Neighborhoods in London

Are you using proper filters to narrow down the search on AirBnB? I especially like to select "Superhost" units-Superhosts are hosts with a minimum volume and excellent reviews. Being your first time using Air, and thus having no reviews for the host to reference, you'll want to communicate effectively to that host from the get-go-you want them to accept you-so it's helpful to send a friendly message and tell them a bit about your plans, ages of kids, etc.

The map that comes alongside the neighborhood checklist is helpful, there's lots of area names in and around London and you can see how central they are.

In doing a search I see several in the $140-200 range that may suit you, public transport is good though, and the closer in you are the more it costs, generally speaking.

EDIT: For example, here is a unit in Pimlico, after all fees etc works out to about $180 per night, you'll want to check the calendar:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/11572212?guests=3&adults=1&children=2&s=RG8A5teg&check_in=2017-06-16&check_out=2017-06-24

For your trips out of town, take a look at the London Walks Company www.walks.com
You meet with your tour guide at a train station. They take you by train to a destination, such as Oxford, give you a walking tour around town, then your guide escorts your group back to London by train. Very reasonably priced.
They also do great guided walking tours around London.

Emma, by authentic, she would like to have the experience as a local. She is very interested in studying abroad in London and would like to get an idea of what it might be like to live there.

These are just a few of our picks....

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/5558528?wl_source=list&wl_id=182966516&role=owner&check_in=2017-06-09&check_out=2017-06-17&guests=3

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/972574?wl_source=list&wl_id=182966516&role=owner&check_in=2017-06-09&check_out=2017-06-17&guests=3

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/972574?wl_source=list&wl_id=182966516&role=owner&check_in=2017-06-09&check_out=2017-06-17&guests=3

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1342152?wl_source=list&wl_id=182966516&role=owner&check_in=2017-06-09&check_out=2017-06-17&guests=3

That word, authentic, is a puzzler to me. For my money, staying in an apartment, shopping for food, cooking some at home, watching UK TV, are all authentic experiences. As are using the tube, buses, taxis and feet to get around. And of course, eating tikka masala or having a proper English tea or having porridge -- especially the brand with the hunky Scotsman in a kilt on the box. Challenge the kids to avoid any US chain and see how authentic they really want to be.

Let's forget the word authentic and go with something like an area that is more residential in nature.

The three you selected indicate they are near King's Cross, Paddington, and Maida Vale. Without reading the reviews for these, King's Cross would be my preference simply because you are on multiple tube lines and close enough to walk to a number of tourist sites. However, I would really closely read the reviews and go based on your impressions. I like to choose apartments that have many reviews and a rating as close to 5 as possible.

I'm with Emma. Go with the Bloomsbury flat.

I use AirBnB a lot when traveling and my rule of thumb is at least 15 recent positive reviews, the property owner responds quickly to my inquiries, (where are; the closest tube station, ATM, grocer, coffee shop, etc) and there's a picture of them, not the flat nor their pet nor something iconic like Big Ben in their profile.

The Bloomsbury property ticks all the boxes and is within your price range.

Once in London and you are out and about absorbing the sights, sounds, smells your visit will be authentic.

London is a vibrant multi cultural enclave filled with bold new architecture, iconic buildings, wonderful parks, varied eating establishments, great public transport and, in June, a massive influx of tourists. Pace yourselves. Sit and chat and confirm your absolute must sees then allow flexibility in your planning.

Try to book your Harry Potter Studio Tour in advance to save some money. Picnic in the parks for lunch. Get your you sandwiches, crisps ( the proper term for potato chips) fruit and drinks at a Pret a Manager, or Waitross or Marks and Spencer.

Or enjoy a nice lunch or dinner at a Pub where your teens will be welcomed. Look for sign boards on the sidewalks outside the pubs that signify a lunch deal. Or try eating at museum cafes. All very good spots to dine.

My recommendation for London first timers is visiting the Museum of London. It's free and provides an excellent examination of how London became London. There's a Pret a Manager nearby so maybe a nosh before or after you tour the museum.

Lastly, I will be presumptuous given the statement you'll be visiting the HP Studios that there's interest in the Wizard.

