If you know anything about Central London Apartments, please tell me about them. <BR>The company advertises large studio apartments for 450 pounds per week, which makes me wonder.

I haven't ever been to the U.K. but my company is transferring me there (from NYC) for six months starting this fall. We have corporate apartments for £350-400/week. But someone in our London office told me that there are good Web sites listing greater London brokers. Use the UK/Ireland version of Yahoo! to search for sites. Sorry I can't be more helpful...

Bob, <BR>Here are some websites for you to investigate: <BR>www.rentinginlondon.com <BR>www.places4u.com <BR>www.1001-villa-holidayslets.com/1380html <BR>www.holiday-rentals.co.uk <BR>If your university library has The New York Times on microfiche, look for an article of 12/5/93 "A Real Home While Away" which deals with London short-term rentals and offers some cogent advice. <BR>To paraphrase some of the material: Some rental properties don't include linens or are in distant neighborhoods far from public transportation. Definitions of "clean" and "central London" are often generous. You should pinpoint precise locations prior to committing. It's essential to be specific regarding your needs - even with reputable agencies. A two bedroom apartment may sleep only three since one room's bed may be a single. Do you need an elevator or will a walk-up suffice? Basement, street or upper level lodgings? proximity to shopping and transportation? shower or bath? double or twin beds? <BR>The Times refers to The Apartment Company, 1 Cadogan St. London SW3 2PP; tel: 71 581 4499; fax 71 584 7890 and mentions one of its properties, a charming house complete with dumbwaiter and private garden on one of Chelsea's most central streets for $815 a week calculated at a 1993 rate of $1.48 to the pound.

Let me put my question about Central London Apartments in fuller context. I appreciate the indirect help because I did pick up a couple of new leads. <BR> <BR>But, I have spent considerable time browsing websites and comparing the advertised amenities, prices, and locations of apartments in London, suburbs included. <BR>Central London Apartments caught my eye because of the price, which is 335 pounds per week for a large studio <BR>apartment, whatever that is. Presumably it is 300 square feet or so. The web page advertisement says that the apartments are furnished and serviced. The buildings are located very near to the British Museum, but no specific street address is given. <BR>Also, a rather enigmatic statement I read on the apartment's web page has me puzzled. The statement is as follows: <BR> <BR>"Many of the apartments are their owners' London homes and are consequently equipped, furnished and decorated to a very high standard." <BR> <BR>Well, if it is the owners' home, how is it that other people can stay there? Where is the owner? <BR>My question is pinpointed directly on these apartments. Because of my questions about them, mainly the location, price, and owership angle, I would like to read an account from someone who has first hand, direct knowledge. I guess I am suspicious and, therefore, I am very reluctant to order one up sight unseen. They might be perfectly fine; they may not be. And the only way I know to get a better line on them is to communicate with someone who has actually been there.

Try, <BR>WWW.vacationspot.com <BR>or <BR>http://travelassist.com/tcd/curzon.html

Bob: Ease your mind about the "owner's own home"...3 of the Travelling Loons went to London last year and rented an apartment. The owner was a government official, and was "on holiday in France". As a side note: a fellow worker in our British branch was talking about doing a couple of months here in the States with my division. Someone asked "what would you do with your HOUSE?" he said "oh I'd rent it out"... apparently this is common practice in the U.K. <BR>This fall, we're paying for a 'studio' that sleeps three about 241L (why doesn't my keyboard have that L with the squiggle through it?? On my typewriter I have one!) for 3 nights, in South Kensington. It's fully equipped (linens, hair dryer, ironing board...). <BR>

A further question. Has anyone recently stayed at the Oxbridge Apartments, 8 Collingham Rd. Kensigton? They seem to have very reasonable weekly rates for London, but what's the catch? <BR>Andrew Dudzinski

For Elvira. Please fill me in on the apartment you found. My London caper is still months away; this year hasn't quite happened yet. But I plan well ahead. Email me directly if you wish. <BR>Thanks for the input. I guess some of those apartments are like condos on the Fla beaches. People own them, stay in them some of the time, and rent them out to pay for them when they are vacant. <BR>I guess I am not in the multiple home owner class. I live in my home except when I am wandering about North America and western Europe. <BR>

Elvira, if you have a Mac the £ sign is option 3 (hold down the option key and hit 3). If you don't have a Mac, I'm so sorry for you. <BR> <BR> Mac-lover Anna (at least the guys at Apple knew the century was going to end)

Elvira, if you have a Mac the £ sign is option 3 (hold down the option key and hit 3). If you don't have a Mac, I'm so sorry for you. <BR> <BR> Mac-lover Anna (at least the guys at Apple knew the century was going to end)

For all those looking for the Pound <BR>symbol press alt 156 <BR>£££ <BR>it works <BR> Goog luck <BR> Yitz <BR>

<BR>We have stayed in flats at both Central London Apartments and at Oxbridge Apartments. <BR> <BR>The flats at Central London Apartments are outstanding. We had a one bedroom flat for a week in September 1995. The flat was charming, the manager/owner was a joy to work with, the location was excellent, and the cost was cheaper than a hotel room. Fresh milk, eggs, and butter were delivered on our first day. The flat was roomy, extremely clean, and most comfortable. The washer, dryer, and microwave were appreciated. <BR> <BR>We have also stayed at Oxbridge three times. The location is perfect for sightseeing, theatre going, and shopping. Coming from Heathrow or Gatwick (via Victoria) there are no changes on the tube (straight shot). These flats are basic, the television reception is not too good, there is little or no charm. You cannot find a better bargain. <BR> <BR>Email me if you have more questions. <BR> <BR>Sherri

Thanks to all of you for your help. <BR>And, Sherri, thanks for responding with your first hand experience. We are in the planning stages of the trip. After staying in furnished apartments last year in Switzerland, I now search for apartments rather than hotels. <BR>

I stayed at Central London Apartments in September of '98. We opted for a studio. Had a microwave, fridge, no washer or dryer tho; tiny but satisfactory bathroom, cable TV and a telephone. The studio was the size of a large hotel room. Believe they quit furnishing bread, eggs, etc. tho there is a swell minimarket a few minutes walk away. In addition, within a five minute walk are: <BR>The British Museum,a Tube Station, a couple of great pubs. View from windows was a parking structure. We did enjoy staying there and would do so again. If you stay there, say hello to Colin from Kathy and Fritz, head maintenance man, a real gem. Oh, don't get a basement apartment (no view at all)but opt for street level one, a bit cheerier.

Can someone post fax or phone or web addresses for Central London and/or <BR>Oxbridge? I'd like to have it for my files. Thanks. <BR>

Central London Apartments Website: <BR> <BR>www.cenlonap.co.uk <BR> <BR>In fairness to my fellow travelers, the <BR>actual studio we had was not quite as lovely as the photos might lead you to believe. I'd stay there again, however, but I have none others to compare it to.

The comment about folks renting out their flats while they're away seems accurate. I was lucky enough to find a magnificent flat in Hampstead last August via a friend who had also rented it in the past. The owner (who greeted us, introduced us to her flat, etc.) has a second home near the ocean and rents out her flat each August while she's away. It was the bargain of the century at 50 pound/night for three of us, and it made us feel like we really were part of the neighborhood, not just tourists! <BR>Frankly, I had no idea that renting out ones flat while just "away for a while" was so common, but we had a fabulious experience and thank that dear lady whenever I think of it! I hope you find such a nice place as well.