I have scoured the boards and rental reviews for information and I think I've read everything germane, but please redirect me if there's something else I should read.

My husband and I will be in London for 7 nights in February 2008 (we're so excited to see London and Paris for the first time!!). We have our Paris flat set, thanks to Kaydee's budget thread. Now London... Our criteria:

-budget -- we'd really rather spend less than $200 a night, and even less would be wonderful
-since we're first-time visitors, we'd rather rent through an agency than directly with owner, since we feel a little vulnerable and ignorant! We've never done a long-distance rental before!
-near the tube and large grocery stores/supermarkets
-both a tub and a shower
-the kitchen needs to be pretty fully equipped, since we'll be doing all our own cooking and we have special food needs (hence a hotplate is not enough)
-we don't care if there's traffic noise, but we don't want to feel unsafe. It's not important to us to be in a picturesque or central neighborhood as long as we can jump on the Tube easily.
-a big bed, a washer/dryer, and a dishwasher are all big pluses

The only agency we've found with apartments that seem to meet lots, if not all, of these criteria is Coach House London. (Tangent -- I almost didn't want to rent from them because I saw posts on TripAdvisor that sounded spammy and formulaic, as if they had written their own recommendations. Slow Traveler's reviews of them were crucial in convincing me they are legitimate.)

These three apartments below are our top choices. We chose the first one as our first choice and have already heard it's available, but I read elsewhere on the site that the Ladbrook Grove area might be dicey in terms of safety. Anyone have any thoughts or feedback on the neighborhoods, or on Coach House, which seems to have gotten good feedback around here?

http://www.chslondon.com/vr/rus/rus.htm

http://www.chslondon.com/vr/bro/bro.htm

http://www.chslondon.com/vr/par/par.htm

Thank you so very much for any help you can give, and for the help you've already given by sharing your experiences so generously! And sorry this is such a looong post!

I think they all look good and the areas all have something interesting. I also liked your first choice the best but it's really hard to say without actually seeing it in person. When I looked at the map I was going to say that you'd get a lot of noise from the westway and the tube line, but the blurb does address that issue so you might not find it a problem.

I guess it comes down to what you are most likely to be doing when you are in London. If you need to spend a lot of time in one particular part of town for instance. The one in Kensington, for example, would be good for some museums. Ladbroke Grove by contrast is not on the most convenient tube line. You would probably have to change lines at least once to go into the west end. But that's not a huge disadvantage.

It's great to get your feedback, Beebee, thanks for looking so carefully! So you don't think Ladbrook Grove would be a little unsafe, e.g. walking around at night? For comparison, my husband and I live in a very large Northern California city, right near the downtown core; we have lots of, um, colorful characters hanging around our street, but because it's well-lit and well-trafficked I never feel too unsafe. Nevertheless I avoid walking alone in the dark if I can help it. Would Ladbrook Grove be comparable?

Replying to my own post to add a resource I just found that is disposing me against the Ladbroke Grove area one, since we'd undoubtedly sometimes be walking from that area, around the tube station, to our rental (the first one, RUS):
http://www.movethat.co.uk/London/My/Ladbroke%5FGrove/
According to that, the RUS/Notting Hill rental really is officially in Notting Hill and not Ladbroke Grove, but also someone says on there that there are always people hanging around causing trouble at night and muggings are frequent. Doesn't sound so good.

With the BRO/Knightsbridge rental, someone on http://www.movethat.co.uk/London/My/Knightsbridge/ complains that there is no good supermarket around, which is a big negative for us.

The Fulham forum, though, has a specific comment that that neighborhood is safe at night. It seems a bit far out from central London, perhaps, though it is still Zone 2. The tube map shows it on an offshoot of the District line, towards Wimbledon -- I'm guessing maybe not every District line train goes there? In any case, based on safety of neighborhood alone, the Parsons Green/Fulham rental, http://www.chslondon.com/vr/par/par.htm , now looks like my favorite contender. (It has a reallly small-looking bed -- I foresee a lot of elbowing each other in our sleep!) Anyone have any counter-arguments? Thanks so much!

