Never used those sites but the Victoria property is in a very convenient location and looks decent. Plus VERY well located for Gatwick.

The Bayswater flat is much smaller -- the living room is really tiny - and is in a much less convenient location.

The location of the Bloomsbury flat is fine -but it looks nasty IMO.

We rented a 2bedroom 2bath apt(there were 4 of us) and it was Perfect!!
Try Homeaway #401139.
Its over by the tower of London (the view of it at night is awesome)

I am torn. I am worried about booking and finding out I dont have a place to stay, the pictures not matching up etc.

www.homeaway has nice apartments but nervous about renting from individual - am I just paranoid??

Lending towards two rooms at premier, travelodge,choice hotels etc.

thoughts/recommendations????

check www.hotwire.com

As the apartments you refer to are so wildly different, I'm a bit confused as to what exactly you're looking for. It would help if you could let us know if you want something stylish or don't care, and if you prefer two bathrooms, or will make do with one.

One Fine Stay is a really upmarket agency featuring expensive apartments, whereas the Bedford Place apartments are for people on a fairly tight budget. I'd say that the only benefit of the latter is that its location in Bloomsbury is central yet quiet.

The Victoria apartment looks nice, it's central and has good reviews, but it's on a very busy street. It's fine if you want to stay in an upmarket area with expensive restaurants.

As for the Grand Plaza, I stayed there myself 6 years ago in a one-bedroom apartment, booked directly from the aparthotel: http://www.grand-plaza.co.uk/apartments.php#6b1 The rooms were small, but comfortable, and the street was quiet. There are many recent reviews on TripAdvisor.

Since then I have stayed twice at another aparthotel across the street. I like Bayswater a lot. It's not as central as Bloomsbury (not close to any major tourist sights), but it's a vibrant, multicultural area with a mix of residents and tourists. Completely different from the area where the Victoria apartment is located!

As for renting from Homeaway, I wouldn't have any qualms whatsoever as long as the apartments you are interested in have good, recent reviews. I have rented from Homeaway a number of times - including a two-bedroom, one-bathroom in Bloomsbury (twice) - and have always been very pleased. You can take a look at VRBO as well.

I think I would keep looking if I were you, even though it can be overwhelming! An apartment is so much nicer for a group of people than two hotel rooms.

That bayswater apt is terrible: 530 sq ft for five people? I wouldn't try to squeeze five cats into that space.

The Victoria place is a far better location too.

Ideally we would like an authentic British flat - stylish but comfy - It will be me (44) and 2 21 year olds and 2 19 year olds - nothing stuffy. two bathrooms would be nice but not a deal breaker either. We honestly dont plan to be in the "room" much - plan to head out in the mornings and come back evenings but of course if a good location we COULD come back midday - last time we stayed at the Travelodge on Old Street Rd so going back and forth was a bit inconvenient. I think safe, reasonably quiet better location, clean and a place with personality - yes asking for the moon, I know!!

I have also read that a con of renting a flat was the little things that are different in UK rather than US - possible operating appliances etc - is there much difference??

My concern with homeway was LACK of reviews - there were many places that have been listed for years but only one review - I realize some people may not even leave a review but struck me as a bit odd.

I recommend renting from the London Connection, a fantastic small family-owned company based in Utah. They check EVERY flat in person.
And while you are perusing the site for great flat, read Mr Moore Senior *The Anglophile* blog to get you in the mood for UK.

We have rented from them twice now, great flats in great locations, reasonable prices. And both places were even nicer in person than on the photos!

http://www.londonconnection.com/main_menu.asp

Doula, Here are some London Connection properties that fit your requirements

2-215 Eaton Mews North 6 2 2 4 Sloane Square $324.00
2-26 Drury Lane 5 2 2 3 Covent Garden $389.00 ( Normally $462.00)
3-53 Parliament View 6 3 2 4 Westminster $355.00 (Normally $420.000

the first number in the column is the number of people who can comfortably fit; column 2 is the number of bedrooms, then the number of bathrooms, then the closest underground station,then the US $ price is per night.

