7 days in London

We have enjoyed staying in both Chelsea and Kensington and rented through London Perfect
You can use your phone to pay but must remember to tap it on sensor when you exit bus or tube.

We will need more information on what you mean by "best location." Best for what? Personally, I've stayed in central London but found that it's mostly tourists. I recently stayed in the "East End," which is a fascinating place. It's been home to immigrants and the working class for generations. It's starting to gentrify and it's a real mix of people. It's what makes London one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Public transport is fun and easily accessible by tube and bus. By all means, you should buy an oyster card - which is more fun than tapping one's phone (in my opinion).
-Alex

https://www.vrbo.com/439545ha?adultsCount=2&noDates=true&unitId=1065757

2bedrooms, 1 bath. Very walkable to many locations, buses within a block, tube within 10 minute walk. Lovely Old Paradise Gardens as the view. Near Lambeth Palace. Not fancy, but location and price makes up for it. Could get hot in summer.

No need to touch out on London buses or trams.

https://tfl.gov.uk/fares/how-to-pay-and-where-to-buy-tickets-and-oyster/pay-as-you-go/touching-in-and-out

If you tap in and tap out on buses you will get charged twice.

Tap in and out on tubes, trains, boats and DLR. Tap in only on trams and buses.