London travel deals too good to pass up

London is a most ideal destination for first-time visitors to Europe. There’s simply so much to see and do here that it’s a delightful journey even after a tenth visit!

From jam-packed museums and splendid architecture to live performances and free festivals, the city has a lot offer every type of traveler.

Check out the trip planning guide to London at Visit London - www.visitlondon.com The Web site also has a comprehensive Hotel Search section with rates published in U.S. Dollar.

Want to see how the royals live? Every year, Buckingham Palace opens its famous gates to visitors for a glance at the State Rooms. This year, the palace is open through September 29 for visitors to tour the royal residence. The tour includes a look at some of the world’s most opulent collectibles, including Faberge eggs, Rembrandt paintings and some of the finest furniture in the world.

This year, for the first time and only for 2008, visitors to the palace can feast their eyes on the Ballroom set up for a State Banquet.

Palace banquets have been a hallmark of lavish entertaining for centuries - with the State Banquet as the highest honor of all - usually thrown to welcome a visiting head of state. Without that special invitation, commoners can visit the room with its famous horseshoe-shaped table set with fine porcelain, silver and fresh flowers. www.royalcollection.org.uk

London is opening its doors to more than just royal residences. This year, the annual London Open House Weekend is being held on September 20 and 21. Dubbed “architecture in the flesh,” this event features free entry into more than 600 buildings in the city, including banks, offices, government buildings and even private homes.

Open House Weekend allows the public to gain an appreciation for the unique and fine architecture which decorate the city - but often these elements are hidden behind closed doors. The list of buildings on display can be found at www.londonopenhouse.org.

A new 68-room Hotel Indigo will open near to London’s Paddington Station soon. This is the station where the Heathrow Express terminates in central London. The brand is designed to appeal to travelers seeking stylish and upscale accommodations. www.hotelindigo.com.

Another new feature for London is the Saatchi Gallery - set to open on October 9. The museum will be one of the largest in the world devoted to showing contemporary art with free admission for visitors to the gallery’s ongoing exhibitions and changing curated shows. www.saatchigallery.com

Through midnight, Wednesday (Aug. 27th) USAirways offers a round-trip low-season rate of $590 (inclusive of $320 in fuel surcharges, but exclusive of other taxes, fees). Depart from October 23-December 17. Add $20 each way for travel on Fridays-Sundays.

A unique feature of this sale is the minimum stay requirement of three nights. Typically international airfares require a Saturday night stay. This sale requires that travel be completed within a month of departure. www.usairways.com.

Delta Air Lines offer a $665 round-trip rate on its non-stop routes to London on trips started on or before October 22. This rate is inclusive of fuel surcharges, but exclusive of taxes, fees. Rates are based on mid-week travel with weekend days at $25 more each way. Plan to include a weekend stay.

Buy tickets through midnight, tonight (8/27). But this rate will likely be extended for another few weeks. A one-week advance notice of travel is required. www.delta.com.