Thank you so much!!! I will check out the blog BUT I am always in LONDON MOOD!! I honestly think I was born in the wrong country!! I have ancestors from UK and joke I am British!!!

finding mixed reviews about london connections - i understand there can always be negative reviews - reading many about after booking getting last minute email that the property is no longer available....

When i first booked, i asked LC about a neg review, and got THEIR side of the story.
When i find a company of any sort that does what they say they will, and does it well, i like to share the knowledge.
Show me any set of reviews that does not have negative comments, whether for hotels ,tour companies, etc. If I recall right, reading reviews on TA, someone gladly got a BETTER flat from London Connection during a time when a change had to be made,
I never had a prob with last minute changes of LC flats . II have had probs with other companies, such as VIP. Of course it is good to be aware of all experiences...assuming they are valid and not just a grudge.
(For example, did you know that unscrupulous people are now threatening hotels with negative TA reviews if they dont get a discount on the room price?)
Your loss Doula, if you pay undue attention to a few negative reviews of this excellent company.
Either way, good luck finding a great flat, in a great neighborhood, at a great price.

I expect all companies no matter who they are will have negative comments - like you said there are people who will just do that. I have also seen where someone may give a low rating because the dryer did not dry fast enough or something that to me would not be an issue.

I am just expressing that I am concern where to go - I tend to worry and over think things. I am here to get many peoples thoughts and suggestions - it is nothing against London Connections.

I am leery of almost ALL TA reviews - good and bad. If you knew the algorithm they use you might be as well.

janisj can you recommend a company YOU would use for a flat in London for mid March (14-19) sleeping five around $2000 for the five days?? I know you have a life and have better things to do and I am not asking you to do the hunting for me but IF you know of a company I would feel better.


Anyone else????

Here's another positive review for London connection - they were great with us, from the staff in the US to the driver they recommended to/from airport to the local agent who met us and oriented us to the place. We rented through them at the time the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud shut down air travel across Western Europe. They were incredibly good, looked after us and made things quite easy. No hesitation at all to recommend them.
Do keep in mind that whatever agency you use, it is not uncommon to have a minimum rental period, sometimes one week.

Oh, and in terms of appliances working differently - yes, some do, but aside from the combo clothes washer/dryer machines which can be confusing at first, everything else is pretty easy to figure out.

I personally would have no problem using London Connections - but here are a couple of other good ones that might have something for you

http://www.holidayapartmentlondon.com/ They represent flats in nice areas of central London (For old timers, these are the guys who managed Scala House - boy, wouldn't it be great if SH was still an option )

and http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hamlet_uk/ - very reasonably priced flats in St Katharine's Marina next to the Tower/Tower Bridge.

Again thanks everyone!! Greatly appreciated!!!

I have noticed some requiring 7 days

http://www.londonconnections.com/PropertyView.asp?property_id=713&start_date=03/14/2013&stop_date=03/19/2013&capacity=5&num_bedrooms=-1&num_baths=-1&num_beds=-1&tube_stop=-1&city=1&log_op=1


this is my favorite right now!!

the apt on drury lane says it sleeps 5 but there are only 4 beds mentioned
does this mean someone gets the couch.? it doesnt look very long and doesnt say that its a sleeper couch...so inquire before booking

in britain older buildings have three prong outlets. if the electric outlets have been updated you may be ok you can ask when booking whether standard american electronics will fit the plugs or not.. and if your group needs to use hair dryers/hair irons etc/ you may need a duel voltage model or buy a cheap one in london.

http://rentals.chslondon.com/RTV2/RTV2.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/HNN/HNN.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/CHP/CHP.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/WSM/WSM.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/BKV/BKV.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/BYM/BYM.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/TKR/TKR.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/SGS/SGS.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/VAU/VAU.htm


I'm finding good reviews - anyone have personal experience or opinion for the best area?? I know some are further out but asking for thoughts

last time we bought an adapter and had a slight problem!! Lets just say there was a little smoke - lost power and a knock on the door from the staff!!

