I'm planning a trip to London over Christmas. This will be my third trip; first time I stayed at the Strand Palace, and the second time at a hotel in the Bloomsbury area. This time I thought I'd like to rent a flat to have a little more room, and access to a kitchen within walking distance of the theatres. Does anybody have a recommendation for a flat in the theatre area, or have an opinion about this one: VRBO Listing #458325ha? Single woman, traveling by myself, probably going to theatre almost every night.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33997 posts
Everything that Emma says, plus
These comments may seem negative, they aren't, but these are things that would have caught my eye.
My first impression when looking at the photos was dark and small. Maybe it is the angle but that "kitchenette" really looks compact, and I did see that they say that there are just the two burners and that the oven/microwave/grill is an all-in-one. They do say the kitchenette is "small". They say they have a large fridge freezer but I didn't see one. Did you see the size of the kitchenette sink? And there is a washing machine in there too (no tumble dryer)?
I'd be concerned that a larger person would have difficulty using the toilet as there doesn't seem to be any room to its side.
I know that stretch of Goodge Street pretty well. When the owner says "masses of both fine dining restaurants and local eateries right on your doorstep." that is quite an understatement. I'd go with the review that said "millions".
Only 2 reviews in the last year? And it takes the owner, as they say for themselves, 2 days to reply?
But then it is only 151 US dollarinos - about £100 a night. What else are you going to find for that kind of chump change in the heart of London. And no, it is quite a way from theatreland.
It is a second floor walkup. No lift. The climb to the first floor will be over shops and bars and restaurants so it probably a fair climb, and then you have yet another flight after that.
There should be plenty of people about when you get back from the theatre.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15794 posts
On my last 2 visits to London I stayed at a family-run hotel (Morgan) literally around the corner from the British Museum. There was a bus stop nearly in front of the door with frequent buses stopping very near Leicester Square, where many of the theatres are. The buses back stopped about a block from the hotel near a Tesco (or was it Sainsbury). Anyway, it was very convenient to pick up food for a late supper in my room and/or lunch the next day. It wasn't far from the tube either - easy to/from LHR on the Picadilly line. And I went to several performances that weren't anywhere near Leicester Square.
Enjoy the theatre - I'm jealous!
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11799 posts
What Nigel said about impressions. Spot on!
I would try to get something a little close to Leicester Square or Covent Garden. Of note, in arranging for two upcoming stays in London, I have found prices of flats to be soft. When I balked at a price thru VRBO, I was immediately offered a discount. Worth a try.