Can anyone share apartment rental experiences <BR>and areas of London prefered. Any information about local markets or any information would be appreciated. We are <BR>staying in the Piccadilly area. <BR>Thanks

We've stayed in apartments in London but not in the Piccadilly area (nar Baker St. & Regents Park). Piccadilly is going to be very crowded, the entire world turns up in Piccadilly Circus at times I swear (including me .. went shopping at Virgin Records at 11:30 p.m.!!! - I'd never do that home). I can't think of any local markets around there either but Fortnum & Mason is right there and they have a good Food Court. All in all it's a very busy area. You can take the tube to Oxford St. and go to Marks & Spencer for food -they have wonderful stuff. You will only be a couple of stops away from Harrod's on the Piccadilly Line and for food their Food Court is to die for. Many of their items are really very reasonable as well - things like sandwiches, salads, etc. We've bought stuff there and took it back to our apt. to eat. Right in Piccadilly there is a Garfunkal's which is sort of like Coco's or Denny's -- it's not fancy but price wise it's OK (for London!!). There are alot of pizza places, McDonald's, etc. etc. etc. around Picadilly Circus as well. My feelings about the area is that it is too crowded (for us .. you may like it), too touristy and simply too busy, but you can always take the tube someplace where it is less frantic. It's also not very far from Green Park, you can walk there -- it's a lovely park, walk through it and you end up at Buckingham Palace. Go and have fun!!! Remember, everyone's opinion is just that, what you like someone else might hate and vice versa!

Lori, <BR> <BR>Thanks so much for all the helpful information. We rented the flat from <BR>Nick Price Apartments and they had only <BR>two available. It sounds like we may not be real happy with the area. However, we are suppose to have a top <BR>floor flat and hope that helps some. <BR>We are not crazy about crowds either. <BR>Barbara <BR>

Barbara, <BR>We've rented from Nick and he is a great guy to work with - remember my opinion of the Piccadilly area is just that - you may love it!! If you have not made plans on getting into London from the airport check with Nick and see if Michael is available for pickup and/or drop off. Michael is a character (youc an tell him Lori & John said HI in case you use him). He's gotten to know us from several trips over and his sense of humor is a crack-up. It's 30 pounds to have him pick you up and he helps with he luggage too (and will meet you just outside customs holding a sign with your name on it). <BR> <BR>Every neighborhood in London has some quiet little out of the way streets and you may well find some in your "neighborhood". We just don't spend a great deal of time in that area but I will say it is full of life. It's also close to several theaters if you are planning on attending shows. <BR> <BR>I didn't mean to discourage you, but I like to be honest in my answers and Piccadilly is a busy/crowded area. There is so much to see/do in London tho that you probably won't be "home" much and I believe I know which apartments you are renting (Doheny Court???) and they are supposed to be very nice. <BR> <BR>If you are going during the summer you will find crowds most places (we go in April) but you can still get away from mobs pretty easily by simply getting away from the heavy-duty tourist places. For a nice relaxing hour or so take a canal boat ride from Camden Market (fun in itself) to Little Venice through Regent's Park, or take a train trip our of London to some area not known for an abundance of tourist traffic! We do that sort of thing. London is great, but it can be crowded and busy,but their parks are the greatest so you can always take a break there! <BR> <BR>Enjoy your visit (and tell Nick Lori & John said HI). <BR> <BR>

I rented an apartment a few years ago through Farnum & Christ. I had it just over a week. It was in Covent Garden, which is near everything but didn't seem as crowded as Picadilly. This firm seems to represent individuals who offer their apartments, rather than large blocks of transient rentals. Our place had tons of personality and was much better than staying in a hotel. It was not cheap, though.

Barbara, <BR>Your apartment is not going to be right smack in the middle of Piccadilly Circus, it is on a side street a couple of blocks away. I do not think the noise and activity of Piccadilly Circus will be a big bother. Another poster on this Forum stayed at the Dalmeny Court Apts. and thought they were fine, I remember reading his post.

Piccadilly Circus is right in the middle of things, and that is very advantageous, but I really hope that you get a decent guide book and go further afield, because all you'll find round Piccadilly Circus/ Leicester Sq is thousands of tourists. I find it a bit depressing that you might end up in a Garfunkels or McDonalds....

Thank you all for your help. I am sure <BR>we will not end up at McDonalds!!! Do not even do that in the States. We would not being going in July to London <BR>because I understand it is so busy but <BR>we are going to the British Open and wanted to spend some time in London first. Any advice is greatly appreciated, because nothing helps better than information from those in the know. <BR>Barbara