Self Catering Studios

In what country?

You're absolutley right to be cautious, but the two best places I've ever stayed (a flat in London and a cottage in Dingle) both required cash upon check-in. I found them on craigslist and homeaway. I suppose I'm lucky I'm not dead in a ditch because of craigslist, now that I think of it. I've also had to pay with a bank transfer, and I'd avoid that, as there's an unreasonable fee. Every other year, we spend two months in the UK, moving from cottage to flat to cottage on a weekly basis. It is the very very best way to travel... for us, anyway. Try googling "self-catering" and the area or city you want to stay in. Or for a really interesting array, go to google maps and search "self catering" and the area/city and UK. You'll get an interactive map with cottages or flats, so you'll have a good idea of location. So, I'd hit vrbo.com (actually best for the US, but has some american-owned properties abroad) homeaway.com (for rural and urban accomodations) holiday-rentals.co.uk tripadvisor.com independentcottages.co.uk
holidaycottages.co.uk And every area has their own site for local accomodations. You'll start your research and it is addicting. Enjoy the pre-journey!

Oh sorry... LONDON, UK Thanks Tom.

thank you! Great list... I love this bulletin board... I'm a newbie here... so happy to have found this resource!
Hester

also try Sabbatical Homes http://sabbaticalhomes.com/Home_Exchange.aspx Many are long-term rentals, but there are also rentals available for as short as 4 days. Also, some of the longer rentals may be willing to rent to you for a shorter period if they are between tenants.