London apartment feedback needed
 

Do you know which are this apartment is located? Has anyone rented this before?

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...t-london/63559

How far will this be from the tourist attractions?

Thanks,
RP

Your first sentence doesn't make sense

Must be a typo...5th word probably "area" not are

So based on the link you provided there is a Google Map that shows it near Childs Hill Park. I did my own Google Map and it says that it is about 5.3 miles from London. There is a Tube stop at Golders Green that looks near the apartment and that line would take you into London. Not sure how long that ride would be.

Yes it is supped to read "Do you know which area his apartment is located?"

The libnk to the page that you provided contains a link to a map that pin points the apartment. I suggest that you look at that and then transfer to Google maps and do a virtual walk around the area

Hi,

Pretty far out in the burbs. You'd spend a fair amount of time getting anywhere.

Maybe something like this? http://www.vrbo.com/14471

Oh, sorry. That was pretty worthless, wasn't it? Showing photos of changing of the guard, etc, always seems fishy. The link was suppposed to be for a 3BR/2BA (Sleeps 4-5) From £135/nt Pounds Sterling

What do you think of this?

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-1/85430

BTW, would really appreciate if someone living in London can provide feedback.

Thank you all for your help. I can Google and figure out the distance, but that is not what I am asking. Since I have never been there, I am asking your feedback on whether it is convenient and safe for tourist to wishing to see London in limited time.

Thanks,
RP

Londoners tend to be asleep this time of day, so be patient.

The second one (the one in Bayswater) is 10000% better location than the first one.

Not that this would be a red flag or anything, but the owner does use some odd descriptions. Princess Diana's 'Castle' is Kensington Palace and no one would call it a castle. The flat is not "across the road" from Hyde Park, though it isn't far away.

The upstairs sleeping area appears to be two double beds (called singles in the listing) cheek by jowl w/ absolutely no space between them.

OH - meant to add - The Golders Green area flat is not all that remote -- it is only one tube stop beyond Hampstead, but is much farther out than Bayswater. The owner does have some, shall we say 'communications issues'. Like >>We have big garden specially summer tiime you enjoy most.<< And I LOVE >>Who ever stay in the house they will be responsible with ther own mess. << :D At least he's honest . . . Also - you do realize you'd be sharing the kitchen and probably baths too.

To give you and idea for comparison - this site has 1 bdrms (which won't work for you because they only sleep 4) and 2 bdrms which are much bigger than the Bayswater flat, have washer/dryers, real bedrooms and terraces or patios -- across from the Tower of London and on a yacht harbor w/ all sorts of restaurants. The 1 bdrms are cheaper than that studio and the 2 bdrms are only a bit more.

http://www.hamletuk.com/

So while the Bayswater flat is better than the one in Golders Green, it isn't that big a bargain IMO.

@janisj: I really appreciate your detail feedback. It really helps to hear from someone who has a keen eye for detail. I am guessing you live in London or visited it quite often. Since this is our first trip I am little apprehensive. I have sent a request to hamletuk.

I have received a few more quotes and will look through them carefully before making a final decision. BTW, what is fodorite's experience for paying by paypal or google checkout? Is it better than sending money through Western Union?

You're welcome junk4rp. Glad I can help. I am actually from California but lived in the UK for several years and go back pretty often.

Paypal is fine, I have no experience w/ google checkout but I'd guess it is OK too. I'd avoid Western Union.

But many places just let you pay by credit card, and others will take a deposit by cc and then you pay the balance in cash when you arrive. You'd get the cash using your ATM card in London.

Not that this would be a red flag or anything, but the owner does use some odd descriptions. Princess Diana's 'Castle' is Kensington Palace and no one would call it a castle.>

sounds like owner could well be a foreigner or immigrant, not unusual in such London accommodations IME

Golders Green is a gritty rather rundown area IMO but it is the real London, warts and all. Check out the flamingos!

PQ: Of course the owner is probably a foreigner or immigrant - doesn't a genius to figure that out. But even a 'foreigner or immigrant' would know the flat is not across the road from Hyde Park . . . .

Princess Diana's 'Castle' is Kensington Palace and no one would call it a castle.>

Janis i was only responding to your claim that NO ONE would call it a castle - and yet foreigners who do not speak English as their first language may well. That's all - pointing out something that escaped you apparently that ferriners may mix up caslte with palace.

No - it didn't "escape" me. It was the very first thing that crossed my mind. Didn't feel it was necessary to post the obvious . . . .

then i do not understand the reason you even posted the bit about the castle? What was the point to do with the flat - it did sound like that sounded alarms bells to you - but why?

"<i>why?</i>

Just to upset you obviously! >-)

Why not post something constructive for the OP instead of hijacking the thread.

i hijack the thread - after your incessant replies to my one post! Pot calling the kettle black IMO.

In fact i was telling the OP that your comments about using Castle need not mean that the flat owner was a fraud or whatever you were on about with that nonsense. And even being 'across the road from Hyde Park' is a common thing folks use - practically perhaps but a common marketing tool. I make a valuable correction to your comments and i am the one hijacking the thread! since when is correcting erroneous info hijacking a thread?

junk - sorry for our little detour about semantics and will bud out - but i will say that Janisj has proven time and time and time again to be an amazing repository of knowledge on London flats so take her advice with confidence that she/he does know what they are talking about.

