starofthesea

Hi everyone, my family of five are going to be spending 3 months in London during their summer. We have been madly searching the Internet....live in Australia and know very little about London. can anyone recommend a good apartment letting company? Or apartment complex? We are keen to have easy access to rail (also need to travel to Sutton) Looking at area in Chelsea around Sth Kensington station or other areas with easy access to rail/underground. On the flip side, I am happy to hear of agencies to avoid as well!
My 3 kids are 9 and under, and would appreciate easy access to open space to run around in. Full kitchen facilities and reliable WiFi a must.
Any suggestions greatly appreciated

walkabout

Four well-known and reputable agencies:

Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO)
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals...england/london
London Connection (pricey):
http://www.londonconnection.com/main_menu.asp
A Place Like Home:
http://www.aplacelikehome.co.uk/
Ivy Lettings:
http://ivylettings.com/

There is also a site called Sabbatical Homes that lists long-and short-term rentals: http://goo.gl/MepfC

It would be helpful if you told us your budget. Many people on this forum have rented apartments in London and can make specific recommendations. Good luck.

Mimar

I would differentiate between an agency and a website like VRBO, which merely allows postings by owners. With a real agency, they will have vetted the apartment. And usually you can pay the deposit at least with a credit card -- which allows you to dispute the charge if the unit is not as advertised.

With a site like VRBO, you don't even know if the apartment exists or if it's really available to rent. Most people have had good experiences with VRBO; it just depends on the owner.

walkabout

You're right, VRBO is not actually an agency, but renters are not totally left out in the cold either if something goes wrong. They do offer a rental guarantee (for a fee) if the property is misrepresented,the owner wrongly withholds your security deposit, or doublebooks it. Don't know how easy it is to collect because none of these things have ever happened to me. http://www.homeaway.com/guarantee/home.html

Most of the properties also allow you to pay by credit card.

triciafromoz

I have just booked a two bed two bath apartment in Pimlico (next to Victoria Station) with a company called shortstayhomes.co.uk. I paid the full amount by bank transfer as we are travelling in three weeks, plus a 100 pound deposit via paypal which is refundable. Bank transfer was cheaper (7 pounds) than the credit card fee. When looking at apartments check all the fees at the bottom of the listing. Some charge a cleaning fee and a linen fee every 5 days. Some of the fees added up to over 100 pound. Most places have free wifi but again,check, as some charge extra. Make sure to look for lift access, parking if you are hiring a car, and as you are coming from Australia, an early check in as our flights always get in about 6am.

avalon

You might look at Nell Gwynn House on Sloane Avenue just a few blocks from King's Rd with lots of nearby services. I found they have excellent rates and offer hotel like services.

farrermog

No personal experience, but these people have been around for a while -

http://farnum-christ.com/

and this site is well regarded -

http://www.slowtrav.com/uk/vr/list.asp?r=London

love_travel_Aus

We have used Farnum and Christ once - for Sloane Gardens apartment and all went well.

Think about the possibility of hot weather and whether or not you might want air conditioning - others who have stayed into August may have experience here.

Our stays with our younger family were many years ago - but always around the area you suggested so we could at least get to Hyde Park (even if a long walk) for lots of open space!

jamikins

For a three month visit you may also want to branch out from that area (it can be quite pricey). What about trying Hampstead or Fulham or Clapham? You may find more options.

Tulips

Dolphin Square? It's not Chelsea, but does have an indoor swimming pool, which is nice for the kids.
Chelsea Cloisters maybe?

Don't know your budget, but the Sloane Club do lovely flats, near Sloane Square. Not sure if they are air conditioning(our last one had an ancient AC that didn't work very well).

latedaytraveler

Andrew, so glad you are including CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS. Being a history buff, you will also enjoy checking out the statues and memorials along WHITEHALL – that main thoroughfare running from Trafalgar Square (Charing Cross) to Parliament.

So many choices! One thing I missed which was later recommended to me was the CAFÉ at ST. MARTIN’S IN THE FIELDS in Trafalgar Square – excellent, reasonably priced food the profits of which go to a good cause.

Missing London today… have a great time.

latedaytraveler

Oops! Sorry, I answered the wrong post, Star. But have a great time in London...

janisj

Dolphin Square would be VERY pricey for 3 months.

Almost <u>every</u> area has good transport links/tube and bus connections. Chelsea will be on the up-market end of things. What is your budget???

starofthesea

Thank you everyone. With our time of visit coinciding with the Olympics, we have found everything very expensive! A lot of places want full accommodation costs paid up now, which for 3 months rent is a ridiculous amount. For this reason alone have found Dolphin Square and Crown Lawn agencies the most helpful.