Now London is notoriously expensive for accommodation with the average centrally located hotel being at least £180 a night, with some of the most luxurious going up to £500 a night or more. It's definitely the most expensive city we've been to on our travels for a hotel stay. Hotel rooms in this prime city centre location are also small in general, not great if you have a family. So we were looking with interest to try out a few days in an apartment.
Previous to our visit we were asked to ring an hour before arrival so arrangements for check-in could be sought. This involved a quick phone call and then a text shortly after with our door code. A totally fuss-free, convenient and brilliant way of gaining access to the property.
The lower ground apartment was on Ongar Road, a fairly quiet street just around the corner from Earls Court. First impressions were good, a fairly spacious apartment decorated to a high standard.
Double bedroom 1 with ensuite bathroom
Ensuite bathroom to bedroom 1 with bath
First off there was a double bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Neutral tones make the room clean, fresh and inviting and there was decent wardrobe space.
The bathroom had a bath with an over the bath shower and there were a large sink area and toilet. Everything was in excellent condition, and very clean.
Second bathroom
The second bathroom had a shower, toilet, and sink, and again everything was new looking and had high-quality fixtures and fittings.
Double bedroom 2
The second bedroom was more spacious than the first and had two large wardrobes again, big enough to store plenty of clothes. We were surprised to find complimentary toiletries considering we were in an apartment and thought this was a great addition.
Large open plan lounge with kitchen to the side
In the lounge, there was a corner sofa which converted into a bed, a table and chairs, big enough to seat 4 to 6 and a Samsung flat screen TV. There was also an electronic tablet which had tourist information on, which was very handy if you didn't know the area. What a fantastic idea! To have these recommendations, especially on where to eat in the immediate vicinity was extremely useful.
The kitchen and lounge area was open plan. Everything you needed to cook a meal was provided and the kitchen was well equipped with an oven and hob, microwave, kettle, fridge freezer, dishwasher, and toaster, as well as pots, pans, and everything else you would expect. There was also a washing machine tucked away in a cupboard in the hall.
Complimentary tea, coffee and popcorn
Complimentary tea and coffee were provided as well as a few packets of popcorn, which was a lovely addition and very welcome after a long journey to get there from South Wales.
A small outdoor area was available and this would be great for the Summer months especially. Unfortunately, it rained a lot when we were there so didn't have the chance to use this area, which was a shame.
As this was a lower ground floor apartment, e.g. a basement, we wondered if it would be dark, but a clever use of skylights in the lounge and plentiful lighting through make it relatively light inside. The lighting actually was very good in the rooms and the bathroom had the perfect lighting for applying makeup.
City Relay say on their website that they want to provide you with a 'hotelesque' feel so complimentary toiletries, towels and linens are all supplied to you, which was a lovely touch. Their communication was good during our stay as they emailed us with a welcome email asking us to get in touch if there were any improvements needed. The flat is managed from their 'reception desk' in London and they look after the cleaning, guest communication and the property in general, and I must say they seem to do a good job.
Everything was well kept and spotless, with no dust anywhere. A point of note is that as it is a basement flat there was a stale smell from one of the bathrooms. Not having a window there and ventilation leading to the outside air does not help. This was a shame as the bathroom was exceptionally clean but we did notice it every time we came in. There is also a little street noise if you are in the first bedroom but that is to be expected for it's central London location.
With a night at this apartment from £99, we both thought the price was very good for this spacious accommodation and the fact it sleeps 6. The apartment is located 5 minutes walk from Brompton Tube station and an easy 25 minutes walk from the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum.
I recommend you check out the City Relay website if you are looking for a comfortable apartment stay in London next, just choose an apartment away from a basement. Fantastic prices and roomy accommodation make for an excellent city centre stay.
* We were guests of City Relay but all words and opinions are my own
Looks very nice, I'd be happy to stay there. Seems more affordable than some hotels.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great price for central London, especially if there are a few of you.
DeleteWhat a sweet spot! The living area looks gorgeous, so neat and comfy.
ReplyDeleteSofa was really comfy.
DeleteOh wow what a lovely place to stay - really looks like a home away from home.
ReplyDeleteMy god that looks like heaven! I especially love the zebra art haha!
ReplyDeleteYes that's a quirky touch.
DeleteWow this looks lovely! The deco is so gorgeous, I'd really struggle to leave
ReplyDeleteEverything looks so clean and modern. I bet that outside space would be lovely in the summer too.
ReplyDeleteYes it was very clean and modern but cosy too. In the Summer that outdoor area would be lovely.
DeleteThis looks fantastic. I've never thought to stay in an apartment. I'm going to London in April and looking for somewhere different to stay, great idea x
ReplyDeleteHotel rooms can be quite small so even if there is only two of you it is a far more spacious option to stay in an apartment. Certainly worth considering.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous looking apartment I love the decor now if only my flat looked as lovely.
ReplyDeleteHa ha I know Joanna, same for me!
DeleteWhat an amazing price! It's so expensive to stay in London so this looks like it would be ideal for a trip with the wife!
ReplyDeleteIt is a great price and yes it can be so expensive to stay in London.
DeleteThe place looks lovely and I think such a good option for that price.
ReplyDeleteApartments always works better than hotels in London as they can be so expensive x
ReplyDeleteAgree.
DeleteThat is a really good price, especially given it sleeps so many!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree.
DeleteThe apartment looks nice and bright nad very spacious and clean.
ReplyDeleteWe rented an apartment before similar to FG but this property definitely looks better than the one we used. Everything looks clean and top notch
ReplyDeleteIt was exceptionally clean and very modern.
DeleteThis is a really good price for the location and square footage! Love the simple and clean decor too! We'll bear then in mind for a stay!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very nice place to stay when in London, it is also a very good price compared to many places to stay in London
ReplyDeleteYes it is a very good price, and so spacious too.
DeleteThat looks like a really lovely, reasonably central place to stay for a good price too. I'll have to check it out next time I plan a visit to London.
ReplyDeleteThe room looks so clean and fresh and love that you get to try out some of that yummy popcorn. looks delicious
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely that we had tea and coffee and popcorn for free.
DeleteThis looks like a really lovely and comfortable place to stay! So surprised at the price, I thought it would be a lot more expensive, will have to bookmark this for future reference! x
ReplyDeleteThe prices do vary and £99 was a from price but it sleeps six and is in London so I feel it is a complete bargain.
DeleteWhat a great place to stay and an absolute bargain as well! x
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice clean place. I'd enjoy a stay there!
ReplyDeleteWHat a great find, thanks for the tip. We love popping back to London from Germany and always find it hard to find reasonable places to stay that are cool at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt's worth checking out this company then John.
DeleteIt looks lovely there the accommodation looks lovely ad clean and modern and spacious and it's a great location too.
ReplyDeleteI always like the extra freedom an apartment provides and these sound very nice.
ReplyDeleteWow this looks so beautiful. I love how clean and modern it is.
ReplyDeleteWow, such a stunning place to stay! I love how modern it is and the cushions on the bed are lovely. :) x
ReplyDeleteDefinitely bookmarking this - after living in London for 10 years it now drives me nuts to have to fork out hundreds of pounds to stay somewhere central. This is perfect, and completely reasonable too. x
ReplyDeleteI love visiting London. This looks like a great place to stay.
ReplyDeleteI need to visit London more, I've only been once! The decor in this place is gorgeous xo
ReplyDelete