I am going to London for one week with my 3-year old son and am looking to rent a 1BR apartment in a central location -- so that we are walking distance to sights, parks, shops, transportation. After doing some research, it looks like the Kensington and Mayfair areas are the most promising. Does anyone have any advice, recommendations, or experience to share? Thanks in advance!

How about a large and airy one bedroom with a bath and a half. Second story (no elevator) in a sort of loft conversion -- nicely furnished and decorated-- in the heart of Covent Garden on a quiet street. Just a block to Covent Garden market and a little over a block to Leicester Square. Underground stations at both those locations. It's about $200 a night.

$200/night is out of my price range, but thank you! The flat sounds really nice, though.

AlHelen; I was going to say Beaufort House, Beaufort Gardens, but that is probably too expensive.
If you look at www.laterooms.com, a place on Queensgate (it's called ... Queensgate; can't remember exactly) comes up where apartments look very reasonable; one bedroom for 75 pounds a night. I have been meaning to try this, but haven't done so yet. The location is great; near the Natural History and Science Museums (and your 3-year old will probably like that; mine did at that age), and a short walk to Kensington Gardens.

If you are looking for inexpensive, try searching on Oxbridge Apartments in Kensington. Nothing fancy but a one-bedroom goes for 385GBP a week and it's convenient to supermarkets, laundry, tube and walking distance to Hyde Park.

Actually, some parts of Kensington are a little far from things - South Kensington is more central.

You should also consider a studio - just one room plus kitchen and Bath - but usually a lot cheaper than 1-bedroom places.

One agency with moderately priced flats you can contact is E&E Apartments (no website but they do have e-mail) [email protected] phone 011-44-171-828-0453

Their studios run about $120 per night and 1-bdrms about $135. These will be in Pimlico and Victoria. Pimlico is a nice mostly residential area but with restaurants, pubs and small shops, near the Thames, Tate Britain, Chelsea and Victoria Station. A few blocks north is Victoria - less "residential" but VERY convenient for getting around and walking distance to B'ham Palace.

Thank you so much for all the useful advice-- I will look at all those resources-- I am now looking for a studio, but with a kitchen so we can eat some of our meals in the apartment (easier with a child). Thanks!

I think Tulips is talking about 130 Queensgate. I stayed there last year--it is a very very good location, very near museums, the Park is at the top of the road, near Gloucester Road Tube. I found the prices reasonable and the place was not quite as nice as I had expected, but good for the money. I'd stay there again.

Thanks! But did 130 Queensgate have a kitchen/fridge in the room? I looked on the site and it looked like a hotel room rather than an apartment.

AlHelen, from the info on www.laterooms.com; it says studio apartment with fully equiped kitchen. Current rate is 75 pounds/night, which seems very good for the area. But this is last-minute booking (10 days ahead maximum I think).

Yes, it was an apartment. We had a two bedroom with a big lounge, kitchen with fridge and hob, and a bath. It was very suitable. I'm sure all the facilities have kitchens. Again, great location.

I ended up researching a lot online and through people's referrals. Timeout London online has a list of agencies that list "self-catering apartments"-- after making inquiries at several (many were booked for the properties I wanted) and looking at the information online, I've decided to go with Holiday Serviced Apartments, Ltd. Their Web site is: http://www.holidayapartments.co.uk/index.html -- the agent with whom I've been corresponding and speaking on the phone with seems very nice and professional. I will post my review of their service and company and my experience when we return! If anyone has any bad experiences with this company, please let me know!