SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, Asia's global hotel booking site and part of Priceline.com, is helping make the BBC Proms 2010 an even more memorable event with a range of fantastic hotel rates across London

SINGAPORE – Agoda.com, Asia’s global hotel booking site and part of Priceline.com, is helping make the BBC Proms 2010 an even more memorable event with a range of fantastic hotel rates across London.

The Proms is the world’s largest classical music festival with events taking place at Royal Albert Hall over several weeks. This year it runs from July 16 to September 11.

“’Proms” is short for “promenade concert,” where audience members, rather than being seated, stand or walk around the auditorium while a performance is in session.

The Proms began in 1895 as a way of introducing classical music to a wider audience. The low ticket prices and casual atmosphere of the events attracted people who were previously more likely to shy away from a classical concert.

The original spirit of the Proms lives on in full force today. Ticket prices are still low (from GBP 5 per concert), and people can literally wander in off the street without a reservation to experience great classical masterpieces performed by one of the world’s leading orchestras.

People who attend the Proms are called “Prommers;” Prommers can wander around Royal Albert Hall auditorium during performances. The Arena directly in front of the orchestra is said to have the best sound, whereas the Gallery high above the stage offers the best view. There is no dress code, and children over the age of five are encouraged to attend, with music workshops and “Proms Intro” sessions held to help people of all ages develop their appreciation of classical music.

The BBC Proms 2010 includes performances by Placido Domingo, José Carreras, and the London Philharmonic Choir, plus symphonies by Beethoven, Chopin, and Bach. Contemporary composers are also featured, as are literary events, children’s Proms, and a themed Doctor Who Prom featuring music from the TV series. The festival comprises 76 Proms concerts and 13 chamber music recitals, culminating in The Last Night, the Proms’ biggest event, held at Royal Albert Hall and broadcast around the world.

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Just as the Proms seeks to bring classical music to a wider audience, Agoda strives to make access to the event easier and more affordable by securing discounted hotel room rates across London. The following special deals include some of the best hotels in London, covering every price range. For more information about the Proms 2010, visit www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2010 .

For more information about Agoda.com, contact [email protected] .

LONDON HOTEL SPECIALS

EUSTON SQUARE HOTEL – 3 stars

Book a Double Room for at least 2 nights and enjoy a 5 percent discount.

Agoda rates from US$128 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/euston_square_hotel.html

CENTRAL HOUSE HOTEL – 3 stars

Book at least 6 days in advance and enjoy a GBP 5 discount per night.

Average rate GBP 90 per night (US$137).

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/central_house_hotel.html

SERAPHINE HOTEL LONDON KENSINGTON – 4 stars

Stay 3 nights and enjoy a 10 percent discount.

Average rate US$151 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/seraphine_hotel_london_kensington.html

MILLENNIUM GLOUCESTER HOTEL – 4 stars

Book 3 nights and enjoy a 20 percent discount.

Average rate US$296 per night. http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/millennium_gloucester_hotel.html

LANCASTER LONDON HOTEL – 4 stars

Stay 3 nights and enjoy a 20 percent discount.

Average rate US$230 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/lancaster_london_hotel.html

ATHENAEUM HOTEL – 5 stars

Book 3 nights and enjoy a 20 percent discount.

Average rate US$365 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/athenaeum_hotel.html

HALKIN HOTEL – 5 stars

Stay 3 nights and enjoy 1 free night – valid once per booking.

Average rate US$446 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/halkin_hotel.html

51 BUCKINGHAM GATE TAJ SUITES AND RESIDENCES – 5 stars

Stay 1 night and enjoy a 15 percent discount.

Average rate US$561 per night.

http://www.agoda.com/europe/united_kingdom/london/51_buckingham_gate_taj_suites_and_residences.html