Liljill8

Thanks for all of the wonderful advice I've received through this forum. It has been incredibly valuable to me.

I found this apartment listing for London. http://www.vrbo.com/370185 I'm hoping that someone can tell me if this is in a good location. Also, has anyone had any experience with this property?

Rastaguytoday

When, how many people and what's your price range?

nytraveler

While the property looks lovely IMHO this is way too far from the center and not really close to any tube station. (Calling it Kensington/Chelsea - may be correct per the post office - but that's NOT where it is.)

London is a large city and very spread out - so being close to the center - or at least near some of the sights (I think South Kensington is too far - but at least you are near several museums) is very important. And this area is way farther than South Kensington.

We go for Covent Garden, Mayfair or Knightsbridge - no farther than that.

janisj

It would certainly be OK. It is behind earls Court station and a bit north of West Kensington station. Soon the District and Picadilly lines. Is it a perfect location - no. But it IS a large 3bdrm/2bath flat @ a reasonable price in a <i>reasonable</i> location.

the same flat in the areas nytraveler suggests would cost twice a smuch.

So - IMO, if you need that large a property, you could certainly do worse. It would be fine.

Liljill8

Thank you very much.

alanRow

<i>I think South Kensington is too far </i>

I think South Kensington is the ideal location - direct Tube from Heathrow, several major sights on your doorstep, direct Tube to 90% of anything you are likely to want to see - even the Tower of London at the other side of central London is less than 20 minutes away.

Liljill8

Perfect! Thank you.

janisj

oops -- that should read >>So its on the District and Picadilly lines.<<

Mimar

I agree South Kensington is a very central convenient neighborhood in London. (Where do you stay, nytraveler? Buckingham Palace?) But this apartment is in West Kensington, not South Kensington.

Liljill8

We have placed the deposit on this rental. In weighing the advice we received from this forum, we decided in favor of it because of the high ratings received by previous renters, the very nice decor...not cold but personal, and the location, which, while not in the center, is very close to transportation and in a good neighborhood.

I made a similar request for Paris rentals at http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ent-rental.cfm Note: I changed the locations later in the post. I could use your opinion.

Thank you very very much.

nytraveler

No - we don't stay in Buckingham Palace - that is nowhere near Covent Garden or Mayfair. We prefer a central location since we like to walk to as much as possible - not start and end every day with a trek on the tube.

I did once stay at a hotel near the Gloucester Rd tube stop (a free trip with no choice of hotel). Hated the hotel and didn't especially like the area - not unsafe but just kind of dreary.

janisj

"<i>No - we don't stay in Buckingham Palace - that is nowhere near . . . Mayfair</i>"

Actually nytraveler -- Buck House is quite close to Mayfair -- just across Green Park.

The point was Mayfair is an exceedingly dear part of London and is beyond the budget of many if not most visitors.

Pat_in_Chicago

I agree that South Kensington (SK) is a perfectly good area to stay in. One of my favorite museums is the Victoria and Albert, an easy walk. I've used Priceline a few times and have won adequate hotel rooms in SK at $100 or less a night. And I love that there are so many moderately priced restaurants and transporation to LHR is so easy.

I found the immediate area of Mayfair to lack lively pubs and a variety of ethnic restaurants.