Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Anyone used London Connections to book an apartment in London?

Anyone used London Connections to book an apartment in London?

Old Apr 26th, 2010, 08:04 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Anyone used London Connections to book an apartment in London?

We are planning our trip to London and the hardest part is fixing on the accommodation. We have zeroed in on a serviced apartment. Just wanted to check if anyone has used London Connections to book apartments? Your feedback both positive and negative will be deeply appreciated. Thanks
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old Apr 27th, 2010, 08:22 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 72,629
Likes: 0
Received 50 Likes on 7 Posts
There are several threads on here about London Connection -- try the search function. I haven't used them myself, but they are a long standing/well known agency
janisj is online now  
Old Apr 28th, 2010, 05:16 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Janisj...
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old Apr 28th, 2010, 03:50 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,896
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It has been a number of years ago, but my sister-in-law booked a three-bedroom flat on Queens Gate for a family trip for us through London Connections, and it was great. A driver met us at Gatwick and returned us there as part of the price.
carolyn is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2010, 09:49 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I’ve used London Connections (LC) 3 times, each time with excellent customer service and communication. My third stay will be this coming September, and I can’t wait! Because I like to be in the thick of it I have only stayed at their properties on St. Martin’s Lane near Covent Garden.

I noted in your post that you mentioned “serviced apartment”, the London Connections flats are self-catering (take care of yourself) not serviced. Although you can arrange (for a price) for someone to clean the flat for you. I didn’t use that service.

I used to always stay at the Hotel Hampshire in Leister Square, (they must miss my money now –lol). I love the freedom of having my own space, and lots of it. I also love having a washer/dryer combo at my disposal – means I can bring less clothes.

One thing I have noticed about LC is they seem to charge less for properties offered by other agencies. If you have specific questions you want answered, ask and I’ll try my best to answer. As stated above, I’ve had nothing but a good experience with LC (and no I do not work for them!)
angelica00 is offline  
Old Apr 30th, 2010, 10:45 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,502
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, we booked through them for our recent trip and were quite pleased. We had a one bedroom on Hay Hill, in Berkeley House. Everything was as pictured on the site, though the furniture in the living room was arranged a bit differently. Clean, modern, well furnished. Everything worked, including the high speed wireless internet access. Arrival using their driver was smooth, as was departure using the same driver. When we were stranded due to the volcanic ash cloud the local manager was pleasant and easy to work with; fortunately we were able to stay in place. Overall, a very positive experience.
Seamus is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2010, 06:47 AM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks a lot..

Angelica: Have booked in St Martins Lane too. yes I meant self catering, not serviced.. but thanks for the clarification. I wanted to know what are the other charges involved other than the rentals..And is the pick up service included in the price?

Seamus: Thanks. Helps having such positive reviews.
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2010, 08:29 AM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Angelica, Seamus: One more question. Did you pay the entire amount for the apartment upfront? Or did you pay an advance and the balance on arrival?
Thanks again...
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2010, 08:44 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,502
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
No, airport transfer is not included in the price. It is an optional service unless you are arriving evenings (after 5 PM local time) or on weekends when it is mandatory. For 1 to 4 persons the cost is 55GBP from Heathrow or 75GBP from Gatwick, which compares quite favorably to other car services. Driver was waiting just outside customs with a sign bearing my name. Return was scheduled by phone and driver arrived exactly on time.

No other fees were assessed. Site states "There are NO clean-out fees, VAT, sales tax, linen fees, or registration fees" in addition to the stated price and we were not charged any. Not sure whether they provide interim cleaning if you are staying an extended period, no mention of that. The contract does mention the possibility of an excess cleaning fee, but we left the place in good shape so do not expect that. When we had to extend our stay the local manager did ask if we wanted a cleaner to come by, but we declined as there were sufficient extra linens and cleaning supplies in the flat and we just did a light cleaning ourselves. (OK, it is ironic as I detest housework but these were exceptional circumstances!) Only other charge would be for telephone usage above and beyond the allowed local calls. We only made local calls so do not expect charges for phone usage.

BTW, if you plan to call back to the States on the apartment phone you might want to check out PennyTalk. It's a service where you dial a local access number then dial the number you want and the rates are dirt cheap. If you want to know more email me at jphinc@grandecom dot net
Seamus is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2010, 08:54 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,502
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oops, your last question posted as I was writing.
We paid by credit card in advance. Site says 50% due on booking and balance 60 days in advance of arrival. Since we were arriving less than 60 days after booking we just paid it all at once. There was no deposit, though they do have your credit card number if there are damages or phone charges. They very efficiently emailed documents for signature which clearly spelled out charges, and included some touristic information.

