rosebud

I've been doing quite a bit of research on rental apartments in London and can't seem to find something that seems right (perhaps too many choices?). We're a family of four and would like a comfortable, safe, clean place to stay for a week. I'm not generally happy with anything less than 3 or 4 star--my preference is finding a good deal on a 4-star. Lumpy beds are not an option, and I'd prefer non-smoking. I know, I know, it's a tall order. Suggestions?

epi

We rented a couple of years ago from Manors and Co (http://www.londonapartment.co.uk/) and were very happy. We had a very attractive one br apartment in Belgravia, but they had many. The problem of course is the exchange rate. I think London is the most expensive city to be in anywhere in the world. All I can say is that the flat was exactly as advertised and very nice, easily 4 star. I hate cigarette smoke, and can't remember if they said the flat was non-smoking, but it definitely did not smell of smoke. Good luck in your search.

rosebud

I guess I'm troubled by the photos online that all look nice...but the reality doesn't often match up. That's why I'm hoping to hear more personal experiences--good and bad.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

ginny

Hi rosebud!!!!

Check out London Serviced Apartments

http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/

We've used them on 2 trips and were very pleased with the flat both times. They offer 3 different price ranges in locations all over London. This past October we stayed at The Mansions 1 in Earls Court...had a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen (with washer/dryer combo) and living room. This particular flat was in the Economy group!

Also, though I've never used them, check out London Connection
http://www.londonconnection.com/main_menu.asp

Good Luck!!

lscott

Like epi, we too rented an apt owned by Manors & Co; ours was in Queensgate and we booked it via www.barclayweb.com. We were very pleased and would book again using either Manors or Barclay.
We have booked with barclay twice; they have a long list of apts, all prices and locations.

limpitlaw

We just got back a couple of weeks ago and stayed in Earls Court through A Place Like Home. There were 5 of us and we had a very comfortable 4th floor flat with two bedrooms, a full bath and a spacious living room, kitchen/dining area. The Sky TV made it for my kids. The company, A Place Like Home, was first rate and I would definitely recommend them. WWW.aplacelikehomelondon.co.uk

rosebud

Thanks for all of the suggestions...I'll check them out! Does anyone have experience with Uptown Reservations in London? Their rates seem really good.

Vetty

We stayed in Citadines Aparthotel on High Holbourne St. It was fine, clean, pleasant but not fantastic. We usually stay in 5 star hotels so take the suggestion from that point of view. We loved the fact that there was a Sainsbury's (great grocery store)one block away.

beckb

lscott - Was the apartment you stayed in 130 Queensgate? My son and I are staying there for 12 days in August. If that is the one can you give me a little bit more specifics... i.e. how was the room (we have a studio)?restaurants and supermarkets close by? Thanks!

lscott

To beckb: No ours was not 130 Queensgate but I know the place, have walked by it. Can't tell you about the rooms but we like the neighborhood. Not far to South Ken tube stop. We eat at Dino's near the tube stop a lot (a chain). Some don't like them but we find their extensive menu and prices what we want at the end of a hard day. Just a few blocks away is Old Brompton Rd, more restaurants. Small grocery or two in that area. Gloucester Rd tube stop is not far away; more restaurants and pubs there. As for better dining in the area, there is a Vietnamese place on Old Brompton that we like.
We walk a lot or take the tube and Queensgate is handy for both.

sbsjsf

In February my family and I rented a lovely, convenient 3 bedroom, 2 bath flat near Sloane Square from www.londonconnection.com for a week. It is on Bourne Street. The house was non-smoking, immaculate, very tastefully decorated and had comfortable beds. Our closest bus stop (less than 5 minute walk) was in front of Tiffany so that gives you an idea of the neighborhood.

rosebud

sbsjsf:

That sounds great! Do you remember about how much it was for the week? Was there a name or reference number so I can look up the place where you stayed?

Patti

HI Rosebud,

I don't know what your budget is, but you could try www.londonperfect.com. I haven't tried any of their London flats, but have stayed in one of their Paris apartments and it was beautiful and well kept and the owners were great to work with. I hope to stay in one of these someday!

Patti

artsfan

http://www.academiclettings.com/rs_apart.htm

We haven't stayed there, but we're going to, fwiw! I am cautiously optimistic.

Patrick

I think I understand what you're saying. Most apartments in London are either very "budget" oriented in every way, or else very classy and extremely high priced to match.

We've rented for years through www.farnum-christ.com. Their apartments are all individually owned amd beautifully decorated and furnished. We rent a one bedroom on Floral Street in Covent Garden, but I think you might be looking for one of their nice two bedroom ones in Sloane Square or other good locations. Look at their website which is only a vague guideline and then call them. They work best individually discussing what your situation is and offering the best they have. Of course, they aren't cheap, but I've found them much more reasonable that Barclay's or Manors. I'd think you would expect to pay something like $300 a night for a very nice two bedroom for a week. And you will feel like you're living in luxury and comfort.

Underhill

Our friends rented a place from londonperfect.com and liked it a lot.

rosebud

Patrick, Thanks for the lead. You hit the nail right on the head: I don't want bare-bones but I don't need to live in a palace either!

Thanks to Patrick and Underhill for the London Perfect suggestion. I'm going to check out all of these!

sbsjsf

Rosebud, We rented in February so I think the rates were particularly low. We paid $259 per night for this flat. This was the only property London Connection had on Bourne Street. The website lists the street correctly but they intentionally don't provide the accurate number on the house until you rent. I think the accurate number is 58 Bourne Street.

jgg

sbsjf,
Did you find that area convenient for getting to see all the sites? We are going to London for the first time and are looking at an apartment in Chelsea right next to Sloane Square. It seems like the neighborhood itself is wonderful, just want to confirm that it is easy to get to other places from there.

Thanks for you help.