SashieZo

Hello-
I'm having difficulty choosing neighborhoods. Looking for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom apt. I would like to get something in the city center meaning I don't want to be in a mostly residential area where I need to take a 1/2 hr ride to get anywhere. Ideally would prefer somewhere near lots of restaurants so we don't have to rely on transportation in the evenings. I found some apartments that would work but would love some advice about their locations. Is Pimlico or Fulham a good spot? What about Waterloo? These are the apartments I picked on a map:
https://www.airbnb.com/wishlists/63768438
I don't expect you to critique the apartments (unless, of course you would like to!) only the location
Thanks so much.

janisj

Sorry -- but most of your photos include actual locations. For instance "Hyde Park" could be in any of about 10 far flung neighborhoods. "Near Chelsea" could mean great or very inconvenient. Same w/ "Chelsea/Fulham"

A couple that are <i>probably</i> central/convenient are Pimlico and Waterloo. Oxford Street could be fine or a VERY congested/noisy location.

So give us actual locations and maybe we can help.

janisj

oops -- that should say >>but most of your photos <B>don't</B>include actual locations<<

SashieZo

I just clicked on the link I sent. I thought I was sending a map with the locations indicated with a dot not the actual photos of each apartment. I will try again.

MmePerdu

Actually, they do give a pretty good idea of the location in the listings, for those of you unfamiliar with Airbnb. All the way at the bottom of the listing, on the left, the street name, and a map with the location, which will be about in the center of the shaded area. You can zoom in to the street for a better idea.

Then, if you really want to see what the area looks like, take the street name and go to Street View on Google maps, have a "walk" around the neighborhood. All pretty straightforward.

MmePerdu

I should also mention, you have to actually click on the listing. Otherwise, it's like looking at the cover of a guidebook and saying it isn't telling you a thing.

MmePerdu

I should also have said, SashieZo, you gave plenty of information, no snideness directed at you.

SashieZo

Thanks MmePerdu - I did not notice that on the bottom of the page. I never scrolled down that far. It certainly helps. thanks again

ElendilPickle

I notice on your first choice that the host has canceled the two most recent reservations, so do check to make sure this one is still available.

Janisj, you don't get an exact address with Airbnb until your reservation is confirmed.

Lee Ann

MmePerdu

Lee Ann's point is a good one. When you see "the reservation was cancelled", it's the host that's cancelled a confirmed reservation. I wouldn't consider a property with a host prone to changing their mind. There are so many possibilities, I'd only consider 5 star ratings, more telling than what the reviews say, and no host cancellations.

SashieZo

I didn't realize the reservation was cancelled by the host. Good to know - thanks.

I found a few apartments in Maida Vale. Any comments about the area?

MmePerdu

I have an acquaintance in Maida Vale with whom I've stayed and the parts I know are elegant neighborhoods. Like any areas, there may be less elegant parts, so send an inquiry (not a "booking request") and ask the host for the cross streets, so you can have a much better idea when looking on Street View.

SashieZo

I think I found the apt. Looks like a great location. Anyone familar with Hanway street?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5277535?guests=3

Tulips

Great area, very central. Lots of restaurants nearby in Charlotte Street and surrounding streets. Hakkassan in Hanway Place.
Tottenham Court Road station is closed for refurbishments at the moment - this is a huge building site, very close to your street.

janisj

Much MUCH more central than most of the other choices you listed. My only real concern is also re the Tottenham Court Rd station. The next nearest station is Goodge Street (Oxford Circus mentioned on the listing is a bit farther)

BigRuss

Two things: (1) VRBO listings and its partner site Homeaway almost always have exact locations. Check them out.
(2) Is there a particular reason you're wedded to airbnb? London has an enormous vacation apartment rental industry and restricting your search to one company, which does not tell you the precise location of the flat (and that does matter considering how much leeway the listings may have) may not be your best option.

SashieZo

Tottenham Court Road station is a tube station? Or is it a building? As long as the construction is not on my street, I'm ok with that.
Big Russ - I tried other sites but found some to be pricey and found nothing on VRBO. I tried that site before Airbnb and was disappointed.

I booked the Hanway St. apartment and I'm relieved.

I appreciate all of your help - thank you so much.
(and I will be back on this thread to let you know the results!)

janisj

>>Tottenham Court Road station is a tube station?<<

Yes, it is the nearest Tube/Underground station and it is closed so you cannot use it. The whole area is torn up so you will have to walk out of your way to get to most places.

Some of these images may give you an idea

https://www.google.com/search?q=tott...w&ved=0CB0QsAQ

janisj

Meant to add - it is still a central/convenient location -- just very torn up and not as convenient as it will be in a few years when all the construction is finished.

northie

Tottenham court road station is not closed . I used it twice today . The new concourse area is open . Central line does not stop there but Northern does. There is construction in one part but the new concourse is past that along Oxford street . The new escalators are a vast improvement.
It's very central - we are at present in an apartment in Soho Square