Hi there, Me and my girlfriend are travelling to London and are looking into short letting an apartment while we are there. I have been in contact with a few differents sites and just want to ensure that they are not frauds. The site we have found the most interest in is gowithit.co.uk, while there is a reference to it in Rick Steves' book I have not been able to find any reviews on the internet. I was just wondering if anyone else has had success with this site or if they have any other sites to suggest? Thanks
Patrick
Posted by
Washington, DC
3 posts
Patrick, I am posting not with an answer unfortunately, but because I came looking for the same information! I am also trying to find info on short lets in London and am finding all of the ads to be dizzying. I am especially wary when I am told that payment is accepted by bank transfer only, and was wondering if anyone had any comments on that. Companies I have been in touch with include London home accomodation, chelsea-flats.co.uk, citytravelapartments.com, hamletlettings.com, privatelondonaptletting.com, london-rooms.com, and shortlet-london.com. I've also replied to some ads on Craigslist and a site called Gumtree. Like you Patrick I have not been able to find any reviews. I am looking for something under 250 pounds/week for a studio sleeping two people, and this seems very difficult to find.
Posted by
Washington, DC
3 posts
Hi again Patrick, just found this link on another Rick Steves forum, with very helpful info. http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186338-i17-k1014578-Dos_and_Don_ts_for_short_term_flat_rental_in_London-London_England.html
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
Diane, Don't let Lee see you calling a TripAdvisor thread a Rick Steves board or his conspiracy button will go "pop". Actually the guidelines look really good. I can't help but I wish both of you the best of luck meeting your needs. BTW, as well as the other suggestions, Google Earth will give you a good idea of the neighborhood.
Posted by
san diego, california, us
149 posts
The slowtravel website has apartment reviews: http://www.slowtrav.com/uk/vr/reviews.asp Another good website for apartments is vrbo.com. Also sabbaticalhomes.com. Most are for long-term stays, but one-week stays are also available. Even those with longer minimum stays sometimes have availability for shorter stays if the owner is in between rentals. If you are leery of renting from a private owner, another option is an apartment hotel, such as you find on central-london-apartments.com. You can find reviews of some of their apartments on tripadvisor. Also check out fodors.com, click on the Europe forum. You can type "london apartments" in the search box, or simply ask a question. The Europe forum gets a LOT of traffic, and you can probably find answers to your questions, including people who have stayed at the apartments you are considering. (BTW, I have been to London about 20 times, and IMO expecting to find a studio for less than 250 pounds a week is unrealistic. You'll be lucky to find a decent apartment for triple that amount, even in winter).
Posted by
Greeley, Colorado, USA
11 posts
I've never tried it, but you might have some luck in a university dorm. 250 a week for a studio or flat is totally unrealistic. Have you considered an out-lying community and taking the train in each day? I routinely rent cottages in very rural areas, and can't even get one of those for under 300 per week. Best of luck, and have a grand trip.
Posted by
NY
12 posts
We used Regent Suites http://www.regentsuites.com/london/map.htm Not the cheapest but we had a killer location on Wellington Street in Covent Garden!