I know that some places take a deposit and the balance on arrival, but paying in advance like this removes the need to have sufficient cash on hand at arrival.

BTW the airport transfer cost is paid directly to the driver, not added to rental charges. Our driver stopped by an ATM near the flat so we could get pounds.
Seamus is offline  
Old May 2nd, 2010, 11:54 PM
  #11  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Seamus, You have really been very helpful...
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2010, 03:10 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
And check out the associated blog -

http://blog.londonconnection.com/
farrermog is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2010, 03:49 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
And make what you can out of this -

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...gden_Utah.html

One review on Slow Travel, recent and highly recommended -

http://www.slowtrav.com/uk/vr/review.asp?n=4363
farrermog is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2010, 10:15 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Seamus pretty much answered it all! No extra charges, I really like that, some other companies charge a let in fee plus a cleaning fee when you leave etc… Personally, I like all the costs to be up front.

As Seamus also stated, you need 50% down when booking, however I always pay the full amount as I don’t want to take the chance that the price will go up and I get insurance – again a personal choice.

Before I booked with LC I read all the reviews I could, good and bad, asked questions and went with my gut feeling and booked. You have to remember; everyone is entitled to their opinions good and bad. I mean I may have a bad experience while someone has a good one ~ cest la vie!

Also, when you go through the flat with the let in person, make sure you know how to operate the appliances, and have them note items that you see that are questionable. That way you are covering yourself. I also make sure to email LC after my stay to make sure everything is OK with the flat. Thomas always responds that the cleaning crew was very thankful we left the flat so clean! Makes me wonder what folks do in the flats!?!

Anyway, as I have stated, I’ve had nothing but a good experience booking with LC (so far), hope you do too!

Farrermog: Thanks for the links - good info!
angelica00 is offline  
Old May 3rd, 2010, 09:21 PM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Farrermog: I did see the review on Trip Advisor and thats why I was a bit worried. But the Slowtrav review reassured me a lot. Thanks..

Angelica; Thanks for the tips on having them make notes on reaching the apartment.I agree with the gut feeling part.

You all have been so helpful..
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old May 5th, 2010, 06:29 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi,

I have also booked with LC for September! I was hesitant at first too, but decided to go for it after reading the Slowtrav review and speaking with LC directly! I put down 50%. When will you be there?

Jayne
Jayneann is offline  
Old May 5th, 2010, 10:26 PM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Jayne good to hear. Only we are there end of this month.. Will let you know my experience .. I think it is so important to put down one's reviews in forums like these cos it is so helpful to all travellers..
motheroftwoin is offline  
Old May 6th, 2010, 12:46 AM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have just returned from a London Connections apartment in Chelsea - everything was prefect... The flat was as it appeared in the images on the website. The agent was there to greet me as expected and showed me the features of the appliances etc. I would highly recommend them.
emerald125 is offline  
Old May 6th, 2010, 07:16 AM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Yes, we used London Connections several years ago to rent a lovely flat off the King's Road in Chelsea. We were very happy with the service, and the flat was charming -- had once been the home of Mary Quant (sp?), and the closet space reflected it.

Only problem we had was a small bar fridge off the living room was iced up, and I wanted to use it, so I tried to defrost it myself, even though the London Connections rep who met us for the let in said they would send someone on Monday (it was Saturday) to defrost it. All was fine until I plugged it in after the defrost, and it caught fire. I didn't know the English version of 911, nor did my Brit husband. Didn't know if there was a fire extinguisher. I yelled for my husband to bring pans of water (right, NOT what you're supposed to do for an electrical fire, but it was all I could think of, and ever so luckily it worked. It could just as easily created an inferno I now know).

Of course the flat was on the 3rd floor (2nd floor in Brit parlance), i.e. a very far jump to the sidewalk below. So while this had nothing to do with London Connections, I'm relaying the story so that you can mentally reprogram the emergency services number to 999, AND locate the fire extinguisher upon arrival. Indeed the flat did have one, but it was way in the back of a kitchen cabinet. I would not have found it quickly.

So two thumbs up for London Connections, and have a safe and emergency-free trip.
Cheers,
Gittel
Gittel is offline  
Old May 7th, 2010, 08:37 PM
  #20  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Emerald: Thats good to hear.

Gittel: Must have been a pretty scary experience. Very useful info about the emergency numbers...
motheroftwoin is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -