Jojonana

Hello!

My husband and his father are going to London this Fall (2nd time for my husband, 1st time in Europe for my father in law).

We are down to three possibilities. Which one would you recommend? We are having trouble deciding since we do not know the area of Shad Thames (Bermondsey) or Whitechapel.

The important factors are closeness to Tube (they all are, but is one spot more convenient than the other?) and variety of pubs and restaurants (low key) near apartment, and good general neighbourhood vibe.

http://www.homeaway.ca/cottage-rental/p1012949
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p895111
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3488515

Merci beaucoup!

PatrickLondon

None of them is in an area particularly geared to tourists.

The Bermondsey one is in an area combining new apartments in old industrial buildings and more traditional public housing; not that much in the way of local restaurants or neighbourhood feel, for which Ithink you'd probably need to go the other side of Tower Bridge Road

Lambeth North similarly workaday, but it's the most central, and there are quite a few restaurants in Lower Marsh a short-ish walk away.

The Whitechapel flat is further out from the centre, right behind the Royal London Hospital, a major teaching hospital with a big emergency department (hence the possibility of ambulance sirens), in an area where the wholesale clothes trade is well represented. Huge street market up on Whitechapel Road, local restaurants reflect the high proportion of the local community from South Asia, Bangladesh and Pakistan mainly, or are otherwise fairly basic fuel food.

nytraveler

Agree that none of those are in tourist areas. How old is your DH's dad and are substantial walking/escalators a problem for him?

We always stay right in the center - so you can just walk out the door and see major sights - but we do hotels, not apartments.

If you give a budget and requirements - how many beds - people may help you identify other options.

janisj

I have a friend who used to own a fabulous flat in Shad Thames - it had amazing views up and down river/the bridge/etc. WONDERFUL place to live - but for a visitor/holiday stay . . . not IMO. Not w/ Bermondsey tube station more than 1/2 a mile away.

Why did you pick those three in particular? None are terribly central or convenient.

jamikins

Agree with the above. The one in shad Thames is in a residential area with lots of atmosphere but in a black hole for transit...it's a long walk to the tube from there so they would likely want to catch the bus and tube.

The others aren't much better.

I would keep looking...

Jojonana

Thanks for the info.
We usually like to stay a bit further away from the heavy tourist locations. We spend the day visiting and exploring, then like to come back to a quieter area where there are some good neighbourhood restaurants and relax before another day on the town.
That's why we chose those three that are in our budget.
But we'll keep looking if these are too far off.
This one was also on our list. Is it better?
https://www.ivylettings.com/properties/caithness-road/

Jojonana

We also liked the fact that this one is super central, but what about the noise given the corner location and proximity to market?
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p931877

Thank you all so much!

jamikins

Well the top one is near Hammersmith, which is too far out for my tastes. The one at St Pauls is great - except that it is across from Smithfields market - which is the meat market, which means trucks running from early (like think 3am) until 9am every morning. That is not ideal.

I would look for something at South Kensington, or maybe St Katherine's Dock, or Bloomsbury. All of these areas are close in, but have quiet residential streets.

If you dont mind a hike to the tube the Shad Thames would be fine.

emily71

A few years ago I stayed in this one bedroom flat nears Kings X. www.vrbo.com/103088. It was a bit small but well laid out and clean, Near to 2 Tube stations and a mall with Waitrose and Starbucks. The owner and daughter were very helpful. I'd rent it again in a heartbeat.

janisj

St Katharine's Marina would fit your criteria. Very quiet because there is no (essentially no) vehicular traffic, walkable to Tower Hill station, good bus connections w/ the #15, super market and several restaurants/pubs on site.

Not a 'typical' neighborhood, and the flats aren't posh, but central enough and quiet.

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hamlet_uk/

janisj

. . . Or I'd look in Pimlico or Belgravia. Pimlico has no 'sites' except Tate Britain and is mostly a quiet residential area. Pimlico station on the Victoria line so good transport, and walkable to the river, Chelsea, Westminster.

Next door in Belgravia you'd be close to Sloane Sq and Victoria stations.

Jojonana

Thanks. Just sent emails to owners near Picadilly and in Pimlico.

Jojonana

I think we found one that meets all our criteria! The fact that it's close to my husband's favourite London pub (Lamb and Flag) is a big plus!

https://fr.airbnb.ca/rooms/743817

Thoughts?

loncall

Lambeth North looks best to me of first batch. It is very near where I currently work and there are many good and informal places to eat and drink in Lower Marsh and the Cut including plenty of good street food around lunchtime plus excellent bus and tube connections across the capital. The last place you mention in Picadilly is more central and right in the heart of the action, however I would check all the details carefully as looks a bit on cheap side for the location.

studley

Jojonana will be interested to hear where and what you decide on, as I am also looking for
apartments Sept2013 within a reasonable price

Jojonana

We finally chose the one near Picadilly Circus. My husband was willing to deal with more noise and hectic activity in exchange for a central location!

Emilittle

Picadilly is really central, and as you said the noise is the downside. Enjoy your time in London!