On Parsons Green:

I used to live further out along the Wimbledon end of the District Line, and yes, you could find yourself changing trains at Earls Court rather a lot. You would also need to make friends with the 22 and 14 buses, which run along either end of Parsons Green Lane.

That area is upmarket, plenty of well-heeled professional neighbours (and lots of cars parked out on the street). There's a Budgen's store on Parsons Green Lane, which is one of a chain, and you certainly wouldn't starve. However, for a big supermarket, you'd have to go to Fulham Broadway on the bus or the tube: but that's what Londoners often have to do.

Whereas it looks like there's a big Tesco supermarket in easy walking distance of the Ladbroke Grove one. (Yes, I confess I am a total Google Maps addict.)

When I look again at the Ladbroke Grove one, which sounds overall so much more comfortable than the Parsons Green one, I waver again because it is really such a short distance from the tube, and being "right next to the westway" as beebee says (a major motorway) seems like it could increase a feeling of safety? What do you guys think of that Ladbroke Grove station area and the Notting Hill surroundings, would you feel safe at night?

Thank you so much for weighing in, PatrickLondon!

We lived for 3+ years in Parson's Green 2 blocks from Parson's Green Lane, and loved it. We turned down a flat in Ladbroke Grove because we felt it was in a rather dodgy part of the neighborhood. Fine during the day, but I wouldn't want to be in Ladbroke Grove late at night.

As Patrick says, only some District Line trains go to Wimbledon, so yes, you would end up changing a lot at Earl's Court. I also agree that the bed looks small. Ask the agent how wide it is - in London, it's not uncommon to find "narrow" double beds that measure only 4 feet wide, as opposed to the usual 4.5 feet. And London estate agent photographers have made an art out of taking photos to make small rooms look much larger than they really are, so I understand your concerns here.

For Parson's Green area - The White Horse is a good pub, with lovely food. The larger supermarket at Fulham/Broadway is a 15-minute walk or a short bus ride away. There is another small grocery store (King's) on New King's road (end of Parson's Green Lane towards the Thames), next to a dependable butcher (also King's). Great Italian deli (Emilia's) a bit further down New King's Road, on the way to Putney Bridge. On Fulham Road, direction of Fulham Palace, another small grocery store, another Italian deli, and a great seafood market (Cope's). You will not lack for shopping.

Note Patrick's comment about this being an upscale neighborhood - the local shops will have food prices to match, though the Budgen's grocery is usually good value by London standards, and would have everything you need to do some basic cooking. I miss Parson's Green, and would love to go back!

Disclaimer to all of the above: We moved away in March 2005, so this info is a bit outdated. As with everything, "your mileage may vary."

Good luck with whatever you decide!

Just my opinion, but I think most of your choices are a bit out of the area you will be spending your days exploring. If this is your first time in London, I'd suggest staying in an area that's closer to the main tourist attractions.

I used to come to London often before marrying and moving here. I stayed at a not very fancy but very safe apartment that was one block from the Gloucester Road Tube stop. There are two lines that go through that station... very handy for getting around. There is always a concierge on duty and the bathrooms are very modern, although the other rooms are rather plain. You can Google for their website - I'm sure they must have one by now. It's called One Harrington Gardens. I think by now the cost per night is probably up to about $200 a night. There are lots of restaurants in the area and a large Waitrose supermarket one block away. Good luck finding just the right place for you!

Based on location, I'd go with the second flat on Brompton Square. You are near the South Kensignton tube station which is on the Picadilly line which will take you direct to Heathrow and easily get you to most areas of London. It is a lovely area. And it is totally fine to be out and about at night in that area.

