Day Trips to London

I was stranded at London Gatwick after a flight of mine had been cancelled, and I checked in to Le Meridien Gatwick simply because of the signs around the airport stating that it was only 5 minutes away.
I checked in without any problem; the receptionist was cheerful and friendly. The price (around £85 for single occupancy for 1 night) was a bit steep for me, but I was desperate for a room and didn't really care at that point.
The lobby was large and impressive, with a fountain and a grand piano. There was also a restaurant and bar on the ground floor. It was a beautiful setting and perked me up a bit after being gutted that my flight was cancelled.
My room was on the fifth floor that I got to by a glass elevator. (I always like glass elevators!) The room had a large, fantastically comfortable queen bed. There was air-conditioning and the windows overlooked the lobby. There was also a small table and chairs. It was a really comfortable room.
The room had a safe, a nice TV, a coffee/tea maker, a trouser press, an iron, a minibar, and a hair dryer.
The bathroom came with shampoo, soap, lotion, and plenty of towels. The shower was fantastic!
I didn't have my swimsuit with me, since it was an impromptu visit, so I didn't get to take advantage of the pool and hot tub offered.
I wouldn't recommend this hotel to students - it's fairly pricey. I would recommend it to business visitors or anyone wanting nice, quality accommodation minutes away from the airport.

One of my favorite museums in London! The building is an old power station along the south bank of the river, easily spotted by the large smokestacks. The main entrance is through the old turbine hall. It's a spectacularly large room that has changing exhibitions designed specifically to fit the space.
The Tate Modern houses a large collection of modern art from around the world. There is pop art by Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol, surrealism by Picasso, impressionist paintings by Monet, and loads more sculptures, paintings, and exhibits from a wide variety of artists. It's spread over several different levels, and picking up a map on the way in is advisable!
My favorite sculpture is the marble statue of The Kiss by Rodin. My favorite painting is one of Monet's canvases on waterlilies. (I sat in front of the painting so long that I had to be asked by a security guard to leave because the museum was closing!)
Whatever concepts you have about art, what it is and what it isn't, will be challenged by the Tate Modern. Some of the other more "modern" art goes a bit over my head. The installation and concept pieces aren't really my cup of tea, but there are those that love them and there's always opportunity for discussion! (I heard a couple arguing over one of Rothko's paintings, each vigorously defending their point of view.)
There is, of course, a gift shop where you can purchase prints or postcards of many of the exhibits as well as books and other souvenirs about modern art.
Tate Modern is located on the south bank of the River Thames at Bankside, near Blackfriars Bridge, opposite St Paul's Cathedral and next to the Globe Theatre. Like all British museums, there is no entry cost, except for the special and temporary exhibitions that change seasonally. The cost for those is around £7, and it's cheaper if you have a student card.
It's open until 6 Sunday to Thursday and until 10 on Friday and Saturday.