We bought a local hair straightener and borrowed the hair dryer from front desk - plan to buy a european hair dryer!!

I, too, have used London Connections (Bramham Gardens property) and found them very accomadating. I have booked another property for March 2013 through them last week.

Sorry, misspelled accommodating.

oh2doula: I noticed some of the properties you were looking at were not very close to a tube station. That is just about my top priority when choosing a place to stay! After a long day touring the city (and getting about by Metro) the last thing I want to do is trek a long way home from the station.

I agree with dorfan2 that you should choose an apartment within reasonable distance of a tube station. You do realize that all of the Coach House apartments except the one on St. George's Square (which looks very nice) only accomodate 4 people?

If still in doubt, you can check out this list of agencies: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1edOOojRjl583uwOv0mf4SOXwdYGzPHq6-QB2eXxTORo/edit?hl=en_US&pli=1 It has been compiled by a trusted TripAdvisor member.

By the way, there's no need to distrust TripAdvisor reviews, unless they have been submitted by "one post wonders".

I did realize most were 4 person but had thought someone (if necessary) could sleep on a couch - I will have two 21 year olds and 2 19 year olds with me.

Yes I agree a tube station near by is a must - looking more central!!

http://www.themainhouse.co.uk/index.htm#tac
http://www.cartrefhouse.co.uk/location.html
http://www.blades-hotel.co.uk/welcome

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/hyde-park-whiteleaf.html?utm_medium=SPPC&utm_term=hotel-237642&checkin=2013-03-14&checkout=2013-03-19&label=hotel-237642&aid=332153&utm_source=criteo
http://www.thefieldinghotel.co.uk/booking_form_send.php

are some more I have found!!! Some many options!!!

Doula, you are *overthinking and worrying too much* per your own self-description.

Don:t wait too long. or the one you finally settle on, whichever it is, will be gone.

Y0u wrote your requirements are * safe, reasonably quiet better location, clean and a place with personality - yes asking for the moon, I know!!*

You are NOT asking for the moon, and i and others have given reccos s for requirements, size and price range. Now just DO it and stop obsessing, so you can relax and enjoy Christmas (-;

"I did realize most were 4 person but had thought someone (if necessary) could sleep on a couch"

Just a quick comment -- you can ONLY sleep five if the property description allows it. Some will say sleep 4 plus extra ££ for a folding bed. But never try to squeeze 5 into a place that is limited to sleeping four. They could reasonably evict you and not refund anything.

oh -meant to add. Even though the places in St Katharine's marina prefer to book by the week - they are still an option. They sometimes book for shorter periods between other bookings.

But even if that isn't possible -- in the off season the 2bdrm flats are only £869 a week. If you 'eat' the extra two nights, it is still far under your budget.

I did notice that janisj - so I won't consider "sleeps 4" - thank you!!

CaliNurse - you are soooo right!! I need to just pick one and be excited about it!!

thanks everyone - I do appreciate it! with that has anyone used
https://www.ivylettings.com/properties/battersea-park/

or
http://farnum-christ.com/images/stories/properties/Dorset-Street/1.4dorset%20st%20living%20room%202.jpg


I will make a decision and stop worrying!!

http://farnum-christ.com/

Farnum & Christ is a long established and well regarded agency.

here is the actual link to the flat http://tinyurl.com/cn3a6mn

It is near Baker St tube station which is on 5 different lines so pretty convenient.

Never heard of the other agency (and I wouldn't stay at Battersea - There is no nearby tube station. Buses and mainline trains are OK - but I MUCH prefer to be on convenient tube lines)

The Farnum & Christ flat looks great. Lots of shops and places to eat nearby as well as a tube sta. with 5 lines! You will appreciate that later.

