Federica is a gracious and energetic hostess. She goes out of her way with little things, like a bowl of fruit and cookies in the room, to make your stay lovely. The flat and the room are modest, but entirely acceptable. The decor is eccentric and fun. The hostess herself is a thrill to interact with. She is perfectly fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, English, and perhaps more languages. She loves London and loves to show it to her guests. She is great with kids, the soul of patience and an altogether lovely person.

The neighborhood is not the most posh district in London. But it is rife with pubs and restaurants. It is close to the Camden markets, the Canal, the Zoo, Primrose hill, the British Library, and Saint Pancras Station, which makes it easy to get to the Continent. We felt safe and happy with our little girl, who delighted in the playground across the street. The people on the street sport silk veils, African wax print cloth and London’s own haute and low couture.

What can I say, it ain’t the Ritz, but I’d say skip the Ritz and stay with someone cool like Federica.