I have found this one available

http://rentals.chslondon.com/THC2/THC2.htm

Thoughts?

Looks like a lovely apartment tho I've not been to London . We have rented thru vrbo.com many times, maybe you'd be interested in taking a look there also.

That looks like a very luxurious apartment and one of the baths has a tub - important for such little kids.

If it fits your budget is available I would grab it - unless you have seen complaints about it somewhere. June is coming up fast and it's late to be renting an apartment.

Really excellent location. I just skimmed the listing-is there a lift? 6th floor w/o an elevator wouldn't be fun. As long as there is a lift it would be a great area to stay

Looks like a nice flat, in a very upmarket location (there's a Ralph Lauren shop next door), and the advertisers look very genuine (would a real scammer fake a reference from Martina Navratilova?!). My only concerns might be whether that sort of decor is compatible with a 2-year old and a 4-year old (an awful lot of pale-coloured carpets and fabrics), without undue worrying; and possibly traffic noise if the bedrooms overlook Fulham Road.

crazyfamilyof4 - What happened that the apartment from London Connection fell through? I reserved accommodations with them for next month, and now I'm a bit worried.

Hi Doppio . . .they have been fantastic with their correspondence ....I wouldn't worry . . .my booking didn't go through and by the time I realised someone else had snapped it up!

I just looked more carefully and it would seem that it only has one single bed in the other bedroom I'll send an email . . they might be able to get us a cot or trundle or something .

I have also found this one.

http://www.vrbo.com/296853

it doesn't look as nice but it has enough beds

Thanks for your help

>>they might be able to get us a cot<<

Don't ask for a 'cot' unless the 2yo can sleep in a bay crib.

re the new flat - not sure where it is since the house icon and the 'A' are in different places on the map. But it would appear to be near Fulham Broadway. OK but not nearly as central/convenient.

Can the 2 and 4 year old not share a bed? Must they really have separate ones?

I'm not sure . . .single bed??? one week??? what do you think .. is it possible?

>>Hi Doppio . . .they have been fantastic with their correspondence ....I wouldn't worry .

Ok, thanks! And good luck on finding a new flat, Try not to stress too much, I don't want it clouding your judgement so you end up snapping up something that isn't right for you.

Take a deep breath and relax a bit. The right place will pop up for you.

I was thinking the kids share a bed too OR the sofa is a sleeper..... Great location. It does have a lift.

If it doesnt feel right though keep looking. I know how tough this is.

>>http://www.vrbo.com/296853<<

An upmarket residential location, between Parson's Green and Fulham Broadway tube stations (you wouldn't want to use Parson's Green, since the line's sill elevated there, and you'd have to get the children up and down some long flights of stairs; there are also stairs at Fulham Broadway, though not so many. You'd have to get used to the 14 bus along Fulham Road, which will at least take you (eventually) into South Kensington, Hyde Park and the West End.

See also:
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/help-needed-to-check-out-london-apartment.cfm

(I thought I recognised the fireplace!).

oops >>sleep in a baby crib<<

I'd think the kids could sleep together. Or one could sleep on the couch (even if it isn't a sofa sleeper)

Have you tried this agency? I have friends who have used them and have been very happy. I tried them for our upcoming trip, but they were booked. They may have something for your dates.

http://www.thelondonagent.com/

Here are their listings for 2 adults + 2 children:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/search.php#G_2-2-0

Ok, I plugged in your dates as well, and these properties are available:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/search.php#AD_2013-06-17.DD_2013-06-24.G_2-2-0

It looks like there are several in your price range of £180 a night, which would be £1,260 for the entire stay.

On that link Doppio gave you -- the Villiers St flats don't have much charm and they are studios so maybe a little crowded - but that is a terrific location. Right AT the Charing Cross and Embankment stations, next to the Victoria Embankment and the river, and very close to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, Big Ben/Parliament, St James's Park/Buckingham Palace. Farther down the page are some larger ones on Villiers St but for a lot more ££.

The Covent Garden/Bloomsbury one is awfully sterile IMO but another nice location.

Didn't check the whole list - stopped when the rates got up there.

GOOD MORNING! Thank you so much Doppio . . .there seems to be a few there that look really great! Janisj ...am I right in thinking if we shoose a larger one on Villers St or the Convent Garden or Bloomsbury . .we should be happy?

My stress level are coming down now that I can see there are a few choices that look really nice.

I am thinking this one

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Short-Term-London-Let-Gower3

I also like this one

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Short-Term-Let-London-Bloomsbury-Place3

Either one of those two would be a really good location . . .

