Apartment rental in London for group of five - has anyone tried these??
Dec 15th, 2012, 08:27 PM
#1
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Apartment rental in London for group of five - has anyone tried these??
Planning a trip to London March 14- 19 - five in our group. Wanting to rent an apartment. Looking at several and getting overwhelmed. I am considering www.onefinestay.com - I think the one I really wanted may have been rented -
Also these
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/pho...959&force=true
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/pho...959&force=true
http://www.check-in-london.com/baysw...ersonapartment
http://www.check-in-london.com/weste...droomapartment
has anyone used any of these companies or able to recommend a good place to use for party of five with a budget of $2000 total for the five days - is this reasonable??? As far as location I am looking safety - walking distance of some attractions - London is so big we understand we will have to travel but if we could be staying close to something -
Gatwick is our airport...
Also these
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/pho...959&force=true
http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/pho...959&force=true
http://www.check-in-london.com/baysw...ersonapartment
http://www.check-in-london.com/weste...droomapartment
has anyone used any of these companies or able to recommend a good place to use for party of five with a budget of $2000 total for the five days - is this reasonable??? As far as location I am looking safety - walking distance of some attractions - London is so big we understand we will have to travel but if we could be staying close to something -
Gatwick is our airport...
Dec 15th, 2012, 09:21 PM
#2
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.
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.
Dec 16th, 2012, 08:02 AM
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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????
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????
Dec 16th, 2012, 02:51 PM
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check www.hotwire.com
Dec 17th, 2012, 10:47 AM
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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.
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.
Dec 17th, 2012, 09:02 PM
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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 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.
Dec 17th, 2012, 09:47 PM
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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
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
Dec 17th, 2012, 10:01 PM
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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.
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.
Dec 18th, 2012, 07:56 PM
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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....
Dec 19th, 2012, 11:56 AM
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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.
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.
Dec 19th, 2012, 01:35 PM
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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 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.
Dec 19th, 2012, 03:18 PM
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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????
Anyone else????
Dec 19th, 2012, 03:20 PM
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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.
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.
Dec 19th, 2012, 03:28 PM
#18
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.
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.
Dec 19th, 2012, 06:12 PM
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