform for Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House - just 2 stops up the line. Very easy and takes approx 40 mins.

A tip - or two
En-route to the London Bridge Underground station you will pass two interesting buildings. One is the huge and ornate Hop Exchange. Have a look in the foyer if it’s open – as well as a good look at the exterior from the opposite side of the road. A magnificent Victorian edifice. Between it and the steps down to the Underground is the hugely popular Borough Market – again well worth a look! (It’s where TV’s “Masterchef” contestants shop for their ingredients.)

Prices

Adding a third night to the popular two night stay at City South costs just £39 pp including full breakfast. That extra day/ night can transform your weekend into a 4* leisure break with time for sightseeing, doing a little shopping, going to a show, etc. – as well as running the marathon.

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel London City South The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£137 £207	£194 £314	£233 £386
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £TBC	Free £TBC	Free TBC
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs)	Free
Other rates: WRP 3 course buffet meal on Saturday evening (click here for menu) Adults £19.00 pp Children £11.00 pp (Aged 11-15) Children £5.00 pp (Aged up to 10) | Top |

	NOVOTEL – WATERLOO: 120 rooms WRP Staff: Kate McCullagh Steve Baxter Rob Morgan Malcolm Gammon

“I would like to thank both yourself and your staff at Novotel Waterloo for the excellent manner in which your organised our marathon trip last weekend. The organisation was spot-on, your staff extremely courteous and helpful. The whole weekend went like clockwork.” DR “I have to write and say well done – your marathon tour At Novotel Waterloo was flawless.” NN “Just a quick note to the WRP team to say THANK YOU for a job well done. My family and I stayed at Novotel Waterloo which was great and your staff could not have been more helpful. It was my 12th London. One huge logistical nightmare but WRP triumphed again.” TH: BHF

This will be WRP’s ninth year at this 187 room, and hugely popular, hotel located at the southern edge of Lambeth Bridge and almost directly opposite Lambeth Palace. Those with a front bedroom on the upper floors have a wonderful view of all that lies behind them – both the River Thames and the Palace of Westminster – or “Parliament” as it is more usually called.

Lambeth Palace has been the official residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury since the 1207. The complex huddle of red-sandstone medieval buildings are accessed via an imposing Tudor gatehouse (1485) which is one of the capital’s most familiar riverside landmarks. For centuries there was a horse ferry across the river here with the revenues going to the Archbishop. When the first Westminster Bridge was built in 1750 the Archbishop was granted compensation for the loss of his business income!

What more perfect evening stroll than to do a circuit across Lambeth Bridge, through the Victoria Gardens and round the Palace of Westminster returning across Westminster Bridge (almost within touching distance of the London Eye) and then back along the lovely Thames Path with the spectacular views across the busy Thames to the terraces of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. At this hotel it’s all on your door step!

Use of the name “Waterloo” can be slightly misleading for the hotel is not that close to Waterloo Station which is about a mile away.  If using a map of London you should look for Lambeth Bridge as this would be your main approach by car.
If using the Underground, your best way to the hotel is via Westminster Station then walk across Westminster Bridge before descending steps to walk along the broad boulevard of the Thames Path on the south side of the river. This is a delightful, 15 minute, walk.

A further point of interest is the position of the hotel with regard to the finish of the race. As many will already know, one of the key things recommended after the race is a period of 20 mins of gentle walking – this helps to dissipate the lactic acid in your leg muscles and so stops them becoming stiff and sore.
All finishers, if they so want, can easily stroll back from the finish to this hotel within 20 – 30 mins.

Please note that due to its position and facilities, you may not be surprised to learn that year after year this hotel is invariably booked-out by early January.

WRP Staff
Kate McCullough works as our Office Manager during the winter and helps run a hotel on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey during the summer so you are in good hands! To support her in this hotel she will have three very experienced marathon runners – Steve Baxter, Rob Morgan and Malcolm Gammon. Not surprisingly Steve, Rob and Malcolm will be taking the three race clinics on Saturday afternoon and all will be available for last minute individual advice throughout the weekend.

Rooms
We have 120 rooms booked at this hotel although our allocation of rooms for just Saturday night has been cut to just 40 this year. Early booking will be essential. All rooms are en-suite with hairdryer, air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities and colour TV. and the bed configuration can accommodate single, double, twin and family occupancy.
Please note that all rooms have one double bed plus (if needed) one sofa bed which can allow the room to be used as either as a single, double, twin or as family room for parents with either one or two children.
Normal check-in cannot be guaranteed until 15.00 hrs and normal check-out is at 10.00 hrs.