FYI: The combo washer/dryer that comes with a lot of these rental flats contains a "tumble dryer" only and you will need to allow more time for clothes to dry.

My DH and I will be in London the same time as you. Hope you post a trip report when you get back

I was liking the one in Covent Garden but with all the bloody links you've posted, I dunno which one that is now.

And the Battersea Park apartment is nowhere near where you want to be.

The Battersea Park apartment definitely is a no-no due its location, but Ivy Lettings is a reputable agency.

I agree that the Farnum and Christ apartment looks very nice, and the location is great. When I enquired about an apartment from them a couple of years ago, I was very pleased with their service.

I have been in contact with Farnum and Christ - they are checking about renting for 5 days.....

I have also found http://www.thelondonagent.com/33A-Villiers-(1&2).html
http://www.thelondonagent.com/Leicester-Square.html


has anyone used them??

*I was liking the one in Covent Garden but with all the bloody links you've posted, I dunno which one that is now.*
BigRuss, LOL. ))

Doula, London is IMHO the greatest city in the world -well, except for my hometown of New York. You will have a great time!!! Choose a flat, and then you can have the fun of focussing on other details of your trip.

Re length f stay--LC does 5 day rentals. Both of mine have been for this length--no problem, and no *less than a week* penalty as some have. But I think at the time you are going, you should not have a problem with flexibility in whatever place you choose.

CaliNurse again you are right!! and I agree London is the greatest!! And NY is on my list so watch out!!!

The latest two apartment links look great except for one thing - the Villiers flat details say it could be on the first to the fifth floor - NO LIFT (elevator). The other one says it's on the top floor and does not mention having a lift (which probably means it doesn't have one).

Re: Ivy Lettings. Have used them one time and were quite pleased. The flat we let would not work for you as it was a one bedroom, but it was just as represented online - even better, in fact - and everything went perfectly smoothly. I believe that most of their properties have a one week minimum, however.

http://rentals.chslondon.com/SGS/SGS.htm

http://rentals.chslondon.com/VAU/VAU.htm


I THINK I have narrowed it down to these two!!

I've stayed twice in St Georges Square (not the same apartment) and love the area. The Vauxhall Br. Rd flat is in the same area.

Both are very near Pimlico tube station, the river and Tate Britain. The St Georges Square location will have a more residential/quieter feeling. I would be 100+% happy w/either location.

Oh meant to add - I've stayed in Pimlico/Victoria MANY times -- but just the 2 times in St Georges Square. It is one of my favorite areas.

Just a couple of notes:

The first apt has no elevator and is on the 3rd floor (US - 2nd floor european style) - which may be fine if you have 4 strong young people to haul things around

The second is on Vauxhall Bridge Road (I beleive very heavy traffic) and I have never before seen the Battersea Power Station listed as an attraction.

It isn't near the power station - it has a view of the power station -- which is pretty iconic. Plus being on the top floor - noise shouldn't be much of an issue.

The fist one is only up 2 flights and if one can't manage 2 residential flights then one really can't manage much of the tube either. But if the stairs will be a problem for you, then definitely go for the one w/ the lift.

(I personally seldom book flats above the 2nd floor/3rd US w/o a lift but 2 flights should be fine if you are even moderately able)

wonderful to hear!!! Thanks for the reassurance!! I plan to book in the morning!!!!

You could also try apart-hotels, such as http://www.parkplazacountyhall.com/default.asp?section=955 - apartment style rooms that sleep several people, with kitchenette and all the comforts of a hotel.

http://www.rentfair.com has flats in London to rent, mainly for longer term, but with a short-term rental search.

Dugs thank you BUT I was driving myself CRAZY deciding on a place to stay ( ask CaliNurse)!!

Doula, Congrats on finding a place! I am jealous that you will be in London soon. Happy New Year to you!!

thanks CaliNurse!! I am so excited - 69 days excited!! Happy New Year to you and thanks for all the help!!