London: Thoughts on Goodge Str Apt (Byng Place)?
 

My brother's family is going to London July 3-8 and are looking for an apt large enough for 3 adults (50's) and 4 young adults (mid-20's). It's their first time in London, so they want to be centrally located, convenient to tube stops and safe area. Given the number of bedrooms they need, the central location they want and the relatively short notice, it's been difficult to find apts (I checked VRBO and a few others that I've used). Someone recommended Regent Suites and they're offering a "newly renovated bedroom apartment that sleeps 10" at their Goodge Street unit (#138), for $835 per night. I had recommended the Fitzrovia area and Bloomsbury is just next door, but the location of this seems to be literally, in the midst of the University. It also appears that Regent is an apartment building - does anyone have any input on this area and the building?

The mid-50's adults have all traveled internationally but the mid-20's (two girls & two boys) haven't so safety is an important consideration. They won't be doing much cooking - just breakfast and snacks so kitchen fittings aren't hugely important. Just a fridge for beer & yogurt! Thanks very much for any insights.

http://www.regentsuites.com/london/goodge_street/

One note I forgot to add: they have a refundable reservation at the Mayfair Holiday Inn. Tx.

Not sure why they call it "Goodge Street" since that isn't even the nearest tube station - It is a bit nearer to Euston Square and Euston Station but maybe those sound 'too far north'. But the area is fine -- it will be convenient for transport (the Northern and Victoria lines are nearby and the Piccadilly line (in from LHR) is pretty close. It is close to the British Museum and British Library.

The bedrooms look OK -- but the living room(s) looks very small and barely furnished. I don't think there is even enough seating for all of them. But it also looks like the photos are a combination of various flats w/i the building so maybe the specific flat is larger.

Location-wise there's nothing to fault it. The fact that this is right in the middle of many bits of the University of London doesn't mean there's nothing else there, quite the contrary. And safety is no more of an issue there than anywhere else in central
London.

Janis & Patrick - thanks! I feel reassured that it's not an unsavoury location; plus, I bet the young adults would like being in a young, lively area. And, proximity to several tube stations will be helpful. Thanks again.

the location is fine.. but are you sure that the flat sleeps 7 people.. the apartment listed states that it sleeps 5 to 6 people, with a cot for sixth at an extra cost.

I think they would need a different apartment that really sleeps 7.

Just an FYI -- 'cot' in "Brit speak" means a baby crib . . . not a rollaway or folding bead. So if it does say 5 or 6 + cot it means 5 or 6 plus a baby - not 7.

The OP says that the flat sleeps 10, so that doesn't seem to be a problem. I would want to know how many bathrooms for 7, because the upside of splitting up the group in hotels is sometimes the extra bathrooms.

>>The OP says that the flat sleeps 10, so that doesn't seem to be a problem.<<

Well - the largest flat mentioned on the "Goodge Street" property link is a 'small 3 bedroom' that sleeps up to 6. I don't see that it sleeps 10 (or even 7 for that matter)

The "Goodge Street" property is called "Goodge Street" because it is the closest tube station to the apartment. Euston Square is slightly further away.

I also noticed that the web site for the flat doesn't mention anything about a "6 bedroom flat that sleeps 10", but that's what the agency stated in their correspondence with my brother. I'm a little skeptical on this but am trying to be positive and not push my suggestions (which I've already given and they've gone a different route...) I suspect the 6 bedroom flat is actually adjoining flats or something that's cobbled together but they're only in London for 6 days and will be busy sight-seeing so I think anything clean w/bathrooms, beds, fridges & TVs will be OK. I was more concerned about the area but think they'll be fine now.

It's a funny thing - they asked for suggestions but didn't give insight as to whether they want to go to museums, walking tours, churches, day trips, etc. I suggested tours of sporting places (football clubs, Wimbledon) since some of them are sports mad; a trip to Kew for the two avid gardeners; a Thames boat ride for views & to rest their feet; theater; in addition to the standard attractions. I love London and really want their first trip to be a success, but with a short stay in prime tourist season and no specific goals I'm afraid they'll be disappointed. Ah well, you can lead a horse to water....

vickiebypass: aint it the truth? Of course, we here see endless numbers of folks planning trips to places where they have no specific things they want to do, and like you, we probably all get requests for planning help from friends and relatives who totally ignore our suggestions. Sometimes these folks are disappointed, but sometimes they have a ball. Let us know what happens to your gang.

<< I'm a little skeptical on this but am trying to be positive and not push my suggestions>>

They're going a long way. You "trying to be positive" is not a help - you know better, this seems fishy, so don't clam up. Tell them that they need to ensure that anyplace they get will have sleeping provisions and room for 8, not 5 or 6. They're going to London, where they will already be shocked by the size (or lack thereof) of the flats.

And how are they getting a place at Goodge Street that costs $835 per when the site, which lists in dollars, has a maximum price of $565 for a "SMALL" three bedroom.

This is a disaster waiting to happen and a ripoff to boot. Smarten them up.