Looking to find the perfect London Airbnb? Read on!
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Ah, finding the perfect London Airbnb. Whenever friends or family come to visit, you’d think the first questions would be “How do I get the best flights to Heathrow”, “Where’s the best places to see”, “Do you think we’ll spot the Queen?”
But more often than not it’s…
What Airbnb should I stay in??
So, if you’re looking for your next London Airbnb you’re officially in the right place! Here’s your step-by-step guide to find the perfect Airbnb and make the most out of your time in London (but feel free to use these tips for any Airbnb you find yourself in!).
I’ve also sprinkled some London Airbnb recommendations throughout the post based on area, price point and overall aesthetic.
But first…
What is Airbnb?
It seems a bit silly writing this considering it seems to be a household name now. But for the newcomers, come on in (the weather’s great!).
Airbnb is an American vacation rental company leasing short stays to travelers in over 100,000 cities.
A cheaper alternative to hotels, Airbnb’s often offer more of a local experience to travelers as you’re staying in your “host’s” accommodation.
Ranging from comfort finds to luxury pads, there’s always something for everyone, making it a super popular option for travelers.
Why Use Airbnbs in London
I’ve been using Airbnb since I first moved to London and it hasn’t let me down since. Whether I’m in-between flatshares or recommending finds for friends and family, it’s my go-to for a couple of reasons.
Pros of using Airbnbs
- Insider knowledge of an area
- Living in a local neighborhood
- Cheaper fees than hotels (and nicer than hostels)
- Super responsive customer service
Cons of using Airbnbs
- Required minimum night stays in certain places
- Possibility of having a bad host (late, messy flat etc.)
Overall the pros outweigh the cons for me, keeping London Airbnb’s high on my recommendations.
With that said, here is everything you need to know about finding the perfect Airbnb in London.
1. Decide on Your Area
One of the first things you’ll want to decide when choosing your London Airbnb is the area.
If you already have a plan of what you want to see in London, I would definitely choose an area close to your travel itinerary.
Otherwise, each slice of London is like a city in itself. So I would have a look around and pick the area you feel most excited to explore.
For example, if you want to see the hipster side of London, Hackney, Brixton, and Shoreditch are your best bets.
To see luxury, make your way Westminster, Soho, Fitzrovia or Kensington.
And for a more local feel, cozy up in Hampstead, Islington or Greenwich.
Of course these are all generalizations. But hopefully can give you a greater sense of what to expect from each pocket of the city.
2. Pick Your Price Point
Next, you’ll want to think about your price points. This includes your budget for London and how much you want to spend on accommodation each day.
London Airbnbs tend to be in the mid-range, starting anywhere from £30 for a private room to around £80-£100 for an entire place.
I personally prefer Airbnbs over options hostels or couchsurfing, but these are definitely viable alternatives to cut accommodation costs if needed.
Otherwise just keep in mind the closer you get to Central, the more expensive it will be.
Some final tips to keep in mind!
- Always apply for a discount if it’s you’re first stay
- Make sure your flat has a kitchen to save on food and keep leftovers
- Choose an Airbnb within walkability to the sites you want to see in London
Read More: 27 Effortless Ways to Save Money in London
3. Mind the Details
Perhaps not the most important to everyone but to find the perfect London Airbnb, you’re going to want to think about the details.
This includes things like wifi and air conditioning/heating, but past the standard amenities a good looking room is always an appreciated bonus.
I always try to look for Airbnbs that feel homey with a bit of color and if I’m lucky, a view. But in London, a quaint Airbnb with a bit of charm is more than enough.
4. Look at the Reviews
When you’re browsing your London Airbnb always be sure to look at reviews. No matter how nice your Airbnb may look, a bad host can make or break your stay.
I’m also extra careful to see what other women say about a place. Safety is definitely a top priority whenever I’m looking at Airbnbs, and even though there’s security checks, you can never be too careful.
If there’s one negative review on something minor, I usually don’t pay too much mind. Otherwise, best to take your precious pounds elsewhere.
I personally love using the “Superhost” option because they always have tons of raving reviews and add bits to your stay to make it 10x better.
5. Book Early
A bit of a controversial tip (sometimes there are great deals last minute) but if you’re booking an Airbnb in London, I suggest you snag it early.
Falling in love with a place only to find the dreaded dates unavailable is a major let down.
With that said, once you find an Airbnb in your area for the right price point and good reviews, don’t look back.
Once my travels (or staycation) is planned out I always browse and save around 2 or 3 places. From there I compare and book anywhere from 2 months to 10 days out.
Book here for $40 off your stay!
But, let’s be honest. No matter what Airbnb you choose, exploring London will be the highlight of your trip.
So get your itinerary primed, your Airbnb booked, and make the most of your time across the pond.
How do you choose your Airbnbs? Let me know in the comments!
Happy Booking,
Don’t forget to read up on more London travel tips before your trip!