Sunday – free late check-out of your room
In 2010, for the first time, a free late room check-out, until 18.00 hrs, will be available to all guests who are departing on Sunday after the race. This is based on the understanding that:

• this has been pre-requested via WRP on their “Late Orders and Requests” form in early March
• that the guest has given their credit card details to hotel Reception when they checked-in, and
• if the room is not vacated and ready for cleaning by 18.00 hrs then a fee of £35 will be charged by the hotel against the guests credit card

Note: WRP will continue to have a number of other rooms available for showering (including soap, shampoo and towel) until 19.00 hrs. This service is complimentary and automatically included in your package.

Coming by car?
This is one of the two hotels that WRP uses which has pre-bookable car parking – a scarce commodity these days in central London! The secure underground parking is available to WRP guests, if pre-booked, at the discounted rate of £16 per night stayed. (40 spaces).
If you do not pre-book then:
a. you will have to pay the hourly rate and
b. we cannot guarantee that you will get a parking space

Clients coming by car to this hotel should be aware of the basic regulations concerning the London Congestion Charge which operates Monday to Friday in this area of London.

Coming by rail?
The hotel is easily reached from all the main rail terminals but your best method of transfer to the hotel could be to pick up a taxi as the nearest Underground is about 15 mins walk away. If you are not sure just ask the WRP office for advice.

Travelling to Marathon Expo at the ExCeL Centre
From Westminster, take the fast Jubilee Line (east) just 8 stops to Canning Town. Use flight of stairs to change platform for the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Custom House - just 2 stops up the line. Very easy – allow about 30 mins.

Restaurant and bar
Along with a totally new foyer, the hotel now boasts a completely new restaurant and bar. Last year all were impressed with both the changes and the superb value of food in the bar where they offered WRP guests a £10 “Meal deal” with a choice of one of four main courses, one of four desserts… and a drink!

Saturday evening 2 course buffet
The hotel plan to repeat their popular pre-bookable system with sittings at half hour intervals commencing at 18.00 hrs.  WRP clients will have access to the normal hotel hot/cold buffet which, that evening will also have some additional pasta dishes as well as vegetarian options.
Those not booking this meal should be advised that the WRP advance bookings may well fill the restaurant and those who do not want this option may have to wait until a little later for a table. The bar offers an all-day menu with an extensive selection of light meals.

Prices
Adding a third night to your stay at Novotel Waterloo costs just £48 pp including full breakfast.
That extra day/night can transform your weekend into a 4* leisure break with time for sightseeing, doing a little shopping, going to a show, etc. – as well as running the marathon.

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel Waterloo The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£133 £198	£184 £294	£232 £385
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £23	Free £23	Free £23
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs)	Free
Other rates: WRP 2 course buffet on Saturday evening: (click here for menu) Adults £18.00 pp    Children £10.00 pp Car parking (if available): 16.00 per night stayed (Covers vehicle up to 23.59 on day of departure) | Top |

	NOVOTEL – ExCeL: 100 rooms WRP Staff: TBC

“The trip was made stress free by WRP because of the fantastic location of the hotel, lovely food and excellent service. I think you have “cracked it” this time. Brilliant !!! “ “ I had one of the best weekends of my life and the WRP staff and the hotel made it extra special – they were brilliant! The hotel is in a perfect location.” “This was my first marathon and I had no idea what to expect. WRP were fantastic!   From the minute that we walked into the hotel everything was planned and organized for me. The staff in the hotel took away any potential stress, fears and worries. I will definitely recommend you – and use you, again.” KG  (Scope)

This will be our 7th year at this hotel. The reason that Novotel and other international chains have built here is to be close to the huge and new exhibition Centre called ExCeL where Race Registration and Marathon Expo for the 2010 Virgin London Marathon will be held. The ExCeL Centre is just about 200m from the hotel!

This massive building forms the centre-piece of the Royal Dock Regeneration Scheme so one has a superb view over the Victoria Dock and The Millennium Dome. This is also the key site in the famous London Triathlon and from the upper floors one can see the new Olympic stadium.

The staff at this hotel are especially proud of the fact that they have won a number of prestigious national awards for Customer Service – a fact noted by many of our guests who stayed there over the years. They also comment upon the lightness and tranquility of the hotel and that this makes Novotel ExCeL an ideal location to relax before the race.

To get maximum benefit of the views over the dock and East London, the architects placed the reception, bars and restaurant all on the first floor thus giving great panoramic views whilst bedrooms begin on the third floor. The whole front of the hotel, which overlooks the docks, has a delightful balcony terrace.

