That last one looks like the right configuration for your family, though a bit small. But why not a precise map location (since it sounds so nicely central <i>and</i> on a garden square? From their description, it might be around Golden Square or Soho Square, or possibly on Stacey St overlooking the Phoenix community garden (or maybe there's some greenery inside Sandringham Mansions? The mention of refurbishment suggests that sort of property). Any of those would be fine, I'd have thought, but do get them to say exactly where it is (postcode) so you can check it out on Google maps.

Oops. Now I spot the "Map it" link top right (bad screen design, but let that pass). It's on Procter St by Red Lion Square. Excellent location (I'd love to live there). Lots of independent cafés and restaurants in the streets round about, plenty of public transport options on High Holborn and Southampton Row, but quiet on this street. Close enough walk to Coram's Fields too.

Just noticed there isn't actually a photo of the kitchen.

Hi Patrick ...thanks for your help. SO it's a good location! It fits my budget and I'm not too fussed about the kitchen I am sure I will manage! Is it still close to Coram's Fields??? I am pretty sure this is the one I will go with since it is available and fits our needs. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

I know nothing about rental companies, of course, but a quick search of the forums suggests previous posters have found London Guest Suites OK.

Yes, it's no further from Coram's Fields than the Gower St place, or even nearer, if you check their map. And there's Red Lion Square for the little ones to run around in.

Re-reading their description and looking at Google Streetview, I think it may be in the more residential bit of Red Lion Square itself (and all the better for it) - possibly in one of the older-style apartment blocks. The exterior and common areas may look a bit functional rather than luxurious, but you can't beat the location.

thanks Patrick! I am sure it'll work out! It not really what I was thinking of but at the end of the day if it is a good location with lots of cafes etc near by then perfect I say. OK now to book! Thanks everyone!!!

I'm confused. It lists the price as such:

Weekly Rate:
$2,625.00
On Special

Nightly Rate:
$375.00
On Special

This is far over the budget you have us.

Never got an apt in London, but I can tell you what my family does in London, and really likes: Small Bloomsbury hotel along the lines of

http://www.stmargaretshotel.co.uk/W_e_l_c_o_m_e.html

or

http://www.arranhotel-london.com/

We get a "basic" room triple or quad, as needed, meaning sink in the room probably and bathrooms/lavatories down the hall. There is a hot generous breakfast waiting downstairs every morning, included in the price. Lounges to hang out and read the paper, strike up conversations. Clean towels, tea kettle in room.

Great location surrounded by pubs, museums, public transportation. Arran House is on a busy road, and Celtic hotel is quieter. I will also look online for similar places on Bedford Way and Bedford Place next time we go. Way quiet there.

We like the friendly atmosphere. Being in a room together is always fine with my family, since we're the kind who've also shared a 5 man tent for ten days in Yellowstone, and the lounges give elbow room. It's not as if you'll have time to sit and stare at each other, since London has ample amusements.

I see that when I search Bedford Way the first page of hits are Royal National Hotel. We walked my older daughter there in January for Sunday evening salsa dancing in their ballroom, and though she had a blast it wouldn't be on my list of top choices because too low on Bloomsbury charm. Though I supposed if you needed elevators and such it would be nice.

There are tons of hotels in that area formed by joining a couple or three town houses, lots closer to our aesthetic ideal.

HI Patrick! You were right . .they were asking for the 50% deposit not the total fee! WAY OUT OF REACH!

Back to the drawing board!

The one on oxford st - Avanti apartments - seems to promise me it's legit . .how can I be certain?

What is your budget? In your original post you said "Budget is around 180 pounds a night." But the apartments you wanted to book at your post on Mar 5, 13 at 12:12am were $375 a night. Which is it?

When you said <i>"they were asking for the 50% deposit not the total fee! WAY OUT OF REACH!"</i> What did you mean? The deposit was way out of reach? The fee? Can you not afford a deposit? I don't understand.

Did you look into any of the ones I listed for you upthread? (Mar 4, 13 at 2:05pm)

Avanti apartments - please look at the reviews on Tripadvisor. What you said about the advert didn't exactly inspire confidence, and having seen the reviews, I can see why.

You already seemed to discount the Avanti apartments (up thread where you said they won't tell you which apartment til arrival) Why are you going back to them?

Now, I don't always accept TA reviews, but if there are more than a few and a big % are bad --that is a real red flag for me.

Per TA w/ 39 reviews = 6 excellent/very good vs. 21 poor/terrible.

Excellent - 3
Very good - 3
Average - 12
Poor - 10
Terrible - 11

I wouldn't touch them.

I wonder why we even bother posting sometimes..

I haven't posted because I live in London and don't know the short term rental market but wow, I don't think I ver remember seeing anyone have such a problem booking a two bed apartment...

jamikins: >><i> I don't think I ver remember seeing anyone have such a problem booking a two bed apartment...</i><<

Me either. I think maybe crazyfamily is frazzled jumping back and forth from planning the UK bits to the Continent and back and forth and back and forth . . .

crazyfamily: You seem to be using a scatter shot approach. Anything and everything - no matter the cost, location, whatever. It appears you have linked/asked about flats w/o really reading the listings first (because several haven't even been in your price range)

Tough love here . . . IMO you need to sit down and take a DEEP breath. You've been trying for more than a month. At this point I'd contact ONE of the several recommended agencies mentioned (NOT Avanti!) here and your other threads - and just book something.

