marcie

Thanks one and all for the advice, and for the names/websites/books about apartments available in London. We're leaving in a few days, will let you know our experience, but I'm really looking forward to it!

janis

Anne: In general you can find flats in nice areas for around - -<BR><BR>Studios &pound;350 - &pound;500 per week ($500+ - $700+)<BR>1 bdrm &pound;400 - &pound;650 ($600 - $1000)<BR>2 bdrm &pound;550 - &pound;800+ ($800 - $1200)<BR><BR>Of course you can spend a LOT more for a really posh place. Some fabulous flats in Mayfair and Knightsbridge go for &pound;2000 or more a week.

elvira

Unless it's just one or two people, an apartment wins hands down. We rented from Roland House (before they renovated and went upscale):<BR>http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/economy/roland-house.htm<BR><BR>We've also rented from private individuals (don't remember the contact; the arrangements were made by another member of the group).<BR><BR>Linens are almost always provided (website or brochure will clearly state this); skip anyplace that DOESN'T (who wants to lug *that* stuff around?). There's usually a small supply of kitchen cleaners - dish soap, cleanser, sponge, etc. Sometimes there are those little hotel-sized bars of soap; no harm in bringing a couple of your own just in case.<BR><BR>The kitchens are equipped for basic food preparation (pots, pans, electric kettle, spatula, etc.) and service (if the apartment holds six, you'll get six cups, six spoons, etc. Sometimes there'll be extras). Remember, European appliances are much smaller than American, so the refrigerator will be maybe twice the size of a hotel's minibar, there may be no oven, or just a small one. Sometimes, the burners and oven are separate appliances. The washer/dryer is usually one appliance (rather than heat, the dryer uses water extraction, so it takes a looong time to dry, but nothing ever shrinks or melts).<BR><BR>Do bring clocks - sometimes the apartment has one in every room (including alarm clocks in the bedrooms), sometimes zippo. Most apartments have a radio, some have TVs, but ask if this might be an issue.<BR><BR>It's really nice to have a place where sleeping areas are separate from eating/lounging; there's room to spread out (especially for smaller kids: they can spread out toys or games in one room while the adults relax in the living room); as others have mentioned, even if you don't intend to cook a full meal anytime, it's nice to have a fridge for milk and juice and wine, bowls for cereal in the morning, someplace to heat up soup if someone's feeling punk (how many of you feel a lot better if you can eat grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup?), and a dining area for bringing back Chinese takeout.<BR>

kate

We rented a one bedroom apt in London and loved the idea of small but more than a hotel room,more room to spread out.The tv was in the living room,the tiny kitchen for coffee was better than room service and we won't even discuss the benefits of cost without room service!We had a huge bathroom,almost as big as the bedroom.<BR>But one of the best things about it- to us -was having the key to the door,coming and going on a street of homes,not hotels and stores.After the second or third day,the lady at the flower stand would say hello and the man in the wine store and my husband had many a long and happy chat<BR>It was perfect for this Anglophile to imagine that she lived there all the time~<BR>So even if it is just the two of you,it can be great!

Laurie

Janis, Where can I find agencies that have 1 bedroom apartments for 4 people for 400 pounds? We are planning a trip to London in early June of 2003. I have emailed E & E apartments, but their rates were much higher than this. <BR><BR>Also, Lori, I contacted Hamlet Apartments and recieved a rate quote similar to the amount you posted. Can you tell me more about the St Katherine's Marina area. Are there plenty of restaurants nearby? Is it a nice, safe area? Did you experience any difficulties with the agency? Thanks for your help. Laurie

janis

Laurie - yes, E&E 1 bedrooms are between &pound;530 and &pound;600 pw. A &pound;400 1-bedroom will be in areas such as Wimbledon, Maida Vale, Southwark, etc. A couple of years ago you could find &pound;300-&pound;400 flats all over but as they have gotten more popular the rates have really gone up all over London. 3 years ago Scala House was around &pound;600 and now it is over &pound;800.<BR><BR>I also know the folks at Hamlet UK - they are terrific to deal with. St Katherines Dock is wonderful. the only drawback being the relatively long walk to Tower Hill tube. A couple of their flats have views of Tower Bridge. The area is very nice and there are several pubs/restaurants plus the Thistle Tower Hotel.<BR><BR>It is a nice area - but you do need to figure in the extra time it will take you to get places. But to be a 2 minute walk from the Tower of London and the River makes up for a lot. I personally prefer to stay more central (Pimlico) so I can walk to many sites - plus every time I have tried Hamlet they have been booked up. But I have referred people to them and all have enjoyed staying there.

Laurie

Thanks for the information, Janis. I think I will go ahead and book this flat, tomorrow. The woman I talked to said that if I booked now I would get an apartment at 2002 rates. 2003 rates are going up. The other nice part about Hamlet's rates is that they include everything,including taxes.If you have any recommedations for restaurants or pubs in this area, I would love to hear them. Thanks, Laurie

Karen

Hi Laurie<BR><BR>I used to work next to St Katharines Dock. If you would like recommendations and information on the area e-mail me the location.

janis

Laurie: there are restaurants and pubs right in the complex - plus you are just across the river from all the south bank places. Hays Galleria, OXO Tower, Butlers Wharf, the Anchor Pub and the reataurants at the Globe. <BR><BR>Karen: the flats are actually in the Marina complex in two different bldgs - I think Burr Close and Nightengale House.

janis

make that Nightingale

Laurie

Thanks for the suggestions, Janis. I am writing them down and will check them out.I hope we have made a good choice for an apartment. This will save us about $300 compared to some others I looked at.<BR><BR>Karen, Thanks for your offer. I did email you. Laurie

Mary

I stayed at Dolphin Square in July. It was wonderful. A huge room, king sized bed, fully equipped kitchen, lovely bath room, sofa, table, iron etc etc. As well as this you get full hotel services - room service, restaurant, swimming pool etc. I got a wonderful deal on their web site www.dolphinsquarehotel.co.uk of 80 pounds per night. Much better than a hotel and only a 3 minute walk from the Pimlico tube stop.

Molly

ttt

shim

we rented a delightful one bedroom place on reeves mews near the US embassy,<BR>a bargain for such a nice place in mayfair,<BR>we used london4rent.com who was recommended by a friend,<BR>The service was great,<BR>We are going back next year.

Blair

Hello - has anyone used Bond Vacaction Apartments? I just booked a flat in Knightsbridge and was wondering if it's as great as it looked in the photos.