Rooms
All 182 rooms are of the new “Novation” design which has a separate toilet and excellent bathroom facilities. Rooms have an armchair plus pivoting desk, a lap-top sized safe…iron/ironing board, air-conditioning, hair dryer and duvet.
WRP has an allocation of 100 rooms for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights plus an additional allocation from Tuesday for charity staff working at the Marathon Expo.
However, WRP has already agreed a room allocation for the charity Action Heart who have taken 75 of the 100 rooms meaning that WRP has available both 2 and 3 night rooms.

There are several differences in how the WRP package can, and does, work at this hotel:

• access from City Airport is very easy – not much more than 20 mins distant via the Dockland Light Railway (DLR)
• access to Marathon Registration and the Marathon Expo is all of 5 mins walk away!!
• journey time to the start on Sunday is shorter than from any of the other hotels hence the coaches from here leave a little later. (You can sneak some extra minutes in bed!)
• after the race all the usual post-race facilities (save masseurs) are available. However, those leaving after the race and possibly short of time can have their luggage transferred across to Novotel Tower Bridge during the race. This then becomes their post-race venue for post-race showers, refreshments, etc.
• those staying on Sunday evening have the opportunity to join the Monday complimentary morning tour (by coach) of Greenwich organised by our friends from Action Heart. Amongst possible visits will be to see the Thames Barrier, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory rounding off with a pub-lunch in one of the historic inns in Greenwich. A really nice and relaxed way to round off your weekend!

“Would use again without question. Both the food at the hotel and post race were fantastic and great value for money.”

Coming by rail?
All the main train termini have easy links to Tower Hill Underground station. From here it is a 200m walk to Tower Gateway – one of the two termini on the Docklands Light Railway. A 15 mins ride and you are at the hotel.

Coming by air?
London’s City Airport is about 10 mins away via the DLR – the hotel could not be more convenient. Please note that the hotel is sound-proofed so the planes may offer interest but little or no noise.

If arriving by car
There is easy access from North, East and South via M25 and M11 or A207 and  Blackwall Tunnel.  The hotel has a small car park which means that it cannot guarantee pre-booked parking.
If q space is available it will be approx. £16.00 per night stayed. Alternatively, about 100m distant, there is a NCP park which services nearby new housing and the ExCeL Exhibition Centre. Guests coming by car to this hotel should be aware of the basic regulations concerning the London Congestion Charge which operates Monday to Friday in this area of London. For up-to-date information go to: www.cclondon.com

WRP Staff
WRP will have a member of staff resident all weekend at this hotel who will be joined by a team of staff from the Action Heart charity so there will be an abundance of practical marathon experience at your shoulder – including a former winner of the Chicago Marathon!

Restaurant and bar
Both offer superb views across Victoria Dock and he restaurant has an excellent reputation whilst the bar offers an all-day menu offering an extensive selection of light meals. Many who stay with us speak highly of both the quality and value of the bar food.

Prices
The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults.

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel ExCeL The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£129 £188	£175 £279	£216 £359
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £23	Free £23	Free £23
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs) * If applicable	+ £35	+ £35 *	+ £35 *
Other rates: WRP 2 course buffet on Saturday evening (click here for menu) Adults £18.00 pp    Children £6.00 pp | Top |

	NOVOTEL – PADDINGTON: 80 rooms WRP Staff: Carol and Gordon Robbins

Novotel London Paddington opened its door for the first time during 2009 and is Accor’s newest hotel in central London. We knew that in theory it might be available for us to use in 2010 and it was great news to hear that Nicolas Lazarou had been appointed as General Manager for WRP had worked with him at Novotel Greenwich.

He had proved to be a good friend of both WRP and all our guests making sure that everything was in place and both we and our guests received maximum support from his staff.

John Joyner paid his first visit to the hotel in June 2009 and was very impressed with the hotel, its new features and the location and is delighted to have secured a booking for 80 rooms on marathon weekend… not least because it is already so popular at weekends.

As WRP are not able to use Novotel Euston this is a more than suitable alternative (including its swimming pool!) and it has been agreed that Carol and Gordon who had run the WRP tour at Euston will now take over the new base at Paddington. – great news for all their “fans” from Euston.

It will be patently obvious why there are no comments to offer from former guests but having now seen around the hotel one can but imagine that there are going to a great many following the 2010 tour – this really is a superb new base and WRP are delighted to have secured it for our next guests. 

