Firstly, Julia is an amazing host. She ket me up to date on everything via email and the whole experience went extremely smoothly. She was really friendly over the email and I got the feeling that she would be a good host, with a nice, well-kept flat. Her friend was waiting for us with the keys and the flat was very easy to find. It is on the Hammersmith and city line, right across the way from the tube station. You can take the Heathrow Express to Paddington and take the tube directly from there - how convenient! There are also bus stops nearby, which we actually used more than the tube, with the help of a transport app. The other essential app is hailo to get taxicabs. I also recommend to get an oyster card rather than a travelcard.

The flat is fab - photos don't do it any justice - what you don't see in the pictures is the huge dvd collection, flat screen tv, high speed internet, well equipped kitchen, comfy sofa, tempur mattress and oh my god, the towels! The towels were actually amazing and a million times better than any hotel towels! I swear I could nearly wrap it round twice, it was so big. The flat is also a very good size for a couple.

Around the corner is Portobello market and if you like cinema, then a visit to The Electric and its diner is a must but pre-book as it's popular. Westfield shopping centre is very close either by tube or bus and there are also direct buses to Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Royal Albert hall, Kensington, Hyde Park, etc. There is a Sainsbury's and a Tesco nearby and Julia keeps some basics stocked as well, which is very handy. She also left milk for us - fantastic when all you want is a cup of tea after travelling!

All in all, a great base for west London and also convenient to central London. I'll be back for a return visit to Westfield and The Electric!