iowamom

We actually stayed at the same Coach House rental (Emperor's Gate - EMP) - four years ago. For us (DH, teen DD and me) it was great... wished it had a second bedroom but DD was fine on the pull out couch in the living room. It was modern with a lot of natural light. I don't recall any specific issues with the apartment or in dealing with Coach House Rentals - it is as advertised on their website. Location was good - close enough to a tube station and some museums. Would definitely stay there again if we return to London.

surfmom

Looks like you have some good options - I didn't dig into details on all of them, but here are a few things I would also throw into the mix:

- washer/dryer in any or none? (makes packing easier...)
- air con or good room ventilation ? I know you said Sept, but sometimes you can get a hot spell....
- floors and stairs? this is a deal breaker for some and a non-event for others.
- reviews? I like a place with multiple reviews so I get a good sense of the pros and cons. Are all reviews screened through the agency? Are there any independent reviews on any travel sites?

surfmom

btw, you are doing well to book now. We just pulled the trigger on a Christmas break trip - so were scrambling a bit. Janisj was a big help to me - she knows location so well!

(thanks janis!)

yestravel

<i> "many in the US and OZ are used to king sized. If you want/need that -- head for an international business or posh upscale hotel. Not a holiday flat."</i>
Just want to mention that we indeed did find a kingsize bed in a holiday flat in London. They were not common, but I found several in my search last year.

Tulips

In our London flat we have a bed that's 200x200cm. Which is quite a common size for us, but Onefinestay who let the flat think it's very big. They call it a super king, their size chart says super king is 190cm.
No idea what you're talking about in inches.

Emperor's Gate; we lived very close to there for years. Nice residential area. You'll have to cross Cromwell Road to get to Gloucester Rd tube. There's a big apartment block very close, that you may look onto.

I disagree that Kensington High Street is too far; it's about as easy as Sloane Square. Both are on the Circle Line, wich is the least convenient line, with less frequent trains. But there are lots of busses on Kensington High Street. Both are in upmarket residential areas, with plenty of good food shops. I lived near Sloane Square for many years as well, so know that area too.

You really can't go wrong with any of these destinations.

progol

Many, many thanks, everyone!

I do think Southwark is out of the running for now, though I appreciate the comments in support of the area. As I mentioned earlier, after doing a lot of streetviews on google maps, I’ve come to the conclusion a little charm and quaint wouldn’t be such a bad idea, though the flat I found in Southwark si still one of my favorites. I’ll keep it in mind for the next trip!

I’m still mulling over the various flats, and as each of you raise questions, I’m becoming a little more mixed about the ivy Lettings flats (though they have been very responsive) and think the coach house rental flat hits more of the boxes. But talk about marketing, the photography for Ivy Lettingsmis very good and they do create an appealing product (which is why I’m having such a difficult time!).

iowamom, do you remember how many steps there were to the flat and whether the terrace that’s mentioned is shared or private?

Many thanks, all. Everyone’s comments are helping me to think about the pros & cons of each place.

menachem

But why not Southwark? I'm really amazed. If it's a favorite, why not go there? Weirdly access to central London is often easier from Southwark than from Farthest West.

I think you're overthinking this.

iowamom

I don't recall the exact number but I do remember us commenting on the excessive number after returning home from a long day on our feet!

I think the terrace is private although we didn't use it.

progol

Thanks, iowamom, your comments are appreciated.

I am finding that Coach House rentals is incredibly slow in responding; they got back to me to let me know that they will find out about availability, and now, 4 days later, I still haven't gotten a response. It's disheartening as there has been so much praise for the agency that I'm trying to give them a chance, but today, when there is so much on line activity, there's really no excuse for such a delayed response. The folks at Ivy Lettings and A Place Like Home are much more on the ball and respond immediately, if only to let me know that they will get back to me with answers as soon as they can.

janisj

>>I am finding that Coach House rentals is incredibly slow in responding;<<

Me personally, I'd prefer the two Ivy lettings properties (#'s 2 & 3) over the Coach House anyway -- so screw em

progol

Thanks janisj! I do love the look of the Ivy Lettings flats -- but part of that is, I suspect, that they have done a wonderful job of photography and creating a spectacular look.

I'm still driving myself a bit crazy and have begun looking at A Place Like Home, and am finding a few possibilities there. But there is a promotion on Ivy Lettings that ends this Sunday, so I'm trying to make a decision very soon!!

janisj

None of the photos look 'cooked' to me (though they do offer more 'scenic' shots than interiors). Both look furnished to a quite high standard.

Both are in <u>wonderful</u> locations. If you think being on the lower ground would put you off, then I'd choose the Queensberry Place property (it is about 100 sq ft larger) and be done with it.

After all you will never know if the other/another property is better since you won't see inside. Don't over think things -- if you dawdle too long one or both could be booked up.

Pull the trigger -- and then move on to planning fun things to do.

thursdaysd

May I suggest that if you can't decide between two options you toss a coin? If you are happy with the result, you do that. If you are unhappy you do the other. You have plenty of other decisions to make.

yestravel

Our Ivy Lettings apt was exactly as pictured. In general I find ALL apt pictures are done as favorable as possible -- good marketing!

progol

Thanks guys, you are most reassuring! I’m making the decision by this weekend - I’m leaning toward the Sloane Square flat, though the Queensberry is still in the running!

progol

The deed is done! Sloane Gardens it is! There is a "Black Friday" promotion going on and I wanted to take advantage of it and be done with it already!

Many thanks all, your feedback has been greatly appreciated!

Now I'm all set with a flat in London for a week, then one in Paris for a week!

yestravel

Great! And glad you got a Black Friday promotion. I think you will be just fine in that area.

janisj

PHEW . . . . that was hard

Glad it os done.

Be VERY careful re a flat in Paris. Most rentals in the city are illegal and the crack down has begin -- until the dust settles, I'd either do a hotel or an aparthotel like Citadines.

progol

Thanks, yestravel and janisj! I am very relieved and pleased - I think that it will be just fine!

janisj, I have an AirBnB apartment in Paris that is REGISTERED and has had excellent feedback on the site; I've been in touch with the owners and they are lovely. I was very careful - I wrote to them before they registered their place and, as soon as they had their registration number, they contacted me to let me know. I'm comfortable with the place and believe me, I also checked a lot of places (though not nearly as many as for London!).

janisj

OH -- that is super. Sounds like responsible owners and a great find