I had the pleasure of staying at Andrea and Mark's flat in Islington last week for my birthday and their hospitality far exceeded my expectations. Mark greeted us upon our arrival and gave us a pleasant orientation - noting the treasures in the neighborhood, and the little known facts about London outside your typical tourist activities. The kitchenette was stocked with everything we needed to get our stay off to a great start - milk, cereal, coffee, tea and the bed and bedding were uber comfortable. Providing little things like oyster cards, travel books and umbrellas made London feel accessible and approachable. I would've been devastated without a European charger for my Macbook and iPhone - and guess what - they had that too.

The flat was charming and homey and definitely large enough for two people to stay comfortably. Having the ability to control the temperature was also a plus, as we were not prepared for the London chill. Internet was fast and reliable so we were able to stay in touch with family and friends back home and everything was clean, neat and tidy.

We had no trouble getting to all of our tourist attractions - there are several buses a stone's throw away - and we visited everything from Picadilly Circus to Buckingham Palace to Brick Lane.

I truly recommend Andrea and Mark's flat if you're looking for a clean, safe, comfortable place to stay off the beaten path. They are wonderful hosts and will provide you with a little home away from home during your holiday!