London is one of the world’s most visited cities, and there’s a good reason for that. The city has some of the richest history in the western world, it’s home to awe-inspiring commercial sectors, and overall, there are a lot of things to do that you simply cannot do elsewhere.
However, finding accommodation in London can be a bit of a hassle if you plan on visiting. There are quite a few options available, and each one has its pros and cons.
We’re going to go over three options you have when visiting London, the core traits of each one, and who each option is best for.
AirBnB:
AirBnB is a unique option. The “rooms” aren’t based in establishments or run by companies. They’re spare rooms or living spaces in someone’s private home. The amenities in boutique apartments can vary widely depending on the host. Given their residential nature, these spaces often exude a warm and homely ambience. Furthermore, as these rooms are typically listed on platforms like Airbnb, many hosts go the extra mile to create inviting interiors by enlisting the expertise of an interior design company, ensuring guests feel welcome and comfortable. Property owners also hire property managers that adds another layer of convenience; they handle breakdowns and repairs promptly, ensuring guests encounter a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. One spot in London might be a duplex, and the owner might be letting you stay in the other half of the property. At another spot, you might literally be stuck in someone’s spare bedroom and going through their home while they go about their daily lives.
Depending on the quarters provided, the location, and the owner’s confidence in the quality of their hosting abilities, the price of an AirBnB stay can vary dramatically.
This is an option that is extremely flexible, but it’s only for people who are comfortable staying in someone’s home. Still, if your expectations are low, you can get some of the cheapest accommodations possible by going with an AirBnB.
Serviced Apartments:
Serviced apartments are the newest option available, and they’re picking up steam quickly. These are quite literally luxury apartments that you can book just like a hotel. They’re fully furnished with a full kitchen, private bedrooms, a full living area and bathrooms, and they’re generally decorated to a high standard with everything from neon signs for snapping your next Insta in front of, to gorgeous plants that bring calming foliage and nature indoors – everything you would expect to find in a really nice home!
What’s even better is that these aren’t too much more expensive than hotels per night. The average stay in a hotel costs 60 Euros per night per person. So, for two people, you’ll usually pay 120 Euros. Well, the average cost of these serviced apartments is between 120 and 160 Euros per night, and they’re not charged per person. As you can see, it’s not much more expensive at all, and you get a lot more.
This is going to be the best option for most people. You get more space for your family on vacation, you don’t have to sacrifice the comforts of home to travel abroad, and the price is just right.
Hotels:
This is the traditional accommodation option. In the average hotel, you can expect to pay 60 Euros per night. For that price, the average room will have one bed, a television, a half-bathroom, and maybe a microwave.
Now, that’s no big deal if you’re just one person looking for a place to sleep overnight and go about your way, but if you’re traveling as a couple, or especially a family, it’s more cost-effective just to get a serviced apartment. Also, the cramped quarters and lack of features make hotels a bit lackluster for anything more than an overnight stay.
Matthew Cecil / 3 months ago