Otherwise - forget the flat idea and book a Premier Inn or travelodge which all have family rooms. (Or else you may have to change your screen name to absolutelynutsfamilyof4)

Janis- I have a post with you name on it.

I HAD this much trouble finding a two bedroom flat so I feel crazyfamily pain!! but with tough love I too bit the bullet and booked! it felt great! I went with coach if that helps!!

ok sooooo i haven't been in touch because this week has brought a huge turn around of events and has changed my trip completely ..thankfully nothing had been booked as our trip has had to change dramatically due to my husband not being able to join me for 5 weeks etc so now we are waiting to hear how many beds we are going to need and start the whole process again! CRAZY CRAZY times in this house I tell you!

I'd guess that even without your husband you'll still need the same number of beds, since I assume that you would normally share a bed (not that it's any of my business, nor do I need to know).

I thought you had come back to The London Agent, who I recommended to you several weeks ago.

We had a wonderful stay in an apartment in Turnmill Street in December - very close to Farringdon train station on the Circle Line (lift access handy with kids and luggage) and felt safe at night with plenty of pubs, shops for self-catering and other essential supplies (eg wine)etc in area (only possible drawback was lack of microwave oven, but great internet connection:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Super-...ll-Home-2.html


(My review is on their page)

I'd guess that even without your husband you'll still need the same number of beds, since I assume that you would normally share a bed (not that it's any of my business, nor do I need to know).

I thought you had come back to The London Agent, who I recommended to you several weeks ago.

We had a wonderful stay in an apartment in Turnmill Street in December - very close to Farringdon train station on the Circle Line (lift access handy with kids and luggage) and felt safe at night with plenty of pubs, shops for self-catering and other essential supplies (eg wine)etc in area (only possible drawback was lack of microwave oven, but great internet connection:

http://www.thelondonagent.com/Super-...ll-Home-2.html


(My review is on their page)

Hmm - sorry about the double post - connectivity issues this afternoon - must be too hot here!

Wow. What a mess, a mess that I understand having booked a nice flat for a week last year. If I had it to do over, I'd book two rooms at a Travelodge for 50 pounds each (under budget) and call it good. You won't spend any time there anyway. We were in our nice flat from 10pm to 8am and did not use the kitchen at all!

hi everyone! yes toucan ..it is a big mess! but the plus side is since we have more with us now our budget is more flexible and we can find something extra nice in the locations suggested! Once I know what we are doing I'll review this post and show you what I have found.

and yes LOndon agent has been great and we are more then likely going to use a property with them!

Thanks everyone with your suggestions and patience with me

You're making your mother pay? Please tell me I got that wrong!!

she and her firend will be paying for some :P we will spilt the bill etc so my option went from no more the 200 pounds to no more then 400-600 pounds a night . .which changes things completely!

Wow!!

So now, instead of your husband, you have your mother and her friend, no car, plus the toddlers, to move around Europe? And you are going to spend a week getting to and staying in Varenna twice? I do hope you know Varenna is not a large place. All I can say is good luck, hope you appreciate the folks who continue to make a giant effort to help you plan this trip.

Wow. Just, wow.

This story is getting good. The twists and turns remind me of Jude's post about the failed trip with her stepdaughters.

Crazyfamily- You must be a woman of extreme patience and perseverance!

It's starting to remind me of passionfruitdrink's trip to Paris!

yes yes I am and I am soooo thankful to have all the support and advice of the wonderful people here!

Instead of being in Varenna for a week both times we will be staying 4 days both times :)

Hubby joins in July but leaves in July and we will train and fly and hire cars only when needed.

All I can say is it is going to be one great live trip report! That everyone can feel involved in!

>>>>The twists and turns remind me of Jude's post about the failed trip with her stepdaughters.

Let's hope there aren't any reefers involved with the 2 and 4 year olds!

Oh, did I just say reefer? I'm showing my age!

Did you find one????

>>Did you find one????<<

I <i>think</i> she's still looking for London (but who can keep track w/o a scorecard). She finally booked their Paris digs yesterday . . .

hi . . we booked a suite thing at Regency hotel south kennsington . . .so we have that and yes I am still checking now that the dates changed to see about an apartment but we got a great deal with regency so I will be surprised if we don't stay there.

A hotel? Two rooms?

yep! it's like an apartment in a hotel :) It's just double what an apartment is. But because of that we do get drinks in the club lounge and breakfast etc oh and free internet and just the luxury of a hotel.

We did think we had found a nice apartment with one fine stay but when it came to the crunch they changed and said my 2 yr old would be seen as an adult when it came to bedding so it wouldn't be big enough.

:(
But I do like the regency

for those who end up like me..this is a link to the hotel
http://www.londonregency.com/index.asp