We used One Fine Stay in October 2012 and had a very good experience. We were in a one bedroom flat in Notting Hill and were quite comfortable. OFS staff were very responsive, and arrived quickly if we needed anything. Liked having the iPhone. What makes you nervous to use them?

I have used One Fine Stay as well, and was very happy with the service. Beds made up with lovely sheets, maid service, and they give you an Iphone to use for local calls, that has information on it about the area.

Which flat are you looking at, with One Fine Stay?

We recently stayed at this South Kensington flat and had a wonderful stay.

http://www.aplacelikehome.co.uk/l280-courtfield-gardens-south-kensington-bqxeqipxf.aspx

It was just as advertised by A Place Like Home, easy to book and pay via email with our responsive agent at APLH, the representative met us promptly as we arrived (a delightful lady), and we received a prompt refund of the deposit after our stay.

However, I expected to spend more time at the flat but we were gone by 08:00 and usually did not return until 21:00. But it was a great place to sleep.

Thanks everyone I'll post the links we have seen but I am pleased to here that you have had good dealings with one fine stay.

Oh it wasn't one fine stay it was house trip

Be sure to google for scams with that name or any other name for complaints. There have been problems with some of these online rental places.. the hackers lifting the photos and intercepting bookings.. demanding wire transfers. etc.

We had a great stay in December booked through The London Agent - different area from where you are looking, but they have lots of properties. Terrific service - would use them again:
www.thelondonagent.com

thanks for that ..I'll have a look! WHat's the deal with up front payments is there a way to avoid scammers . .this is what I am most afraid of!
Thanks for your tips!

We prepaid our London stay, including an extra "breakages" deposit - which was promptly refunded after our stay.

The only way to protect against scams is to deal with reputable agents (based on endorsements and testimonials), and to be a bit street-wise - if something they ask you to do seems "odd", best to avoid them (How many times have you read stories of rip-offs where people have said that they felt "uncomfortable" or thought that a request was "unusual", but went ahead anyway because the "deal was just too good to miss"?)

thanks bendigo! What's your thoughts about here?

http://www.clearlakehotel.co.uk/apartments.html

here are some others I found :

http://www.london-house.com/chelsea-cloisters-apartments?checkin=17%2F06%2F2013&checkout=24%2F06%2F2013&search=1&selectedAdults[0]=4&session_id=e1781e871f5b9b949c0685a6365a5690

http://www.london-house.com/covent-garden-serviced-apartment?checkin=17%2F06%2F2013&checkout=24%2F06%2F2013&search=1&selectedAdults[0]=5&session_id=8ee5eceeb33bc1cc0eac1b7cc1d76698

http://www.london-house.com/london-westminster-apartments?checkin=17%2F06%2F2013&checkout=24%2F06%2F2013&search=1&selectedAdults[0]=6&session_id=cfc033370019334295e20b3169e94a47

any thoughts? thank you

Just looked at some on vrbo ... Is this safe to use???

I have booked with http://www.rentals.chslondon.com/
and will be there mid March!! I understand your concerns - good luck!!

>>Just looked at some on vrbo ... Is this safe to use???<<

Sure - as long as you do your due diligence. I'd make sure the listing has been around a while. That there are several reviews. Post the link here so we can tell you about the location and look for any red flags. If the listing doesn't give the actual location, ask the owner for it - including the post code.

liviamay, advertising isn't allowed on this site. You may find the moderators remove your posts.

ok . . .so it looks like I am having to go to $300 a night if I want a 2 bed in south-west london. so far I have seen:

http://www.londonrentalflats.com/bookings/property_page.php?propID=21&ln=en

however I am also going to see what else is available at hopefully a lower rate. Thanks oh2doula and janisj for your help!

Have you tried airbnb??

Hi - we have rented from Farnum and Christ - based in US - but very prompt responses and easy to organise payments - and the place existed!

http://farnum-christ.com/


They are really helpful in their responses - and outline a range of options and prices and also are clear about proper showers and the type of washing machine you might encounter - important to us.

We live in South Australia

Hi <love to travelAus>

I have been in touch to see what they have for us

<<BeniciaChris>> I haven't tried airbnb . . is there a link???

Any advice on holiday lettings?

I found this link

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/central-london-zone-1/194140

looks good?

It's www.airbnb.com - have just used them to book our accommodation for our coming trip this april in Lisbon.

thanks . .also saw this one http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/rentals/central-london-zone-1/251649 but i'll check out airbnb now

be very careful w/ airbnb. Traveling alone you might want to try it -- but w/ the two little ones -- I'd personally be very risk averse. airbnb is a step above craigslist and probably a bit more 'iffy' than vrbo.

