The Park Lane, London?

Just fly to LCY and avoid the whole the whole issue

Depends on your circumstances. If you don't mind spending £5 extra, then by all means do so. There are often similar discounts for the Connect service, so the gap in cost is about the same. However some people would rather pay less and will typically look for other deals and money saving options.

What works for some, won't work for everyone and vice versa. Ultimately, if the timings work, then I can understand why people would wish to save £5+ per person on a short train journey. It isn't an inconsiderable amount after all.

I sometimes am alerted by the HEX of a B1G1 Free deal and have seen same in Timeout during one of the summer coupon issues. As for the Park Lane, we are using the Stay 4 nights get 1 free option. In addition, we are using the 25% award stay discount promotion coupon that no other SPG hotel in central London will accept as they are all bove Cat 5. We are hoping for an Executive room upgrade and these rooms are supposed to be nicer than the standard Classic rooms. However, 36,000 SPG points for 5 nights at the Park Lane I thought to be a rather good deal. If the rate was 150 GBP, I would make out about 3 cents per $, but at least the going rate is greater than that and I don't have to pay 17 1/2 percent VAT, as well. What say you folks?

Park Lane is in a great location. I also think the 5 nights special is also a good deal for this hotel.