Not sure what you're asking. It's not the most visually attractive part of London, having been mainly small workshops until relatively recently. It still doesn't feel particularly residential, and you may find the shopping a bit limited. If by "practicality" you mean ease of access to where you want to go, that of course depends on information only you know. Most visitors are likely to want to be the other side of the city centre, though.

You can check out where it is in relation to the main tourist attractions and public transport at:
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/15101.aspx

the gritty East London - not as gritty as before the Olympics but gritty - fine but ugly compared to most of London. Safe.

How many of you are there and what types - two couples, parents and two kids, buncha hippies on a road-trip? A two-bedroom 1400 square foot flat in London is, for London, large and if you don't need all that room, you could be comfortable in an 850 sq ft flat (80 sq meters) for less.

You could do better in terms of location for $320 + the prorated cleaning fee per night (over $20 per night for a one-week stay, $40 per night for the minimum 4-night stay).

Some of the sell points are questionable: "10 minutes walk (or short taxi ride) to either Liverpool St underground/overground train station or Old St underground station. Both provide easy access to the rest of central London." - Yes and no, they're still a bit away from the West End, Piccadilly Circus area and each require a change to get there; the circle line trip to Westminster would be nearly interminable (the Circle Line is S L O W). And that's 10 minutes plus another 15 for the Tube ride to where you're going, so that convenience is minimal.

"Stansted and City airports have direct express links to Liverpool St station." - This likely has little relevance for you because if you're coming from the US or Canada you'll likely arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick, neither of which have "direct" connections to Liverpool Street Station.

what you might save in staying there you'll spend in time, of not money getting away from it.

stay somewhere else.

Great feedback!I'll take the advice and keep on searching.

I would not rent a property from VRBO that does not accept credit card payment.

My daughter went on a bridal party all-girls trip and the organizer rented a beautiful lake house through VRBO, paying by bank transfer. Somehow, the website was hijacked and she paid to an unknown 3rd party's bank. VRBO, the homeowner, the bank - no one could help her (her husb. is a policeman). This just happened last summer.