One not mentioned yet --- Airbnb.com - I used it whilst on my last few weeks of a contract in London as I didn't want to extend my lease on a flat for another month. Managed to get a room 5 minute walk to work in Shepherds Bush for £20 In 2012! Ok, it wasn't a swanky pad, but I only wanted somewhere to stick my head down at night. There's anything from £20 up to £200 a night. some with live in owners, some live out. Its a good way to try a few area out before settling on somewhere to stay on a longer contract.
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Signed sealed and delivered. -
+1 just used them to book somewhere about 15 mins walk from new clientco.Originally posted by IR35FanClub View PostComment
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Just found someone listing a four man tent in the garden in that website!!!! LolOriginally posted by norrahe View Post
Good price thoughComment
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Get a room.
I'd say if your contract is expected to be for more than a few months you should find a room on spareroom.co.uk while you are looking get a decent B&B, and for a couple of evenings go onto laterooms.com after 5PM and see if you can grab yourself a nice hotel with a pool + jacuzzi for the same price as a nice B&B. This way you get to relax some evenings. I've done this many times.
It really depends what you want though. It's so easy to get somewhere in town and spend most evenings spending large amounts of your hard earned cash, getting drunk and getting fatter. I've seen this happen to many (most!) contractor colleagues who stay away from home.
If you get yourself a room in a big house (with a desk if lucky) then you can study in the evenings and you can also leave a lot of your stuff over the weekend, or cook for yourself if you feel like it.
Specifically regarding Basingstoke you might want to try The Jolly Miller in Hook, which is a pub a few miles out of town. You can go running by the river, but there's not much to do. You might see this as a good or a bad thing!? It's pretty basic and cheap, but still OK. This was from a few years back, so might have changed.
If you want to go REALLY basic, then buy yourself a caravan and park up in a Camping and Caravan "Certified Location" for a few months... then sell the caravan at the end.
For me, I tend to avoid B&Bs for any length of time as I feel trapped staying in the same place and stuck in a room in the evenings with just a TV for company, especially in the winter.
Oh, and wherever you stay make sure they have decent WiFi which actually works in your room. (or get yourself a MiFi)Comment
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How old is this thread?
I started reading it then was quite surprised to find I'd commented on it already.. 2 years ago.The proud owner of 125 Xeno Geek PointsComment
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I obviously have too much time on my hands because you replied to this thread three times back in May 2010 - are you a Basingstoker by any chance?Originally posted by chef View PostComment
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I've never been to Basingstoke in my life. Sorry, the man you think I am is not me. But I am curious as to why you think this?Originally posted by geoffreywhereveryoumaybe View PostThe proud owner of 125 Xeno Geek PointsComment
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Just a throwaway line
To pad out a reply and kill a few more secondsComment
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Remember your now only married 2 days a week! find a decent casino with a restaurant if your lucky they've paid for your evening meal and Hotel! you even get a receipt for the taxman (from the restaurant at least)Originally posted by BlackenedBiker View PostHi,
I am just about to embark on a new contract where I will be staying away......in Basingstoke
Are there any good tips for
The best "contractor" hotels to go for (I am thinking chains here)
Reducing Costs
Occupying your time constructively in the evening
I live in hope......
Enjoy ...Comment
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