As for grocery stores...well they aren't and major ones on the next block to the flat but there are two large grocery stores down the road near the Gloucester Road tube stop. Waitrose is right at the tube station and Sainsbury's is just to the west. I'd say you'd have a ten minute walk from them to your flat.
http://www.waitrose.com/branches/branchdetails.aspx?postcode=SW7%204SF
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shoppingandservices/storelocator/store.htm?id=229

There is also a miny Sainsbury's just to the east.
http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shoppingandservices/storelocator/store.htm?id=4042

Also, you've got Harrods just to the east with its Food Halls. I realize that wouldn't be for everyday shopping but you can get a lot of food basics there and it's nice to get a treat every now and then.

You folks are wonderful -- this is a gold mine of help, and it's making such a difference!

zuriga, would One Harrington Gardens be this http://www.londonservicedapartments.co.uk/economy/harrington.htm ? They do look fantastic, but their cheapest apartment is $2100-per week in the off season, far out of our price range I'm afraid.

I've written to ask whether the Brompton and Parsons Green properties are available as well, since that would help us narrow it down!

Other suggestions and opinions very welcome, and i already feel like we've gotten a great trove of information to go on. What a friendly and helpful crew you all are!

I'd pick the Brompton apartment for myself. It's right in the middle of everything.

And easy walking distance of the Piccadilly Line at Knightsbridge and District and Circle at South Kensington. Redundancy is good. And it makes it easy to get there from the airport if you want to take the Tube.

And it looks pretty. Low price for that neighborhood too. Does it say what floor it's on, and if there's a lift?

As someone who visited London as a tourist and stayed in Ealing, I would say that if the apartment in Parsons green fits all your criteria then go for it.

A longer tube ride into central London may seem like a big deal, but it's really not. In fact, you'll only be doing what millions of Londoners do each day, although their daily commute is probably longer and more crowded than yours. Take the tube in after 9.30am as you pay the off-peak fare and it's WAY less crowded.

Plus, it's kind of fun getting to know your local neighbourhood. I liked the local pubs in Ealing, especially the Aussie pub during the World Cup, and some of the local cafes. I'm sure I would have missed out on a lot of that suburban vibe staying in central London.

Anyway, have a great time. London is so much fun! I spent over 5 weeks there and I barely scratched the surface of what there is to do.

Claire.

Hi again,

No, the Harrington Gardens you found was not the one I know. It took me some Googling, but I did find this website - finally! I think they may have changed the name of the place. Here's the right link.

http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=20096

I found the phone number on another site. Apparently, it is now called Number One Harrington Gardens.

Telephone +44 (0)20 7370 4044

I doubt a week there could cost more than £120 a night.

For a relatively short stay, I'd look at something closer to attractions than Parsons Green.

We stayed further out for both a longer stay and a short one. The first was great - we got to know the locals, their pubs & restaurants. For the shorter stay we found we spent too much time on the trains & out of the area as there was so much we wanted to see & do in central London.

I liked the Ruston Mews property - that would be my first choice, closely followed by the one on Brompton Square.

As a diabetic I'm fussy with meals, so like to be able to self-cater at least 2 meals a day. I found that the small supermarkets & groceries (often in or near underground stations) were an excellent source of supplies & I didn't worry about stocking too much in advance, so wouldn't worry about "large supermarkets".

Enjoy!

I am very familiar with the Brompton Square area~ in fact I was just there last week!
Brompton Square is indeed convienent to both the Knightsbridge and the South Kensington tube stops. With a good map you can find just about anything. Both tube locations are within a few blocks. Depending on which line you need to use, both are convient. It is also easy to catch a taxi on the corner of Brompton Road.

There is a small grocery nearby. Then about a 20 minute walk down Knightsbridge along Hyde park to Whole Foods where you can find absolutely everything (and get a good meal there as well).

You would be in the center of the museum area, Victoria and Albert and the Natural History Museum are just down the street. Hyde Park is just through the back gate of Brompton Square.

They are doing some renovation at the top of the square, but I don't think that would be any problem. It is a lovely quiet neighborhood that is central to everything. You would feel safe walking at all hours.