The hotel is part of the impressive Paddington Basin Regeneration Project and lies but a short walk from “Little Venice”. The poet Robert Browning first coined the term to describe an area interspersed with waterways where the Regent’s Canal and Grand Union Canals meet. A Paddington arm of this lies barely 100m from the hotel. The area is home to many waterside cafes, pubs and eateries. You can take a boat trip or enjoy a traffic-free walks – even straight through to beautiful Regent’s Park itself.

Yet turn the other way from the hotel and within 5 mins you are in Brunel’s Paddington rail station which also contains Paddington Underground giving you access across the city via the Circle, Bakerloo and Hammersmith and City Lines.

WRP staff
Carol and Gordon Robbins. They are two of WRP’s most experienced staff and for the last 3 years they have been in charge of the Novotel Euston. Losing that hotel and gaining this one means that their many regular “fans” can enjoy this excellent hotel … and still benefit from Gordon’s great wealth of knowledge of running and this event. He has completed the event many times (latest was last year), is a qualified coach and Race Director of one of the most popular events in the country.
On Friday afternoon, Gordon will be one of the 10-strong WRP staff team leading the Walking Tour of the Start out at Greenwich and will take the Race Clinic on Saturday afternoon.

Rooms
We have 80 rooms booked at this hotel. Due to its great popularity the hotel our contract only allows for 10 one night rooms – the rest must be for two or three nights.
All rooms are en-suite bath/shower with sofa bed, hairdryer, air conditioning, tea & coffee making facilities, safe deposit box and 26” LCD TV.
The basic room configuration is suitable for single, double or twin room occupancy and, with an added sofa bed, can easily accommodate families with 1 child.
Check-in cannot be guaranteed until 15.00 hrs and normal check-out is at 10.00 hrs.

Sunday – free late check-out of your room
For those leaving on Sunday evening after the race the hotel has agreed that a free late room check-out, until 18.00 hrs, will be available to guests who are departing on Sunday after the race. This is based on the understanding that;

• this has been pre-requested via WRP on their “Late Orders and Requests” form in early March,
• that the guest has given their credit card details to hotel Reception when they checked-in, and
• if the room is not vacated and ready for cleaning by 18.00 hrs then a fee of £35 will be charged by the hotel against the guests credit card.

However, please note that this offer is limited to 50 of the 80 rooms.

Coming by rail?
The hotel is within 5 mins walk of Paddington Station and about 7 mins from the Underground station.
(After the race on Sunday you can use the Bakerloo Line straight through from Embankment station which is close to the finish.)

Coming by road?
Though the hotel does not have a car park though there is one at Paddington Station itself. WRP will try to obtain more detailed information on this and other parking on our next visit to the hotel.
Guests coming by car to this hotel should be aware of the basic regulations concerning the London Congestion Charge which operates Monday to Friday in this area of London.  See -  www.cclondon.com
If you will need a ticket for part of your weekend WRP strongly advises that you pay in advance, on-line, as there are no shops in the immediate area selling Congestion Charge tickets… and fines are expensive!

Leisure facilities
The hotel facilities are obviously brand new and include an excellent sauna and fitness centre. It is also the only Novotel in central London that also has a swimming pool.

Travelling to Marathon Expo at the ExCeL Centre
It is a 5-7 minute walk from the hotel to Paddington Underground station (within the main Paddington station). Take the Circle Line to Tower Hill station. Short walk to Tower Gateway Station – one of the two city termini of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). A 15 mins ride takes you Custom House station which is alongside the ExCeL building. It is very easy.  You can also go from Tower Gateway to Greenwich.

Prices 
Adding a third night to your stay at Novotel Paddington costs just £40 pp inc full breakfast. That extra day/ night can transform your weekend into a 4* leisure break with time for sightseeing, doing a little shopping, going to a show, etc. – as well as running the marathon.

Tour prices 2010 for Novotel Paddington The prices shown are per person and based on 2 adults sharing a double/twin room and includes full buffet breakfast. Separate rates are shown for children but these only apply if there are two adults in that room – e.g. a child paying a children’s rate cannot be used as a substitute for one of the adults. Third adult in a triple room (double + single) – add £60.00 per night.
Number of nights:	1 (Saturday)	2	3
Adult: (shared double/twin) Adult: (sole occupancy)	£138 £210	£199 £330	£241 £405
Children: Aged 0 - 3 years Aged 4 - 14 years	Free £23	Free £23	Free £23
Late check-out Sunday - per room: (You keep your room until 18.00 hrs)	Free
Other rates: WRP 2 course buffet on Saturday evening: Adults £18.00 pp Children (Aged 11 -16) £11.00 pp Children (Aged 5-10) £5.00 pp | Top |