Our large family is heading to London for a week at the end of June, and all the 4 BR apartments we saw on VRBO and other sites are booked. Are there any less well known ways to rent a well-located apartment for a week? I am wondering if we should look into doing a house swap - does anyone have experience with this? It is disheartening that the 30 or so properties we have enquired about are booked and we can't find any others that fit our criteria, even when trying agencies.
Posted by
Boulder, CO, USA
780 posts
www.gumtree.co.uk. Its like a UK craigslist. Beware of anyone asking for a western union.
Posted by
Pantego, NC, USA
1014 posts
Look at waytostay.com, http://london.kijiji.ca/f-housing-apartments-for-rent-4-bedroom-W0QQCatIdZ216,
Also, if doing Kijiji, be careful. Similar to Craigslist. Do not send cash by Western Union. If asked, RED FLAG!!
I did a google search for 4 bedroom apt. in London and found many listed companies. http://www.google.com/search?client=opera&rls=en&q=4+bedroom+apartment+in+london&sourceid=opera&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
Do you know anyone in London who could go and look at an apt. to make sure it is legit if you find one that interests you? That would be a wonderful thing for a friend to do.
How many people are traveling and what is your budget? I found apt. for 10,000 pounds per week, but I figure that is a tad much. It might be cheaper to rent 2 two bedroom apt OR just rent 4 rooms in a hotel. Again, your budget would be helpful.
Where in London do you want to stay? That makes a big difference also.
The Ibis - Ibis London City is £71.20 per night and sleeps 3 per room. Might be an option. Look at accorhotels.com for full list.
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
I hate to say it... but we had great luck on Craigslist. Found the most beautiful apt in Rome, had a great stay. Really enjoyed it.
That being said - with no formal backing, like other sites, I would trust your instincts when booking over Craigslist, and do your research. Good luck!
Look under "house swap" "sublet/temporary" or "Vacation Rentals" on their London page. They all have places listed.
Posted by
camano Island, USA
97 posts
Hello Heather,
I hope by now you have found something for your family but in case you haven't,,,,,my "IN BRITAIN" magazine just came a few minutes ago and so I looked in their ads for some place that maybe you could find an answer to your plight.
The rental firm is found at WWW.uptownres.co.uk I have not had personal contact with them but their ad is in the magazine which I have taken for 20 years very often. They do a lot of nice b and b's but do have some "self catering" apartments and might be able to help you with this problem. I hope money is no object because it's gonna be expensive! Good Luck!!
Mollie
Posted by
Nice, France
108 posts
I rented an apartment through new york habitat (website is www.nyhabitat.com) for stays in New York and Paris but I know they also do London and I would happily book through them again. I am actually thinking of doing so for my next trip hoping it will be London, and hopefully this coming summer. If you happen to use them or if anyone stayed in one of their London vacation rentals that they can recommend... please let us know!
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Have not done this myself but British Air has apartment rentals. Sorry I can't remember the exact website but it seemed to have lots of choices all over London.