We plan to stay in London with our 3 older kids ( 15, 20, 23) for almost a week and I'd love housing advice. I've read many of the housing posts for families but really struggle in finding housing for 5 where one person isn't on a sofa bed. We've had some success with Airbnb... A few of the Rick Steves recommended hotels do have family rooms but we'd prefer an apartment as we will want to prepare simple breakfasts and have places to spread out as we have different sleeping schedules. It doesn't have to be big, but we need at least 2 doubles and a twin. What do you think of Airbnb....are there other ways to find apartments for 5?
Posted by
New England
11998 posts
We have rented from London Perfect two times, excellent properties and experiences with this company.
Posted by
Land of La
9643 posts
Posted by
Washington DC
29047 posts
I'd also try booking.com, specifying 5 adults and an apartment with two rooms (though you'll probably need three). I wish they had a no-sofa-beds filter, but they don't. But at least they show the types of beds in the summary listing, so you don't have dig deep to discard the obviously-unsuitable places. I did see quite a few apartments on the first selection screen that didn't depend on sofa beds to be able to accommodate five.
Posted by
212 posts
Try coach house rentals. The contact information is in Rick’s London/England books
Posted by
5 posts
We stayed in a flat in London (Pimlico) for a week using https://www.ivylettings.com/ .
Posted by
Los Angeles
989 posts
Here is another one from Rick’s book:
Posted by
OP
MN
25 posts
Thank you so much! I really like a place like home....
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9442 posts
I’ve always liked AirBnB, and even more so now…
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/airbnb-thank-you
Posted by
OP
MN
25 posts
We've only had good experiences with Airbnb. I started my thread because I was having trouble finding airbnb places that are close to the City. Right now it looks like we will be staying in Zone 2 as others either don't have a good cancellation policy or are way out of our price range. We had to cancel everything in Dec when Omicron restrictions were implemented so have booked all of our housing with free cancellation up to 5 days before.
Thanks for all of the ideas
Posted by
OP
MN
25 posts
I meant closer to zone 1. We were looking at Battersea or Bermondsey, etc. but right now are further west, near Turnham Green tube station.
Posted by
Land of La
9643 posts
The area by Turnham Green is fine.
Stayed in the Chiswick Premiere Inn and would tube to and from The Turnham Green station. I’d get my to go cup of Coffee at Tamp on Devonshire.
Ate at Nando’s, Ngon, and Torthai. Never a bad meal.
About 30 minute tube ride say from Turnham Green to Westminster station.
Posted by
OP
MN
25 posts
saving all of those restaurants and the coffee place! thanks so much
Posted by
Land of La
9643 posts
Hopefully all of the places I mentioned were able to survive the lockdown. The Turnham Green High Street is very nice.
Happy travels.