Agoda serves up ace rates for Wimbledon 2010

SINGAPORE – Agoda, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline.com, announced competitive London hotel rates just in time for the Championships Wimbledon 2010. Held from June 21 to July 4 this year, Wimbledon is the most prestigious of the Grand Slam events and offers a total prize pool of £12.5 million.

First held in 1877 at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC), Wimbledon is as much about tennis as it is about tradition. Some quintessentially English characteristics separate this tournament from the other Grand Slam events, and while aspects of Wimbledon have changed to reflect modern times, most of its original traits remain.

Wimbledon attendees get to experience classic British traditions alongside thrilling center court action. Thanks to Agoda’s latest promotions at London hotels, travelers can also enjoy great rates at London hotels handy to both the championships grounds and to central London’s myriad attractions.

Following are Wimbledon’s most defining traditions, plus some of Agoda’s best promotional rates.

WIMBLEDON’S GREAT BRITISH TRADITIONS:

GRASS COURTS

Wimbledon has always been staged at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) on 100 percent rye grass courts. Grass courts are more expensive to maintain, adding to the tournament’s prestige.

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM

Wimbledon heralds the English summer, when strawberries come into season. Served with double cream, they’ve been a championships staple since the very first match.

PIMM’S CUPS

This is the signature Wimbledon drink, prepared with Pimm’s no. 1, ice, lemonade, mint, strawberries, and slices of cucumber for maximum courtside refreshment.

UNIFORMS

Ball boys, ball girls, lines people, and umpires had their uniforms redesigned by Ralph Lauren in 2006, but Wimbledon players must adhere to a strict all-white dress code, in place since 1877.

RAIN

Even though it’s summer, matches are frequently interrupted by rain. To avoid weather-related delays during the singles events, a retractable cover was installed over center court in 2009.

ROYAL PATRONAGE

Queen Elizabeth II is the official patron of the AELTC, and will attend this year’s championships for the first time since the event’s centennial in 1977. The late Lady Diana was also a big fan.

HOW TO GET THERE:

The AELTC is in the London suburb of Wimbledon. The closest tube station is Wimbledon Park, a 20-minute train ride from Earls Court station in central London. Shuttle buses and taxis connect the station to the AELTC.

WHERE TO STAY:

MILLENNIUM BAILEYS HOTEL

Featuring classic English country décor, this 4-star hotel is just across the road from Gloucester tube, one stop from Earl’s Court station. Early Birds can enjoy a 15 percent discount off the normal rate by booking at least 21 days in advance of their stay. Travelers booking 3 or more nights can enjoy a discount of 20 percent. Agoda rates are from US$201 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/millennium_baileys_hotel.html
SHAFTESBURY HYDE PARK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL

This modern 4-star hotel sits in a row of terraces, a five-minute walk from Bayswater tube station on the District and Circle lines, a short stroll from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. Early Birds booking a Deluxe Double Room for 2 nights or more can enjoy a 10 percent discount. Travelers must book at least 21 days in advance. Agoda rates from US$143 per night. http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/shaftesbury_hyde_park_international_hotel.html

PESTANA CHELSEA BRIDGE HOTEL AND SPA

This modern 4-star hotel is on the south bank of the Thames river, near the iconic Battersea Power Station. Travelers can get to Wimbledon via Queenstown Road station on the South West Trains network, three stations from Wimbledon and two from Waterloo, central London. Travelers booking at least 7 days in advance of their stay can enjoy a 10 percent discount, minimum 3 nights, valid until June 30 2010. Rates from US$169 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/pestana_chelsea_bridge_hotel_and_spa.html

GROSVENOR KENSINGTON

Located in an elegant Victorian-era building next to South Kensington tube station on the District, Circle, and Piccadilly lines, this 3-star hotel has great accessibility to the entire city. This is an upmarket neighborhood surrounded by high-end shopping, dining, and museums. Stay 3 nights and enjoy a 10 percent discount or stay 7 nights or more for a 15 percent discount. Rates from US$177.
http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/grosvenor_kensington_hotel.html

SWISSOTEL THE HOWARD

This luxury hotel is located on the Thames waterfront next to Temple tube station on the District and Circle lines. On a direct line to Wimbledon Park, this hotel is also in an excellent position for sightseeing, shopping, and theater-going. Book at least 3 nights and enjoy a 15 percent discount; travelers booking at least 5 days in advance can also enjoy a 15 percent discount. Agoda rates from US$301.
http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/swissotel_howard_hotel.html

CENTRAL HOUSE HOTEL

Situated behind Buckingham Palace, this affordable 3-star hotel is close to Hyde Park Corner tube station on the Piccadilly line and within walking distance of Knightsbridge and Harrod’s. Book at least 6 days in advance and enjoy a 5 percent discount. Rates from US$140 per night.
http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/central_house_hotel.html

For more information, please contact [email protected] .

ABOUT AGODA COMPANY PTE LTD.

Agoda Company Pte Ltd (www.agoda.com ) is a leading, Asia-based, online hotel reservations company, which specializes in securing the lowest discount hotel prices. Agoda.com is part of Priceline.com (Nasdaq:PCLN). Agoda’s network includes over 7,000 hotels in Asia-Pacific and more than 100,000 worldwide. The multinational staff of 350 professionals, located throughout Asia, provides a first-rate reservation service that uniquely combines local knowledge and local connections to provide the best hotel deals to both business and leisure travelers.

In addition, Agoda customers participate in the Agoda Rewards Program, earning further discounts and free stays. Unlike programs that limit travelers to a single chain, the Agoda Rewards Program allows customers to redeem Rewards Points at thousands of hotels around the globe, at any time. A member of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), Agoda’s aim is to promote travel by making it more affordable and more accessible to more people.