After you tour the Tower of London (it's a definite must visit. Be first in line ) walk from there (about 3 blocks) to the glass covered Victorian Leadenhall Market. It's adjacent (actually butts up against) the Blade Runneresque looking Lloyds of London building. I love the dichotomy of the architecture.

There's actually a glimpse of the market and the Lloyds of London building in the 2017 Jaguar XE currently running in the states. The red car exits the Lloyds building turning right towards the adjacent Market. Movie fans will recognize British actor Mark Strong's voice over for the spot. https://www.ispot.tv/ad/AS2T/2017-jaguar-xe-accolades

While admiring the market place have the teens search for the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron and if true fans they will note that the market is where some of the Diagon Alley scenes were filmed.

Feel free to PM me about fun not so touristy spots to explore while there.

It's a great city. Enjoy your first visit. You'll be back!

"Residential" is difficult in central London because of prices, but I like the look of the Bloomsbury flat. It's an area of traditional tall London houses in squares, most of which are now occupied by bits of the huge university, UCL plus other academic institutions. This means a lot of students about, making for a lively sort-of residential feel.

I also like the sound of the property owner - her reference to rubbish disposal rings true to me! A silly little thing, but adds that genuine feel.

Be aware to expect flat and room sizes to be very small (authenticity!) - particularly bathrooms - and for a general lack of lifts/elevators in old buildings.

I will tell you about our favorite neighborhood---- south bank of the Thames close by Tower Bridge. We have stayed there twice, once for a week and once for three weeks. We and our guests all loved it. It is great if you enjoy walking as you can use the Thames Path----pedestrians only and great views. I love having Iconic Tower Bridge in sight as we come and go. The path is well-lit and very safe for walking; as much of it is lined with restaurants and cafés, as well as entertainment such as the Globe Theater and the National Theater, there are lots of people out and about late at night.

In June it will stay light until quite late!

To access central London, we would either walk the Thames path and cross on the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's and the City of London, or walk the path as far as Hungerford Bridge ( which has separate pedestrian lanes well away from traffic) to find ourselves quite nears Horseguards Parade and St. James Park, or cross Tower Bridge and catch the #15 bus westbound straight to Aldwych for Covent Garden, British Museum, etc. there is another bus---the #88 I think--- that goes north to Kings Cross area.

We loved the buses and used them as much as possible, along with the river bus. You kids will love them too.

To go farther afield, like Victoria and Albert and other museums ( we went to the V&A and Science Museum times each last May---highly recommended!), we would cross Tower Bridge and catch the Tube at Tower Hill station ( I think that is the one---did not confirm on a map).

For train journeys out of London, Waterloo, Blackfriers, and London Bridge Stations are very close. To get to Paddington we would take the tube.

Here is the Air B and B map with this area selected:

https://www.airbnb.com/s/London--United-Kingdom?page=1&source=map&airbnb_plus_only=false&sw_lat=51.4979317912439&sw_lng=-0.08421225808899635&ne_lat=51.51122241574243&ne_lng=-0.06837649606507057&search_by_map=true&zoom=15&room_types%5B%5D=Entire%20home%2Fapt&price_max=412&allow_override%5B%5D=&s_tag=sZ7lt1LT

Also in this area--- Borough Market, HMS Belfast, Globe Theater, Tate Modern, and more. The apartments tend to be re-purposed warehouses and very modern. Best the best thing is the proximity to the river and the wonderful views of London from the path.

Sandy,

I see that your three picks are clustered between Paddington Station and Regents Park. While that area is nice (IMHO), I actually prefer the South Kensington area (postal codes SW5 & SW7). The area between Earl's Court and South Kensington tube stations gives you plenty of transportation options both via the tube and buses. A lot of the major tourist sites are within easy walking distance but for the cross-town travel you'll also want good transport options as well.

Todd

You are all full of great information. Thank you! If you have more please feel free to share

Another vote for South Kensington. Breakfast places, restaurants (Indian and Italian and more!), and walk to museums and Kensington Palace. Easy tube into the city. Enjoy!

Another vote for South Kensington. I stayed at the Citadines apartment/hotel on Gloucester Rd. last month and loved the area. Very residential feel, no other hotels around, just lovely apartments. It was near lots of restaurants, tube station, and Kensington Gardens. I took the number 9 bus almost daily to get across town into the Trafalgar, West End, Whitehall area. I love London buses!