Now - BOOK something (before you lose another one)

The "Gower" one - main road outside the front door. I assume the properties are sound-proofed as far as possible, but there will be traffic noise. Plenty of buses outside the front door, though.

The "Bloomsbury" one - a quieter location, and you have the square and gardens across the road, but are still close to plenty of buses on Southampton Row. No shortage of shops, cafés and restaurants in the area. And what I think might clinch it for you is that it's also within about 5-10 minutes walk of Coram's Fields for the little ones: http://www.coramsfields.org/

If you think the interior of the Bloomsbury flat would work for you (sounds as though there will be stairs), then that's the better of the two for you, I'd have thought. It's certainly an area of London I'd love to live in.

thanks guys ... sent email so lets hope one of the two is available!

ok .. .so here is another apartment that has been sent to me through London lets

http://www.vrbo.com/357193?inf_contact_key=eb1798d897708f381b878002bce318a1a943dbe387ec35f417302477dda4f410

Not sure about the location. They are discounting the price. I did want to stay in the more traditional style of home Mayfair is famous for but I guess location is number one.

Thanking you in advance

I wouldn't want to stay in Lambeth. You can really not compare this to Bloomsbury or Mayfair.

Stop looking at everything that's available and book something!

>>Not sure about the location. <<

Exactly. Fine for business/corporate visitors, not so much for families. This is a huge block on the main embankment road by the junction with Lambeth Bridge, and the surrounding area is just dull. There's a little park the other side of Lambeth Palace, but not much in the way of shopping or restaurants, none of the life of the Bloomsbury Square option. Plus it's a bit out of the centre. I think you would be seriously unhappy with this one.

ooohhh thanks .... I know you think the second link was better but I think we are going with the first link. from what I see it is in the same area so hopefully that park you mentioned we can still get there in 20min. the first link has 3 bedrooms which is really ideal.

many thanks everyone

Gower Street's an extra walk away from Corams Fields, it's true, and I hope the street traffic doesn't get too tiresome. But you have all the little shops and restaurants on Store St just round the corner, which is a plus.

Well let's see what they say...fingers and toes crossed!

>>Stop looking at everything that's available and book something!

Exactly! I'm thinking this is why you lost out on that awesome flat with London Connections.

TheGower Street wasn't available . . .Villiers St is and is reasonably priced . .I am just confused with how it is set up. The Bloomsbury one is available but they want 2000+pounds and that really is just too much for us!

Now I have had someone else say they have a 2 bed apartment available off oxford st for less price! When they send me the links i'll post it.

However, what are your thoughts on these:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Tavistock-Chambers.html

http://www.thelondonagent.com/33A-Villiers-(1&2).html

Both locations are excellently central for you, but it looks as though the Villiers St place is bit cramped for two small children - are both bedrooms doubles or would each child have a separate bed, or would you be happy to put one or both of them to bed in the living room? Tavistock Chambers looks a bit more spacious, but are the twin beds only in the larger bedroom? And they seem to have squeezed the washing machine into the smaller bedroom for some reason.

ok so somehow I overlooked the prices and it seems 500 pounds more then I thought! I am going to go back to my emails and check the prices I was quoted from them.

Now the other thing was another company ..avanti apartments has been in touch saying that they have a flat in the soho area for 1250 pounds for the week. HOwever there is no internet link and they only provide generic photos.. Here is what they typed

Avanti Apartments
9:25 PM (3 minutes ago)

to me

As it happens it is likely to be the flat shown, however allocations are done just before arrival so we could not guarantee it

There is no link on the internet as this is a private residential building.

thoughts? sound dodgy??

Yes, I wouldn't trust it. Have you checked out reviews on Trip Advisor?

Here is another recommendation I got from friends. The website isn't the prettiest thing I've ever seen, but the apartments get rave reviews

http://rentals.chslondon.com/

£180 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/eby/eby.htm
This apartment has an excellent position on Ebury Street - which runs from close to Victoria Station down through to Chelsea. Buckingham Palace is located near the top end of the street, 5 minutes from Victoria Station (main line station and tube District, Circle and Victoria lines), whereas the lower end boasts Sloane Square and The King's Road – both renowned shopping areas - you can't beat this for a central location!

- - -

£160 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/bpc/bpc.htm
This modern 3rd floor apartment (there is a good lift) is in a private, gated community with a fine large communal garden, actually it's more like a small park! The flat overlooks the wide open space behind the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre – giving it a surprisingly nice view.