I have been posting on my blog about london~ take a peek. Have fun!
Sandi

I'm not trying to push my position.

But I might put the situation in perspective this way:

Brompton Road might be excellent for your first trip, with so many attractions right outside your door. You could spend your whole week within a few blocks of your door, just wandering and be happy. Tall buildings. Many cars. City feel. Finding food is a nonissue. People are on the streets 24 hours a day. If you like to go out at night, even to just look at the lights on the bridges and in the houses, this is a good choice.

Parsons Green would be lovely for your SECOND trip to London, when you want more of a neighborhood feel. It's all two-story buildings, a pretty terra-cotta station, much slower. Lots of shops on the Fulham Road. But it isn't as easy to pop back in to drop your coat or your shopping or catch a nap in the middle of the day. Are you likely to want to eat dinner at "home", then go back in to town? Then consider that the Tube stops running a little after midnight, so you need to check the night bus schedule. Or cabs.

They're both as safe as anywhere is in this world today, if you have your "city head" on.

So it just depends on what you like.

(Speaking of like, I think you guys might like the Sunday Upmarket in Spitalfields, from your posts. It's kind of like an art school sale, with lots of ethnic food and stuff. It's between the other market and Brick Lane. Tons of other stuff in that area too, if I'm wrong.)

Have fun, whatever you decide!

I only have a moment, just wanted to thank you all so much for being so caring about where we end up! I do believe the Brompton partisans have it -- it sounds like being more central (and near a Whole Foods! yay!) would be better for us. We feel nervous about the Ladbroke Grove area.

Still waiting to hear from Coach House, who have not been very responsive so far for people who want us to pay enormous sums of money over the internet for an unseen apartment (I'm a little worried about them). We wrote asking about the three properties as our top three, and they wrote back to say RUS (the first) was available, nothing about the others. I've just asked them about the BRO Brompton Square one. When I look back I think the RUS Ruston Mews/Ladbroke Grove one is warning in a coded way about the neighborhood -- "rich and poor live together".

zuriga, I couldn't find reviews of Number One Harrington Gardens on TripAdvisor... can you?

Thanks so much everybody! I will be sure to review whatever we pick. Thanks for the Spitalfields recommendation, BlueHour, and bugalu, I love your blog and pictures!

In the meantime can anyone reassure me that you've dealt with Coach House and liked their service? I see lots of reviews, which is reassuring, but I'm just feeling nervous!!

Bumping again: nobody has positive things to say about Coach House London's service? We specifically feared that they might have fraudulently concocted their own reviews on places like TripAdvisor, since they were by users with a low post count, and the wording tended to be formulaic. I feel uneasy about them.

If only we could afford London Perfect!

I've rented from them, in September 2006 and I'm in the process of reserving the same apartment (BWE) for September 2008.

I've found them to be very good. They meet and greet and provide breakfast packs, information, maps etc on your arrival.

Remember that London is in a different time zone to your's, so can't respond immediately to your queries.

On their How to Book page, it has a link to let you see what properties are available for dates that you enter. You should be able to see for yourself if an apartment is available, and then ask for whichever you like most.

And for the record, I was one of the "low poster numbered" persons who wrote a review for Trip Advisor. It disappeared, in mysterious circumstances.

I'm glad you like their service, jillb. I would never under any circumstances rent from them now that I've seen proof of their business practices: on the TripAdvisor London forum, the owner of the agency, Harley Nott, unmasked himself as a poster who had recommended his own services as if he were just a renter. I don't have any information one way or another about their rentals, just that I could never feel comfortable renting from them because I don't know what else they would "fudge."

By the way, his post has been taken down because it violated the forum rules for advertising -- unfortunately, yours probably fell under suspicion as having been written by him. Glad you've had a good experience with them though.

Out of curiosity then, why did you start this thread about the apartments you say you were intending to rent, given that the Trip Advisor posts were removed months ago?