London apartments
 

Hello,

We are a family of 4 (two teenage daughters) heading to London. Looking for a safe neighborhood close to an underground stop. Wondering what you think of these places. They look good to me, but want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Thanks,
Robert
https://www.vrbo.com/806940ha?adults...unitId=1142173

https://www.vrbo.com/10940234ha?adul...unitId=5971185

https://www.vrbo.com/1407364ha?adult...unitId=1778593

#1 (Queens Park) is not at all convenient nor central

#2 (Earls Court) will be more convenient

#3 (Notting Hill) is by likely the nicest neighborhood. The listing states a 5 minute walk to Notting Hill Gate Station and 2 min walk to Kensington Palace/Hyde Park. For that to be the flat would likely be in the area just north or south of Bayswater Road and maybe in the area near Kensington Church Street/Palace Terrace Gardens. That is definitely the location I'd prefer other things being fairly equal.

I looked at #2 and #3, and I agree that the #3 apartment is in a great location, but it is a basement apartment (that is, the lowest level apartment) and doesn’t appear to have any windows. It’s described as bright but, for me, not having windows is tough. It’s very common, but you asked what you were missing in looking at these apartments. #3 might work for you for the convenience, but I noticed that #2 is a much brighter apartment because it’s upstairs which I would find more comfortable.

Lower ground floor flats must have a window. Plus . . . at least three of the reviews mention windows. One (I translated it from German) listed three specific windows. I've stayed in a lot of ground floor and higher flats that only had 1 or 2 windows.

Thanks for pointing out a few things I didn't know and missed. I appreciate the help.

. . . It definitely isn't posh but it is large and is in a terrific location.

Several reviews mentioned old mail and flyers in the entrance - to clarify, that is the entrance hall to the building as a whole - not to the actual flat. Mail for the entire bldg is usually dropped through the front door

Thanks janisj.......I haven't been to Europe for 20 years (remember the two teenagers?). Planning a trip for a family is much different than a couple guys or just my wife and me. Trying to find a place with 3 separate beds, but it's a challenge finding that at the price we want. They might have to share or take turns on a pullout couch!

Do eliminate the Queen's Park property. Re the other two.

#2 is a posher flat in a 'less posh' neighborhood, but still quite convenient. It looks very nicely furnished and seems to have 4 windows - one a bay window - and street views.

#3 is less well furnished, but in a very nice location. Three windows but the views will just be of the bldg's lower courtyard. There will be light but it won't be as bright as the Earl's Court flat. The living room futons in #3 would make various sleeping arrangements easier.

Both kitchens seem similarly well fitted. I'd think #2 would be s little more comfortable and #3 would be a little larger/more sleeping options. If Earls Court is cheaper for your dates I'd choose it, but if they are about the same price I'd probably pick Notting Hill for the neighborhood. I'd actually be fine with either -- if the decor is at all important to you -pick Earls Court. If more beds - than Notting Hill. Either would make a good base.

Read all the posting but especially read the reviews. I ALWAYS use booking.com as a single, way over 29+ and I always confirm items through the property just to clarify my specific needs.

Both #2 and #3 although says microwave pictures don't show it although views of kitchen seem to show the whole kitchen?

Earls Court-says it have a TV but does appear to be in the living room if this makes a difference with 2 teens. I, specifically always need to know exactly where the metro/tube/subway is from my apt for nighttime touring.

I will be in London in a couple of weeks and my apt is a few blocks from the Notting Hill apt if you would like me to check out the block you are on if NH your choice.

"Both #2 and #3 although says microwave pictures don't show it although views of kitchen seem to show the whole kitchen? "

May be older photos and they've added microwaves. I can't remember the last flat I rented in London that didn't have a mw. But easy to find out with a quick question to the owner(s).

Same re the Earls Court telly - since the listing specifically mentions TV/cable my guess is it was added after the photos were taken - but easy to ask the owner to be sure.

Be sure to check out the reviews on each property. #3 looks like it's cramped and a bit worn. Of the lot, I'd go for Earl's Court.

Thank you for the suggestions.
jan47ete - thank you very much for the offer of checking out the neighborhood, but don't worry about it. Have a great trip!

After talking to the girls, we might go with a 2br and a pullout couch. It's been a challenge finding places where the second br has two singles. This will broaden our search. I will look in the neighborhoods you liked here - Earl's Court and Notting Hill. Keep an eye out for future posts. I do really appreciate the help.

Found this one and it looks pretty nice. The booking info says it's for 3 but shows a king and 2 single beds. I sent an inquiry to the rental company asking if they can take a reservation for 4. Your thoughts please....
https://www.ivylettings.com/search-r...d-park-avenue/
Thanks

If you are starting over on the search - you don't need (nor necessarily want) to stick to just Earl's Court and Notting Hill. Those were simply the best of the three you listed. Between NH and EC . . . Notting Hill would be the posher. But both are a bit far west to be all that convenient for typical first time visitors. You may wan to widen your search to areas like South Kensington, Victoria/Pimlico, Russell Square, Covent Garden, Belgravia, Fitzrovia, and others. Covent Garden is the most central of all but but in that area and Belgravia will likely be the priciest.

we were posting at the same time . . . That flat is in a really lovely area (again - a bit far west for absolute convenience). I just skimmed so may have missed it but it doesn't seem to have a lift. The apartment is on the 3rd floor (that is the 4th floor 'American') so quite a walk up possibly several times a day.

Thanks again janisj - I was just trying to find out which neighborhood might work for us. Thank you for the suggestions.

I think we crossed posted again :)

My youngest and I are off tomorrow, so maybe I can get her interested in checking out some places. Will post our findings.

Details, details...
 

Have used Ivy in the past and was pleased. That flat looks lovely BUT the trek up three flights each way would be a deal breaker for us. As a general rule of thumb, if the listing does not say there is an elevator/lift there probably isn't one.
Agree with janis the Covent Garden is a great area - one of our favorites - but you will find prices higher there because it so desirable.

That last flat, in Holland Park, is in a lovely residential area and the tube at Holland Park or Shepherds Bush has the Central Line, with easy connection to lots of sites. It is a bit more to the west of the main things you will want to see. And if it is opposite Royal Crescent; that is a very busy road. I think it's the block of flats next to the Hilton; that one has a lift, it is a fairly modern one.
The text for that flat is a bit odd; Golborne Road is at least half an hour's walk from there.