Is invitation from host required to get UK visit visa in USA south CA area

[vbak]

Hi,
I am currently holding Indian passport & H1-B USA visa and living in South California area. I am planning to goto India for a vacation. I am also interested to take a break journey at London and visit London for 4 days while going to India from USA.

Per their website, I MUST apply for UK Visit Visa. But I have one question.

1. Is it required to get an invitation letter from Host who is staying in UK even if I am really planning to stay in hotels during my stay?

2. Do I need to purchase the ticket before applying for Visa as I need to provide itenary details. or if I just block the tickets and provide them the details of the journey without really purchasing ticket is enough.?

Please reply. Thanks for your help in advance.

[Many]

Visitor visa rejection rate high.

Answer to first question
NO need of invitation in case you can provide hotel detials

Answer to second question
Do not BUY tickets. (Just block/reserve tickets). Iteneray is fine.

IMHO: There are many whose visitor visa got rejected that one may wonder why to even bother.