London Experts - What do you think of this apartment?
 

Hi Fodorites - It's been a long time since I've posted, but I was hoping I could get some opinions on the following apartment rental:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationR...n_England.html

Does anybody have any experience with West End Specialists? It looks like they manage about 29 properties and generally have good reviews, but they just don't have many reviews overall and this particular property doesn't have any.

We are coming to London in March 2015, staying 7 nights. Just my DH and myself. This is our second trip, so we've done quite a few of the major tourist highlights, but there are many left on our list, One is to attend a couple of theater productions, but I'd also like to visit the Kew, William Morris Museum and Hampton Court. So I thought the west end would be convenient, plus it looks like it is close to a tube stop. I'd generally like to stay in the $250-$300 per night range.

Your expertise is appreciated!

I like it a lot, like the windows, the neighborhood, have walked past it many times. There are good bus lines nearby, and it's near lots of fun pubs in Fitzrovia. I'd go for it.

If you happen to have Netflix, they now have the PBS "Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace." I wish I'd watched it before visiting Hampton Court this spring.

I've stayed in that exact neighborhood several times. Good location -- lots of restaurants nearby especially along Charlotte Street, close to the British Museum, etc.

Th bedroom, kitchen and bath look fine -- the living room bit seems awfully cramped - but ditching the two folding chairs it looks fine for two people. The price is reasonable for the location.

Looks good overall, and the location is good too. I'd move that table to the back wall while you stay there...looks like there's more room down there...hopefully those windows have some form of concealed blind? I haven't used this agency before, but have successfully used Farnum and Christ many times via a recommendation from NeoPatrick on here...they tend to be more expensive but I think they have 1 bedrooms in your price point. I love them because they send the key to you before you go, so no worries about meeting anyone to access the flat when you arrive...

Thanks for the feedback. I just learned that they want the entire rental fee upfront plus another 300 pounds...and that's not gonna happen. Maybe this is why they don't seem to rent many apartments!

ah. the catch. Sorry, sferg.

>>Thanks for the feedback. I just learned that they want the entire rental fee upfront plus another 300 pounds...and that's not gonna happen.<<

Totally normal. The VAST majority of flats require full payment before arrival. The £300 is likely the refundable security deposit -- also totally normal.

Renting flats is not like hotels where there are lots of rooms/customers. Flats are 'one offs' and full payment is required because if you don't show up it will go empty/

Now, <i>some</i> agencies allow a substantial non-refundable deposit and the balance paid in full on arrival. But full pre-payment is typical

Maybe you would be happier in a hotel and aren't 'apartment material'?

Janisj- actually I've rented several apartments (Paris, Amsterdam. Seville) and have never had to pay the entire amount at the time of booking. It has been my experience that there is up to a 30% deposit with the remainder due upon arrival. Maybe London is different in this regard but in conjunction with the few reviews it seems like a red flag to me.

I have also rented many apartments -- especially in Paris and London (I travel to London/the UK at least 3 times a year). Yes, London is different. What happens in Paris (usually paying balance on arrival) is NOT what normally happens in London. If you don't want to pay in advance -- then you'll have better luck in Paris.

Now, some agencies in London don't require advance payment -- but the VAST majority do and many at least 3 months in advance.

I've had a few waive the security deposit -- but only when I have used them multiple times and have established a track record. The one agency I used to use frequently and didn't require full payment up front -- has gone out of business. Partly because of their business model.

I can't speak from experience with regards to property in London specifically, but we stay in cottages/apartments around the UK 3-4 times a year. Every agency or owner has demanded an initial deposit with the remainder paid 6-8 weeks before arrival. I have never paid on arrival.

Have you looked at LondonConnections.com? They are U.S. based and so are easy to talk to by phone.

londonconnections requires 50% at time of booking and the full balance 60 days before arrival. So not what the OP wants . . . .

Well if that's the way it normally works in London, apparently I'll have to get on board if I'd like a bit more space. But I'll also want to be sure I'm dealing with a reputable company which is also why I was asking if anybody had dealt with the abovementioned broker.

So if you have any other suggestions for companies with whom you've had a good experience I'd appreciate the info as well. I have an inquiry out to Ivy Lettings as we speak, who seems to be well regarded on another travel site.

That specific flat has no reviews on TA . . . but the company/manager has several (all good) and has been listed on TA for 3.5 years.

One Fine Stay and Farnum and Christ are both reputable agencies..I've dealt with F&C 4 times now, and all have been good....they require a deposit up front, with balance due some weeks before departure. Both are at the higher end price wise, but your budget looked high for a one bed.