Lots of folks use them mostly w/ very good/good/OK-ish results. But there have also been enough horror stories that I wouldn't use the site for a family. If you show up and the place is not as advertised what will you do? A solo traveler can probably find something if needed at the last minute - but quads are harder to pin down.

ooohhh I see janisj! what about holiday lettings? the same thing with them?

I have been in touch with london rentals and they seem very good. They have recommend :

http://www.londonrentalflats.com/bookings/property_page.php?propID=24&ln=en

WHat are your thoughts?

I know it is a little more then I wanted to spend but I think it is the best option with my two kids etc

Thanks again for everyones help!

On one of your other threads didn't you already mention that flat? Or maybe it was another Fodorite. It is near-ish Shepherds Bush tube station on the Central line and isn't very convenient. The other nearby tube station (Kens. Olympia) has very little servic eand really isn't an option.

The flats on Thurloe St, Chadwick Street, and Coptic St (The British Museum would be practically on your doorstep) are MUCH more central. The Chelsea Cloisters one is good too.

Thanks for that ... I'll keep looking then and see what I can find on those streets!

"I'll keep looking then and see what I can find on those streets!"

Those aren't streets I'm specifically recommending (all are good though) . Those are locations of flats you've already asked about/linked in your posts above . . .

Oh! Hahahathen those ones aren't available
I was just given availability on this one


New Row - http://lcpm.net/PropertyView.asp?property_id=679

What's your thoughts ?? Good location??? Look trusting???

Best possible location! Smack in the middle of the triangle equidistant from Covent Garden market, Leicester Sqaure and Trafalgar square. Quick walk to theaters, Soho. You can't get more central, IMO. In fact, I'm bookmarking it for a future trip.

Looks like a good company. Every apartment has a different owner, Connections Management is like a leasing agent. Read the RESPONSES to the original post in link below. The original poster had a bad experience but every responder had only praise for the company...

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g57090-i2196-k1194319-Beware_of_London_Connection_aka_Connections_Management-Ogden_Utah.html

Hi

Yes I read that which is why I am a little scared! But I did think I found a good one

Glad to hear you are bookmarking and might use them in the future..I will make sure if we do stay here to let you know how it goes!

The communication has been great so far so I think that is also a good sign.

If it's any help, New Row is one of those streets I've always daydreamed about living in. It's a narrow little street between Covent Garden and St Martin's Lane, lots of cafés, restaurants and independent shops. If the size and equipment of the flat meet your needs and you have confidence in the agent, I say go for it.

I would kill to live (or even stay) in New Row!

The living room looks small but everything else looks terrific.

Great location for certain, and can report from personal experience that the agency is excellent. All dealings were easy and up front. We were renting through them when the Icelandic volcano erupted, bringing aviation to a standstill for days and unexpectedly extending our stay by a week. They took exceptionally good care of us.

OH THANK YOU! WE ARE GOING TO BOOK!!!! SO excited to hear I found a great location!

Good for you! Do report back on how you liked it and a brief description, if you don't mind.

will do!

feels good to finally decide and book - congrats!!! Can't wait to hear more!!!

Sadly the apartment fell through so I am back to the drawing board. I have come up with these so far:


http://lovingapartments.com/London-Town-Hall-6-self-catering-luxury-2-bedroom-apartment-Shoreditch-Contemporary-Style-id-5116-en.html

http://www.localnomad-london.com/en/property/earls-court-2br.html

http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/midrange/South_Kensington/13_Cromwell_Road/

http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/midrange/Mayfair/17_Hertford_Street/

http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/economy/South_Kensington/Roland_House/

http://www.check-in-london.com/kensingtonearlscourt/earlscourt/earlscourtapartments/twobedroomapartment

Thoughts???

So upset that we can't stay at the one we chose but I am sure I will find another!

Thanks

That list is all over the place. There are a few that really stand out in terms of superior location (THE most important consideration to me, even more so than price or size).

My first choice would be 17 Hertford Street. Easily the cream of the crop and worth any extra costs - the price differential compared to the others in your list is small compared to the overall cost of the trip. Truly walkable to the vast majority of most tourists sites and only a few tube stops to the rest.

Second choice would be 13 Cromwell Road. It's also very central - a few blocks walk to the South Kengsington tube and a few blocks walk to the Victoria and Albert Museum and Royal Albert Hall.

Third is Roland House - further from tube and tourist sites but still considered "central", IMHO.

The rest are all a bit too far from center and/or tube for me. The first one, close to Bethnal Green, is in particular way to far east for my taste.

Cromwell Road is central, but a very busy road. I would prefer Hertford Street or Roland House.

Have you looked at One Fine Stay? They have some nice central properties in that price range.

Its hard to compare/contrast those since they are all different and are scattered over all of central London. (I can't get the last one/Earls Court link to work. But you don't want to stay in Earls Ct anyway).