- - -

£155 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/thc2/thc2.htm
Situated in the heart of South Kensington, this 5th floor property with lift access has a clean and modern feel whilst remaining homely and welcoming. Around the property you will find landscape paintings and traditional features which give the space a stylish and comfortable atmosphere.

- - -

£150 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/sgs2/sgs2.htm
his attractive first floor flat overlooks St George's Square and is only 2 minutes away from Pimlico tube station (Victoria line). Tate Britain and the river Thames are within a 5 minure walk. Pimlico is a part of London with handsome Georgian houses and pretty squares.

- - -

£150 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/rtv2/rtv2.htm
This modern 2nd floor mansion block apartment (no lift) is located 10 minutes walk from Parson’s Green (District line) and makes a good and affordable base for exploring the city.

- - -

£145 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/wsm/wsm.htm
This is a real gem of a find - a charming little house tucked away in a quiet cobbled mews just behind Warwick Square. In the 1840s, when the grand houses of the square were built, the horses, carriages and grooms of their occupants were housed these mews properties. These times long past, the now converted mews houses are considered some of the most desirable pied-à-terres in London - not least because of their quiet situation and private parking.

- - -

£145 a night: http://rentals.chslondon.com/bkv/bkv.htm
You can expect an eclectic style at Brookville Road; the owner previously worked as an art dealer and so the property is adorned with fascinating paintings, sculptures and furniture – making an interesting change from boring hotel rooms!

The house is less than 10 minutes walk from Fulham Broadway - tube station (District line) and a good range of restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and shops. There are also excellent bus links to the central attractions.

- - -

Of those - Ebury St or St. Georges Sq would be my choices (I've stayed in both areas - at a B&B in Ebury St once, and in flats on St Georges sq three times)

WOW Doppio! Thanks for that! I am going to go through it now! However, I have just been told this is available.

http://www.londonguestsuites.com/templates/lgs/property.cfm?apt=3080

That last one looks like the right configuration for your family, though a bit small. But why not a precise map location (since it sounds so nicely central and on a garden square? From their description, it might be around Golden Square or Soho Square, or possibly on Stacey St overlooking the Phoenix community garden (or maybe there's some greenery inside Sandringham Mansions? The mention of refurbishment suggests that sort of property). Any of those would be fine, I'd have thought, but do get them to say exactly where it is (postcode) so you can check it out on Google maps.

Oops. Now I spot the "Map it" link top right (bad screen design, but let that pass). It's on Procter St by Red Lion Square. Excellent location (I'd love to live there). Lots of independent cafés and restaurants in the streets round about, plenty of public transport options on High Holborn and Southampton Row, but quiet on this street. Close enough walk to Coram's Fields too.

Just noticed there isn't actually a photo of the kitchen.

Hi Patrick ...thanks for your help. SO it's a good location! It fits my budget and I'm not too fussed about the kitchen I am sure I will manage! Is it still close to Coram's Fields??? I am pretty sure this is the one I will go with since it is available and fits our needs. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

I know nothing about rental companies, of course, but a quick search of the forums suggests previous posters have found London Guest Suites OK.

Yes, it's no further from Coram's Fields than the Gower St place, or even nearer, if you check their map. And there's Red Lion Square for the little ones to run around in.

Re-reading their description and looking at Google Streetview, I think it may be in the more residential bit of Red Lion Square itself (and all the better for it) - possibly in one of the older-style apartment blocks. The exterior and common areas may look a bit functional rather than luxurious, but you can't beat the location.

thanks Patrick! I am sure it'll work out! It not really what I was thinking of but at the end of the day if it is a good location with lots of cafes etc near by then perfect I say. OK now to book! Thanks everyone!!!

I'm confused. It lists the price as such:

Weekly Rate:
$2,625.00
On Special

Nightly Rate:
$375.00
On Special

This is far over the budget you have us.

Never got an apt in London, but I can tell you what my family does in London, and really likes: Small Bloomsbury hotel along the lines of

http://www.stmargaretshotel.co.uk/W_e_l_c_o_m_e.html

or

http://www.arranhotel-london.com/

We get a "basic" room triple or quad, as needed, meaning sink in the room probably and bathrooms/lavatories down the hall. There is a hot generous breakfast waiting downstairs every morning, included in the price. Lounges to hang out and read the paper, strike up conversations. Clean towels, tea kettle in room.

Great location surrounded by pubs, museums, public transportation. Arran House is on a busy road, and Celtic hotel is quieter. I will also look online for similar places on Bedford Way and Bedford Place next time we go. Way quiet there.

