Any lodging suggestions other than Air bnb, HomeAway or VRBO?

Ivy Lettings and Coach House Rentals have nice properties.

I usually take the easy way out and look for properties on Booking.com. I will go in and filter the properties from low price to high price. Then, I'll start looking for properties with abnormally high customer ratings. And I'll read what people have said about those properties in comments. Usually, a few properties will stick out above the rest. I've never been dissatisfied with the places we've stayed.

When visiting to London, we prefer to stay in the Bayswater/Kensington areas. The neighborhoods are good, and access to the Underground is excellent.

I found London Connection through VRBO and they seem to have some decently priced laerger apartments.

Michele,

I booked holiday apartments for an upcoming trip to Italy through TripAdvisor. I'll let you know how things went when I return and post a Trip Report.

As for London's lodging prices, I know what you mean. It's one of the most expensive cities in Europe. However, It's still my favorite all-around destination in Europe.

My last trip to London, we stayed in Kensington (SW7 postal code) and loved it. We were really close to 2 tube stops (Gloucester and Earl's Court) as well as on a major bus route. The rents are a little high but the convenience factor more than makes up for that.

Another area to look is that between Paddington and Hyde Park. Since you probably fly in/out of Heathrow, this area is really convenient and has good tube connections to just about anywhere. It's also an easy walk to the Palaces and other sites.

Our family used Coach House rentals in the fall of 2015 and had a very good experience with the agency and the property. I also see Ivy Lettings mentioned often, as well as HomeAway, airbnb, VRBO, et cetera.

You might also have a look at the Marlin and Citadines serviced apartment-hotels.

If you can't get a flat with a washing machine, or even if you can, you might consider a service wash (full service wash, dry, and fold) from a local laundrette/laundromat. It's a great time-saver and the place we used wasn't expensive. I think there's even a London-wide company that will pick up your dirty laundry, and deliver it clean.

Hope you have a great trip!

I stayed at the Citadines Barbican for less than £100 per night last year by booking early and joining their membership club online. It was a twin room with kitchen and full bath w/tub and laundry on site.

A couple of people on this board have recommended Vancouver Studios in Bayswater. They have a couple of larger apartments. I have no personal experience with them.

Take a look at LondonTown/hotels for some good guidance on Hotels & B&B's including family friendly'. I've been using them for years partiularly if you can book early in the year for a Summer vacation as prices in London increase with reduction in available space.

Lancs Lad, Ont. Canada

Check out the London School of Economics: http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/
They offer apartments or suites, with a kitchenette and coffee maker, laundry room in the basement, and some locations have a very good inexpensive cafeteria on the first floor. Look at their website for more information; they have several locations, all convenient to the tourist sights and museums.Different prices for different locations.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Home.aspx#sthash.IAOqSaYR.XEd3XAf6.dpbs

My favorites; Grosvenor House Studios, Northumberland House, Passfield, and The George IV Apartments.
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Accommodation/Northumberland-House/Northumberland-House.aspx#sthash.XHS1Hx8u.dpbs
Grosvenor House is located in the Covent Garden/West End area. Easy access to restaurants, the theatre, and transportation:
http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Accommodation/Grosvenor-House/Grosvenor-House.aspx#sthash.2FnVbjCG.dpbs
Passfield has a two bedroom flat: http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Accommodation/Passfield-Hall/Passfield-Hall.aspx#sthash.lDvrscG1.dpbs
The George IV Apartments also offer flats: http://www.lsevacations.co.uk/Accommodation/TheGeorge/The-George.aspx#sthash.Zwp3eF7v.dpbs

I have stayed at all of these locations. You will have to call the phone number for each location to check for availability/vacancies on your desired dates. Be aware that the website DOES NOT show true information about availability. If you try to check that online, it always says they are full. Not true. You must phone to check.

Also, they offer student dorm rooms to tourists when students are on break. But that is not what you're after. They all have the apartments and suites on the top 2 floors; that's what you are looking for. Keep looking on their website if you don't see that right away. And make it clear that's what you want if you call their phone number and book. I was very satisfied with all of these locations. All comfy beds, living room, kitchenette. Price was right.

If you wish to stay south of the Thames, look at the Bankside House, which is near the Globe and Tate Modern.

These are all comfortable, affordable, and well located. We usually rent one of their two bedroom units with a living room/kitchenette as the middle room separating the bedrooms. I hope this helps.

Much cheaper than an apartment through AirBnB, VRBO or HomeAway.

Wow! I only had a chance to glance at a few of the suggested websites and neighborhoods and I think these suggestions are REALLY going to help! I knew there would be some more local agencies that weren't easy to find via a google search that would have great places and you all certainly pointed me in the right direction. I will update on what I finally choose after the research is done. Any additional suggestions are welcome!
Thank you
Michele

I will second (third?) the recommendation for Coach House Rentals. They give very personal service, and are very nice.