London Serviced Apartments

Where to Stay in London

With a total of 32 boroughs, choosing the right place to stay in London can be a little overwhelming. Each neighbourhood possesses its unique characteristics, which makes staying in London so charming.

Here are some of our favourite neighbourhoods in London:

1. Canary Wharf:

Located in the east of the city, Canary Wharf is one of Europe’s biggest financial hubs. Ever since the old docklands were redeveloped into this financial powerhouse, Canary Wharf had a reputation for being quite a dull place to spend your free time. However, in recent years perceptions of Canary Wharf have changed - and for good reason. Canary Wharf boasts an impressive collection of bars, restaurants and entertainment spots that are always bustling with people.

2. Kensington:

Situated in the west of the city, Kensington is one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods. Synonymous with style and fashion, Kensington seamlessly blends contemporary architecture with classic townhouses. Kensington has great connections to the city centre via public transport and is within walking distance to Hyde Park, perhaps London’s most famous park.

3. The City:

Also known as the square mile, The City is home to some of the biggest global businesses. Despite the modern flavours of The City, there is something distinctly historic about the area. The Tower of London, London Bridge and Monument are just a few of the major landmarks in The City. If you are looking to snap some selfies in front of some iconic landmarks whilst you are on your business trip, make sure you book to stay in the city.

4. Shoreditch:

Over the past ten years, Shoreditch has become one of London’s most hip places to stay. Ideal for people who need fast access to the city, Shoreditch is defined by its artisan eateries, microbreweries and bustling nightlife. Our flagship property, Avant Garde, is located in Shoreditch and contains all the features to make your stay perfect.

5. Wembley:

One of London’s up-and-coming areas, Wembley is perhaps best known for the stadium. Whilst Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline, Wembley has developed into a contemporary residential area that features shopping outlets, restaurants and bars. Wembley has great access to the city centre through the Jubilee and Metropolitan Line.

If you are still struggling to find the right area for you, get in contact with one of our London experts on our live chat.

6. Trafalgar Square: 

A captivating attraction of London that stands true to legacy and grandeur. Explore the museums and galleries available at this place, most of them are free.

Cost of Living in London

London has the reputation of being an expensive city to live in. Here are some rough ideas of what to expect in terms of cost when you are staying in London.

1. Food:

Whatever direction you turn in London you will find a Tesco, Sainsbury or Morrisons store. These stores offer a range of fresh produce at reasonable prices. In London, you would expect to pay £1.50 for 4 pints of milk, £1.50 for a loaf of bread and £3 for 12 eggs. Outside of the basics, a weekly shop for one person in London costs around £60 depending on where you shop.

2. Going out:

London has a diverse range of cuisines available across the city. Similarly, the prices of London’s restaurants greatly vary depending on the reputation of the establishment. In most places around the city, you would be able to get a good meal and a drink for around £25. If you are looking to impress, countless restaurants come in at a higher price.

3. Transport:

Travelling around London can be a little expensive if you don’t use an Oyster Card. Oyster Cards are available for free at most stations or can be ordered online. Once you have it, you can top up your card for reduced rates. Typically, a single journey will cost between £1.80 to £7.50, depending on the distance you travel. The London travel network is broken down into nine different zones, with the most expensive fares being travelling between Zone 1 to Zone 9.

4. Gym:

If you are looking to keep up your workout routine when you are staying in London, there are many gyms located across the city from national brands. Nuffield Health, The Gym Group, Gymbox and Virgin Active offer monthly subscriptions ranging from £40-£150 per month. Most gyms will also offer a day pass - just enquire at the reception.

5. Household bills:

Gas and electric prices are in line with those of the UK. Typically, monthly, you should expect your electricity bill to be around £100- £200. However, if you choose to stay in a serviced apartment, you will not be charged a penny.

Tips for Visiting London

When visiting a new city, it is always good to know a few tips from locals about how to have a comfortable stay. So we asked some of our expert reservations staff for some tips for staying in London:

• Always carry an umbrella with you in the winter - you never know when a shower may strike.
• Always check to see if your train, bus or tube is running.
• If you are visiting from another country, make sure you download a contactless bank card that can process international payments.
• If you are visiting from Europe, traffic comes from the opposite direction you may be used to - so make sure you check.
• Watch out for stray cyclists!
• Bring a universal charger for your electrical goods.
• Purchase an oyster card - this will help you navigate London’s transport system.
• Stand on the right side of the escalator lest you annoy a local trying to make a quick escape from the station.
• Take a trip outside of London - there is an amazing country outside of London.

Transportation in London

The world-famous London Underground - perhaps better known as the Tube - is one of the most well-established rail networks in the world. For a city of close to 10 million people, a reliable public transport network is required to carry passengers from a to b. There are 11 tube lines that sprawl across the city- in addition to 272 stations located across the capital. On a weekend, many of the tube lines run all night. The tube is the fastest and most reliable way to travel around the city.

If you are staying in the east of London, you will likely encounter the DLR. The DLR is a light railway service that travels overground, connecting Canary Wharf to Bank - London’s two financial hubs. Throughout the city, there is an Overground service that runs throughout the day.

Alternatively, you can travel around on a bus. However, when travelling by bus, you can expect to run into traffic - particularly when navigating the city centre.

Of course, there are many cab services available. You can either use an app like Uber, or you can hail a black cab down - but only if you are in the city centre.

If you choose to stay in one of our serviced apartments, you can expect to be located within a short distance of one of London’s many public transport stations.

Before travelling, you should always check if the transport that you require is running on time, delayed or there is a strike.

Weather in London

The weather - every English person’s favourite subject. London, like the rest of the United Kingdom, has a reputation for unpredictable and gloomy weather. Throughout the winter months, any visitors to London can expect rain, temperatures of around 5 degrees and even some snow. But wait - despite London’s gloomy winters, the summer can be very warm and pleasant. Temperatures regularly exceed 20 degrees - and there is nothing better than enjoying London’s 11 royal parks in the sun.