Mimar: Did you read the thread? The OP is now looking at Sloane Sq . . . . .

Thanks for the replies. The only reason I was looking at Westminster is because my fiance's daughter is getting married at Westminster Chapel on July 4 but the Chelsea area looks like a good location. I am looking at one now that is $775 gbp.

Mimar - I will look at the one you recommend. I just received an email from that site on some others that I requestsed info on in Chelsea area - rates seem very reasonable in that site. Thanks.

Yes, janisj, that was why I chimed in.

But I do want to point out that Chelsea is an upscale and relatively expensive area. Given that the only reason for Westminster or nearby areas is one event on one day, I don't think 2 subway stops is all that much better than 4 stops or 6 stops. If the OP widens her search a little, she might find more for her money.

About the flat I recommend, I don't remember if it had air conditioning; it does have good cross-ventilation. It's not usually that hot in London, but it does get humid -- especially on the tube. The OP might want to consider a taxi on the big day.

Finally, I am a great proponent of renting through an agency, especially one where you can charge the deposit, etc, to a credit card. With VRBO you don't know what you're getting. The pictures could belong to another flat, the information could be an outright lie. An agency that's been in business for a while has their reputation to protect. And if you pay with a credit card and the apartment is not as advertised, you can dispute the charge.

Mimar thank you - I will look at other areas although the Chelsea area does look nice. That has been one of my concerns re VRBO.com - I am hoping the apartment would be legitimate and we are considering an apartment in that area and I asked the person for pictures of the living room and bathroom and she said she didn't have any and instead described it to me. So I will look at the unit you mentioned and if anyone else has any apartments we should consider, please let me know. Thanks.

vsd: Look at the top of the vrbo home page. There is a link to &quot;<u>Rent With Confidence</u>&quot;.

It explains their guarantees. This is a new-ish feature of vrbo and really does take care of the &quot;is it really a legit flat&quot; questions.

twk I have made two inquiries for http://www.vrbo.com/47902 as I like that one and the reviews are good. Did you call them when you inquired? thx.

twk - I finally heard from the owner of http://www.vrbo.com/47902 and the location can't be beat. She does have it available for our time period. She does charge extra for cleaning fee and has a refundable damage deposit which I guess is normal. Need to consider this one. Thanks.

Well we made up our minds - we are going with http://www.vrbo.com/47902
that twk recommended. You can't beat the price or the location! Thanks for all of your help.

Now I need to plan the rest of the trip - will leave London July 5 for Italy!

There are many good hotels in the Westminster area. If you are look for Bedand Breakfast hotels then you can find some nice budget ones in Ebury Street in Belgravia. You can sometimes also get lucky with prices at top hotels and the site
www.5starlondonhotels.co.uk can get some really good deals on the high end hotels. Worth a look!

vsd: Sorry I didn't get back to look at this earlier, but I've been in San Antonio at a seminar, among other places.

The owner of the flat was very helpful in several respects, and I think you'll be happy with the choice. It's really nice to be a short walk away from St. James Park, and yet to have a subway stop about 20-30 yards from your front door.

yes the owner Anita has been very helpful - we are looking forward to our stay. Thanks.

saving for me

Try bidding on Priceline.com I recently purchased 3 nights at a 5 star hotel in Mayfair by bidding at 162 dollars a night plus of course 15% tax

merl: This thread is quite old and vsd booked their flat months ago. (you don't say which hotel. $162 might be good depending on your specific dates -- but in general 5 star mayfair hotels go for between about $125 and maybe $150 on PL)