While in London, we stayed in a tiny studio loft apartment in Putney, which I’d booked through Air B’n’B.
It was great to have our own space – although our host was very friendly and available if we needed her, as she lived in the flat downstairs. However we only really saw her on the day we arrived, and the day we left!
Our studio apartment was self-contained, complete with TV, washing machine and well equipped kitchen! After more than two weeks without a home cooked meal, the first night we were both craving a steak (and vegies), which we promptly bought from the nearest supermarket and cooked ourselves. The prices seemed about the same as what we’d pay in Australia – until we realised this was in £, not $ – so basically double!
The transport in London is amazing! Putney is out in the ‘burbs – on the Wimbledon line, about halfway to Heathrow from the centre of London as the crow flies. We stayed about 10 minutes’ walk from East Putney station, and there was a bus stop practically at our front door. We were soon navigating the tube like pro’s, changing at Earl’s Court station to head into the centre of London.
And if you missed one train, no worries, you could get the next one in about three minutes! We downloaded the Citymapper app, essential for any tourist in London. It shows various options for wherever you need to go – including a “wet weather” option which we used on the one day that it rained during our stay (didn’t want to get wet!).
I wish we’d taken more photos of our accommodation and the area where we were staying; I guess we were too busy seeing and taking photos of the big name sights! I will have to remember this, for next time … 😉
What sort of accommodation do you prefer when staying in a foreign city for more than a couple of days?