Do NOT wire money to Western Union. Being asked to do so would indeed be a red flag.

So, Here are few more I need to chose from. Please tell me which is the best of these?

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-1/97946

http://www.letsholidayinlondon.co.uk..._Blackheath_en

http://www.vrbo.com/235652

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-2/55956

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-2/99528

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-1/89647

http://www.vrbo.com/279267
 
http://www.vrbo.com/198258

Thanks a lot and look forward to some valuable feedback from you.

RP

#1 - Doesn't say exactly where it is but that is generally a good area. However - it is on the 3rd floor (US 4th floor) and no mention of a lift/elevator - if that matters to you. The map included is useless - the arrow is in the middle of the Thames which is a long way from Marylebone. (BTW - most of the holidaylettings links you've posted here and on the other threads are pretty slim in the info department.)

#2 - is not in Central London. It is in Blackheath. You'll likely need help from c_w (a Fodorite who knows the area <i>intimately</i>) to know if Lee Rd is a good area or not. Transportation into London would be by train - not tube.

#3 - a really excellent/posh location close to Sloane sq tube station. It is a lower ground (basement) flat but that isn't a big deal - just means it is downstairs. It wouldn't be a dark dingy basement. If the construction next door doesn't bother you this would be a steal.

#4 - Avoid this one. It is at Victoria Dock out near London City Airport - not in central London.

#5 - Nope - out at Canary Wharf. A modern, area --- but a long way from the center of things.

#6 - Wimpole St is a good, central location. Didn't see a mention of what floor or if there is a lift.

#7 - Very nice location. I'd be a little concerned because the photos are of at least two different flats so you wouldn't know what the one you rent looks like.

#8 - Nice looking flat. But in an inconvenient area. It is south of the river near Vauxhall tube station and there is nothing much in the way of shops/restaurants nearby. You'd have a bit of a trek to get anywhere by tube since every ride would involve at least one change of lines.

see what an unfathomably immense knowledge of London flats Janisj offers! Take her rec's to the bank IME. An invaluable Fodor resource!

Flat #6 is also listed as holiday-rentals #97913; there are a couple of reviews. The apartment apparently is located on Wimpole Street:

http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk/p97913?uni_id=1022468

It is also included in a discussion of rental apartments on TripAdvisor (go to London Forum and search for 97913).

It seems to me that it could be very difficult to shoehorn five people into some of these apartments. For example, the pictures of apartment #7 show one large bed and one rather narrow fold-out futon type couch, and not another piece of furniture on which one could possibly sleep.

What about this one?

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/ren...n-zone-2/10363

Another 'nope'. This one is south of the river and west of Battersea Park, and not near any tube station. IMO - I'd quit using that Holiday Lettings site. Most of their listings you've linked have had -- shall we say "iffy" information/descriptions. I'd have no confidence in what they say -- but that is just me.

This one for instance implies the flat is near Sloane St and the Kings Rd -- it ain't. And then it says the "Square Mile" is just across the river. That's a crock. The square mile is the business area - the actual 'City of London' and is a VERY long way from Battersea.

I'd stick to other sites/reccommendations.

Like VRBO?

vrbo is as good as the specific apartment/owner. I have used vrbo a few times. But it isn't a rental agency, just a listing site, so you can't generalize.

Some owners on vrbo can 'stretch the truth' too. But vrbo does have the 'HomeAway guarantee' -- which costs extra.

vrbo235652, would be my choice for location. We've stayed in that area for the last 30 years and love it. The transportation is excellent by bus or tube. Lots of shops and services nearby and walking distance to Harrod's, V&A, Natural History museums, Duke of York center.

You might also look at Http://www.dolphinsquare.co.uk

Their apts are well placed and fairly reasonable. They also have a bar, restaurant, pool and tennis courts

What a great thread this is. The feedback here has been impressive! I've seen some of these flats during my internet searches and have spent a lot of time to figure out where, what, how close etc. Nice that you're able to get instant feedback here!

Probably an impossible/impractical task, but it would be really helpful to be able to refer to a list of recommended London flats, but everyone's needs are different. (location, size, budget, amenities, etc.)

Anyway, just wanted to say what a great, helpful group of travelers here! Your advice is invaluable.

@avalon: I checked Dolphin house and nothing is available.

@Browsprit: I agree. I have received great helps here. It is so difficult to do this ow your own. New place, internet and big money is scary! But with the help of some knowledgeable travelers and local is it far easier.

the vrbo 235652 avalon suggested is in a great location, but won't work for you since it only sleeps 4. However the same owner has other properties you might want to check out.

Janis, I didn't suggest #235652. It was on his list and if you read the description they will provide an additional airbed

I like this apartment.

http://www.mylondonflats.com/MyLondonFlats1/Flat_2.html

What do you guys think?

Thanks,
RP

I love being close to Borough Market and there are some good restaurants nearby but I think it's a bit pricey for that area. Transport is a bit far away requiring connections