We like the friendly atmosphere. Being in a room together is always fine with my family, since we're the kind who've also shared a 5 man tent for ten days in Yellowstone, and the lounges give elbow room. It's not as if you'll have time to sit and stare at each other, since London has ample amusements.

I see that when I search Bedford Way the first page of hits are Royal National Hotel. We walked my older daughter there in January for Sunday evening salsa dancing in their ballroom, and though she had a blast it wouldn't be on my list of top choices because too low on Bloomsbury charm. Though I supposed if you needed elevators and such it would be nice.

There are tons of hotels in that area formed by joining a couple or three town houses, lots closer to our aesthetic ideal.

HI Patrick! You were right . .they were asking for the 50% deposit not the total fee! WAY OUT OF REACH!

Back to the drawing board!

The one on oxford st - Avanti apartments - seems to promise me it's legit . .how can I be certain?

What is your budget? In your original post you said "Budget is around 180 pounds a night." But the apartments you wanted to book at your post on Mar 5, 13 at 12:12am were $375 a night. Which is it?

When you said "they were asking for the 50% deposit not the total fee! WAY OUT OF REACH!" What did you mean? The deposit was way out of reach? The fee? Can you not afford a deposit? I don't understand.

Did you look into any of the ones I listed for you upthread? (Mar 4, 13 at 2:05pm)

Avanti apartments - please look at the reviews on Tripadvisor. What you said about the advert didn't exactly inspire confidence, and having seen the reviews, I can see why.

You already seemed to discount the Avanti apartments (up thread where you said they won't tell you which apartment til arrival) Why are you going back to them?

Now, I don't always accept TA reviews, but if there are more than a few and a big % are bad --that is a real red flag for me.

Per TA w/ 39 reviews = 6 excellent/very good vs. 21 poor/terrible.

Excellent - 3
Very good - 3
Average - 12
Poor - 10
Terrible - 11

I wouldn't touch them.

I wonder why we even bother posting sometimes..

I haven't posted because I live in London and don't know the short term rental market but wow, I don't think I ver remember seeing anyone have such a problem booking a two bed apartment...

jamikins: >> I don't think I ver remember seeing anyone have such a problem booking a two bed apartment...<<

Me either. I think maybe crazyfamily is frazzled jumping back and forth from planning the UK bits to the Continent and back and forth and back and forth . . .

crazyfamily: You seem to be using a scatter shot approach. Anything and everything - no matter the cost, location, whatever. It appears you have linked/asked about flats w/o really reading the listings first (because several haven't even been in your price range)

Tough love here . . . IMO you need to sit down and take a DEEP breath. You've been trying for more than a month. At this point I'd contact ONE of the several recommended agencies mentioned (NOT Avanti!) here and your other threads - and just book something.

Otherwise - forget the flat idea and book a Premier Inn or travelodge which all have family rooms. (Or else you may have to change your screen name to absolutelynutsfamilyof4)

Janis- I have a post with you name on it.

I HAD this much trouble finding a two bedroom flat so I feel crazyfamily pain!! but with tough love I too bit the bullet and booked! it felt great! I went with coach if that helps!!

ok sooooo i haven't been in touch because this week has brought a huge turn around of events and has changed my trip completely ..thankfully nothing had been booked as our trip has had to change dramatically due to my husband not being able to join me for 5 weeks etc so now we are waiting to hear how many beds we are going to need and start the whole process again! CRAZY CRAZY times in this house I tell you!

I'd guess that even without your husband you'll still need the same number of beds, since I assume that you would normally share a bed (not that it's any of my business, nor do I need to know).

I thought you had come back to The London Agent, who I recommended to you several weeks ago.

We had a wonderful stay in an apartment in Turnmill Street in December - very close to Farringdon train station on the Circle Line (lift access handy with kids and luggage) and felt safe at night with plenty of pubs, shops for self-catering and other essential supplies (eg wine)etc in area (only possible drawback was lack of microwave oven, but great internet connection:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Super-Nice-Clerkenwell-Home-2.html


(My review is on their page)

I'd guess that even without your husband you'll still need the same number of beds, since I assume that you would normally share a bed (not that it's any of my business, nor do I need to know).

I thought you had come back to The London Agent, who I recommended to you several weeks ago.