While Cromwell Rd IS busy, that flat is directly across the street From the Natural History Museum and a block from both the V&A and Science Museums. All of these are free and it might be good to be that close.

Hertford st is by far the poshest location.

Hi,

Thanks guys! We have no idea of locations in London so I thought if I posted them from all over the place someone might say . .this area is the best etc . .. I have tried one fine stay but sadly they are booked out during our time there. I'll look into the ones on Hertford St and Cromwell Rd.

Any other places are more then welcome!

We have the New Row flat booked for March, and everything has been confirmed this week. We used London Connections last year for a 2 bedroom unit in Drury Lane and loved it! That unit wasn't available for this year's time period, so New Row was suggested by the Management company.

I have been really satisfied with my dealings with them.
Godd luck--Barb

ooohhh i willl look in Drury Lane! thanks

http://rentals.chslondon.com/VAU/VAU.htm
http://rentals.chslondon.com/LAU/LAU.htm


Here are a couple from Coach - again I am booked with them in March and can tell you more after my stay. But I have been in contact with them and have been very happy - fingers crossed!!!

crazyfamilyof4 - What happened that the apartment from London Connection fell through? I reserved accommodations with them for next month.

I've personally tried this one, it's called Boutique London, last December,and I'm really satisfied with them. I stayed in their Victoria Apartment but I think they have apartments in other places as well.. www.boutiquelondonlets.com (Good thing I had it bookmarked.)

-Good luck!
Emmy

Ok

Now I have had confirmation . . 10th June to 17th June . .2 bedroom apartment . . hopefully in Knightsbridge/Kensington - my mum's choice!

So lets see how I go . . .still don't want to be over 300 pounds a night . . wish me luck!

Emlilittle I looked at your link but they didn't have anything in the area in the price range thanks!

I am thinking about the one in Cromwell Road or Hertford Street or Roland House - since they were recommended and are sort of in the area . . sort of

Thanks everyone for your help!

Just waiting to hear back from

http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/midrange/South_Kensington/13_Cromwell_Road/

we got back last night and loved http://www.rentals.chslondon.com/
Everything as described - our greeter was prompt, extremely helpful - I would recommend them to anyone and plan to use them again for future trips!!!

glad it worked out!

We are thinking here

http://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/new-chelsea-cloisters.en-gb.html?aid=356987;label=gog235jc-index-XX-XX-XX-brand-au-com;sid=8ef656519784bfcd53526bccd495f179;dcid=1;checkin=2013-06-10;checkout=2013-06-17;group_adults=2;group_children=2;age=4;age=2;srfid=0fa75e58f50374f9583c2dcf89eca7123aad4ff5X13

If that doesn't work out for you, try A Place Like Home. We used them last March - they were great to work with. A previous poster at the beginning of the thread also recommended them.

Our apt was http://www.aplacelikehome.co.uk/l169-rosary-gardens-south-kensington-bqxcoepxf.aspx. You can also email them and tell them what you are looking for and they will let you know what is available.

amamax2 - What did you think of that apt? We are staying there in June for a week and really looking forward to the trip.

thanks

tarfan24:

We loved the apartment! When you first enter the foyer of the building itself, it looks a bit run-down, but the apt itself is very nice - clean and bright. The master bedroom and bathroom are to the right when you first enter (the master overlooks a beautiful garden, then you go upstairs to the twin bedroom, living room, and kitchen. There is lots of storage in the master bedroom and bathroom. Shower is a teeny bit tricky as it has the usual European half-door, but we got used to it quickly. Only thing we did not like is that it doesn't have a coffee maker like we are used to.

Rosary Gardens is very quiet, yet just a few minute walk to the tube, grocery store, restaurants, etc. We especially liked Caffe Forum - we got take-out dinner and morning goodies from there, and one morning coffee. If I remember correctly, you get a free croissant with coffee purchase.

One thing we did (based on recommendations on another travel foum) that worked especially well was pre-order groceries/toiletries from Waitrose. It was easy to set up an account on-line, and we chose the first delivery (7:30am) on our first morning there. They arrived promptly at 7:30 and we were able to make breakfast while our teens got ready for the day. It was so nice to not have to do a "big" shopping and this way we could just stop in the Waitrose on our way home each day if we needed a few things. It also enables us to pack really light and not worry about TSA liquid restrictions.

Let me know if you have any other questions about the apt.

amamax2 - Thanks so much for the feedback. Especially the tips! We'll be sure to check out Caffe Forum as I do like to have my morning coffee before getting going! I'll check out Waitrose as well as I'm sure we'll want to have snacks and drinks in the apt at a minimum.

I did have a couple of questions which I'm sure A Place Like Home can answer but since you asked I assume the kitchen has dishes, flatware, cups/glasses, cooking implements, etc? And is there a hairdryer? I have one that supposedly converts to 220 but would hate to take it and have it blown.

Thanks!