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Questions about Pimlico as a base, and VBRO cancellation refunds

Posted by (Ottawa, Canada) on

After what seems like a ridiculous amount of research, including endless searches of this forum, I think I've found a tiny but serviceable flat for our summer 2018 week in London. We're a family of five, with boys ages 10, 14 and 16. We first started looking at flats outside the city core (Walthamstow and Highbury and Dalston, for example) and then budget hotels like the Celtic and Cherry Court. I finally found a flat in Pimlico that comes well reviewed and only elevates our budget a bit - it's actually a little less than renting the two rooms we'd require at one of the budget hotels.

Anyway, I was about to pay the reservation fee, but then I started having doubts about Pimlico as a base, as compared to the Celtic in Bloomsbury. Things I most want, aside from safe and comfortable, are to show the boys the heart of London and British culture. I'm a photographer, so a scenic neighbourhood is desirable, and an early riser among late sleepers, so I'd like a neighbourhood that's good for solo exploring before everyone else wakes up. How does the area around Gloucester Street in Pimlico hold up to these criteria? It looks like I could walk the Thames, but it also looks mostly residential - not too much in the way of local shops, etc. I've google-street-mapped a bit, but it's hard to get a feel for it compared to other neighbourhoods. Any feedback?

Also, I'm wondering if anyone has experience with cancellations via services like VBRO and HomeAway? I want to book this now because several weeks in summer 2018 for this flat are already booked, and I would like to reserve our currently-available preferred week. But, I'm waiting on seat sales to book our flights, and may have to cancel later if I can't make the dates work (and then, back to the drawing board!) The listing says full refund on cancellation, but full payment is required on reservation. It seems like a lot to risk. Just looking for assurance, I guess, that the listing service will stand by the cancellation policy as long as I follow the fine print.

Thanks!

Posted by
3237 posts

My boss used to live in Pimlico, and I loved the area, especially for walking! Lots of small shops and pubs. Plus, it's very close to charms of the Chelsea neighborhood. I regret that I didn't cross the Thames to look for Benedict Arnold's tomb - it's in a church in Battersea.

Posted by
3091 posts

If you are sure you have read the cancellation policy correctly and are in full compliance, you should have no problem. We got a full refund for a London apartment rented thru HomeAway that we canceled.

Take a screenshot of the applicable cancellation policy just in case.

Posted by
88 posts

If you are looking for nightlife and attractions just out your window, lots of pubs, restaurants and shops on every corner, then another neighborhood would probably work better for you. I thought it was perfect for our own needs though. In London excitement and cultural experiences are only a short walk and/or a short train ride away. I liked the fact that I could quickly leave it all for a good night's sleep in a quieter neighborhood.

We stayed in the Pimlico area for 5 days last year and I thought it was very convenient, safe, and economical compared to some other areas I looked at. It's a nice quiet area with a few restaurants and mundane shops in walking distance if needed, but the traffic wasn't too noisy and there wasn't too much in the way of night life to keep us from getting a good night's sleep.

We were in easy walking distance to Pimlico Station which was easier to navigate than a larger station like Victoria. If we needed to go to Victoria Station we could either walk to Victoria Station (10 or 15 minute walk) or we could walk to Pimlico and take the Underground to Victoria. The #24 bus that stopped just down the street from our hotel was also very convenient.

Posted by
1015 posts

Pimlico is that rare thing - a very quiet residential area right by central London.

Personally I don't like it as an area to stay - it's not great for restaurants and just feels a bit quiet. I would prefer Bloomsbury as there's a bit more bustle - although a lot of that is students.

BUT Pimlico is a nice little quiet neighbourhood and some love it for just that reason.

Posted by
68 posts

Thanks for the terrific feedback, all. Emma, your detailed description in particular was very helpful. I love the idea of staying where Londoners live, instead of where tourists congregate.

You've confirmed that it's exactly the right neighbourhood for us. I've booked the flat for the last available week in July - now let's hope I can make the flights and accommodations in Paris for the subsequent week line up!

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