We had a wonderful stay in an apartment in Turnmill Street in December - very close to Farringdon train station on the Circle Line (lift access handy with kids and luggage) and felt safe at night with plenty of pubs, shops for self-catering and other essential supplies (eg wine)etc in area (only possible drawback was lack of microwave oven, but great internet connection:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Super-Nice-Clerkenwell-Home-2.html


(My review is on their page)

Hmm - sorry about the double post - connectivity issues this afternoon - must be too hot here!

http://fgpropertymanagement.com/search.php#G_2-1-1.D_14128_London

Wow. What a mess, a mess that I understand having booked a nice flat for a week last year. If I had it to do over, I'd book two rooms at a Travelodge for 50 pounds each (under budget) and call it good. You won't spend any time there anyway. We were in our nice flat from 10pm to 8am and did not use the kitchen at all!

hi everyone! yes toucan ..it is a big mess! but the plus side is since we have more with us now our budget is more flexible and we can find something extra nice in the locations suggested! Once I know what we are doing I'll review this post and show you what I have found.

and yes LOndon agent has been great and we are more then likely going to use a property with them!

Thanks everyone with your suggestions and patience with me

You're making your mother pay? Please tell me I got that wrong!!

she and her firend will be paying for some we will spilt the bill etc so my option went from no more the 200 pounds to no more then 400-600 pounds a night . .which changes things completely!

Wow!!

So now, instead of your husband, you have your mother and her friend, no car, plus the toddlers, to move around Europe? And you are going to spend a week getting to and staying in Varenna twice? I do hope you know Varenna is not a large place. All I can say is good luck, hope you appreciate the folks who continue to make a giant effort to help you plan this trip.

Wow. Just, wow.

This story is getting good. The twists and turns remind me of Jude's post about the failed trip with her stepdaughters.

Crazyfamily- You must be a woman of extreme patience and perseverance!

It's starting to remind me of passionfruitdrink's trip to Paris!

yes yes I am and I am soooo thankful to have all the support and advice of the wonderful people here!

Instead of being in Varenna for a week both times we will be staying 4 days both times

Hubby joins in July but leaves in July and we will train and fly and hire cars only when needed.

All I can say is it is going to be one great live trip report! That everyone can feel involved in!

>>>>The twists and turns remind me of Jude's post about the failed trip with her stepdaughters.

Let's hope there aren't any reefers involved with the 2 and 4 year olds!

Oh, did I just say reefer? I'm showing my age!

Did you find one????

>>Did you find one????<<

I think she's still looking for London (but who can keep track w/o a scorecard). She finally booked their Paris digs yesterday . . .

hi . . we booked a suite thing at Regency hotel south kennsington . . .so we have that and yes I am still checking now that the dates changed to see about an apartment but we got a great deal with regency so I will be surprised if we don't stay there.

A hotel? Two rooms?

yep! it's like an apartment in a hotel It's just double what an apartment is. But because of that we do get drinks in the club lounge and breakfast etc oh and free internet and just the luxury of a hotel.

We did think we had found a nice apartment with one fine stay but when it came to the crunch they changed and said my 2 yr old would be seen as an adult when it came to bedding so it wouldn't be big enough.


But I do like the regency

for those who end up like me..this is a link to the hotel
http://www.londonregency.com/index.asp

Bendigo read with interest your review on Clerenwell home where you stayed in London
I am hoping to go Sept and would love some feed back are beds comfortable?,
We are 3 older ladies travelling
Could you tell me if you are from Bendigo Australia, as I am

Hi studley,

We found the beds comfortable - mind you our days were so busy, and it was so nice to get back into a cosy apartment after long, cold days out that we probably could have been comfortable on the floor!

Seriously though, it was a great apartment, brilliantly located for the things we wanted to see and do - we wouldn't hesitate about staying there again.

And yes, we are from Bendigo, Australia (Strathfieldsaye actually!) - happy to have a chat about the apartment if you like.

Bendigo Thank you so much for your reply, I could not believe my luck to discover we are
near by. Here is my email address
glenysbs@vic.chariot.net.au if convenient to you would love to meet you.
Cheers.

Slight aside, we have two Australian friends here in SW France, yep from just outside Bendigo. She is a retired professor who taught at the university in Bendigo, retired last year.

Hi Cath,

I presume, therefore, that her name is Penny?(I also work at that University!)

Regards,

Rob

Yes!

Well, very small world.

Hi. guess this is a little late but I went around London for the holiday last December and stayed with Boutique London Lets - in their Victoria Apartments. Everything is good, and delivered as promised. If I'm coming back to London I'll be staying in these boutique apartments again.

Good luck with your trip!