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Seriously overwhelmed on airbnb

I've been looking for a 2 bedroom flat for my husband and I and my 71 year old mom.

We have £175 a night to spend on an 8 night stay in mid November.

Hubby had a replaced knee so ground floor or elevator would be very good......

Problem???? I don't know where to start our search.

Mom loves a view but not 100% necessary.

A washing machine is a must.

What area would you stay in?

Have you personally stayed in a flat in London you would recommend?

Just looking for comfortable and clean. Close to a supermarket and some restaurants would be nice.

We plan on taking buses mostly. So a place close to buses.

I thought near the Tower Bridge but I have no idea if that area is desirable.

Help.......I want to make this trip nice for my mom.

Posted by
3941 posts

Just make sure you put in your filters - washing machine, elevator, etc. Of course put in your budget and number of bedrooms...zoom into the area you want and start clicking. I'm pretty sure the maps show the public transport lines/stops.

Posted by
9265 posts

London is full of stairs.

I firmly believe it's why the Queen and Prince Phillip remain active and can stand at attention for excruciating long periods of time in their 90's. Legs of steel.

In order to find something to meet your criteria I would look at a website such as A Place Called Home. Contact them with your wish list to see if they can accommodate you.

I had a lovely 2 bedroom AirBNB flat in Holland Park in 2015 but the climb up the steep stairs to it (5th floor) was a challenging.

Take a look at the Vrbo website as well.

Good Luck.

Posted by
776 posts

The problem is that I don't know what area is best to look in?

What is your favorite area to stay in ?

We are fine with stairs to see attractions but I don't want a 3 floor walk up with luggage if you know what I mean.

Posted by
12 posts

Just booked my first trip to London in May and staying in an Airbnb. Lots of filters on the site After you enter the city, dates and how many guests, it will take you into a broad search with views on the left and a map on the right. At the top is a filter that you can select and will pull down a variety of options to narrow your search down. As for the map, the more you zoom in, it shows more options to stay based on the area of the map you are on and your filters.

I have selected an Airbnb near the South Kensington tube station. Can't give you a review yet, however, I selected that area based on recommendations and reviews from this forum.

Posted by
17563 posts

We love the Tower Bridge area, south of the river. We have stayed in two different apartments there----one a studio too small for you. The other meets all your requirements---View of the river, elevator, washing machine, etc. but is above your price range.

There is a third we looked t and originally booked, but decided it was too small, although it has two bedrooms. That trip we had kids and grand kids so needed beds for six. Butit might be just right for you. I will see if I can find the link.

Posted by
9265 posts

I love the Bayswater/Nottinghill/Holland Park neighborhoods. All adjacent to one another. Close to Paddington Station and Hyde Park. Great public transport optitions.

Posted by
568 posts

We stayed in the Chelsea area near King street, and it was very convenient for buses. However our apartment was up 4 flights of stairs. Do you mind taking the tube? If not, I'd suggest searching anywhere in the zone 1 area of the tube, as you do have a fair number of criteria . Look for apartments with a fair number of positive reviews, and email the owner to see if you get a good feel for the situation.

You might also consider other sights for booking, some as Home away (VRBO).
We also stayed at Number 63 for part of our time, a bed and breakfast, there were some stairs, but I think you could ask for something on the first floor so only one set of flights, it was very reasonable, close to transportation, great breakfast, not sure about laundry, but perhaps you could send out.

Posted by
11507 posts

We"ve stayed near Russell Square twice( Bloomsbury area) .. good area.. same with Kennington stayed in that area twice too. Sorry we stay in hotels not rental apartments.

Posted by
6113 posts

There aren't really any "bad" areas to stay in, so if 2 bedrooms, no stairs, a washing machine and your budget are key factors, then apply these filters and then work out what is available, rather than picking an area and trying to find something that suits. Come back when you have narrowed your search down further for advice.

Always choose something with an external photo and look on Streetview. Many places will be older buildings, which will probably not have stairs or lifts. You can't go very far in London without happening on a bus route, so access shouldn't be a problem.

Posted by
3898 posts

Neighborhoods I would look in for apartments are:
Bayswater
South Kensington
Earls Court
Covent Garden
South Bank
Bloomsbury/Russell Square

Posted by
5867 posts

I'd start by focusing on flats with many reviews. Once you've found a few that meet your criteria and are wellreviewed, come back and ask for input on the locations.

Posted by
219 posts

We had a lovely stay on the South Bank and will definitely stay there again. We rented through Holiday Lettings. It is similar to VRBO, etc., but UK based. You will find lots of options there. Honestly, I find AirBnBs filters and search much more cumbersome than Homeaway, VRBO, and Holiday Lettings.

As others have noted, you are rarely far from a bus/tube stop in London.

Posted by
776 posts

Found one in Lisson Grove that we like and a few in Whitechapel and Shadwell.......

Posted by
312 posts

Hello! Not sure if this is the reply you want, but I just spent a couple days researching accommodations for a trip to London in March. Since everyone seems to be talking about AirBNB, I thought I would give it a try. We are in our mid-50s, so we can climb stairs (for now!) I looked in South Kensington.

But my concerns - and why I finally gave up and booked a hotel - were 1) the cancellation policies...check them carefully. It appears that once you book, there are some stiff penalties! As in, lose 50% of your money the moment you book. We have traveled with elderly parents before, you never know if the trip will be de-railed. There is insurance, but that involves a claim, etc. 2) If there is an emergency in or out of the unit, I would rather call the front desk than track down an owner during my vacation to an expensive city like London.

Honestly, in this instance maybe a person to person phone call to a helpful front desk at a smaller hotel or b and b might give you better information on the hotel, neighborhood, mobility issues etc. than using Air BNB and relying on reviews....Then make sure the rate is entirely "flexible" meaning cancel at any time, any reason.

Nothing like peace of mind for a better trip.

Happy travels!

Posted by
11613 posts

I agree with Marie. Booking sites also allow you to filter for apartments, if that is your preference, and you can book (on booking.com for example) without having the charge on your credit card six months in advance. Check cancellation policies; free cancellation up to a week or less before your stay is what I usually use, although the cost is a bit higher than a non-cancellation rate. But, if something goes awry, you are not out 50% or more of your money, and you retain the use of your money in the meantime (until the cancellation fee kicks in).