We did not meet our host, Constantinos, in person but email contact was prompt, helpful and conscientious. The host's downstairs neighbor, Sonia, who gave us the keys, was very pleasant and came to meet us near the tube station because we couldn't find the apartment. The apartment was spacious, sunny and spotless and the bedroom was very quiet. Although the area is very urban, you can actually see green out of every window! Perfect for a family of three (like ours) but large enough for 5 (though only one bathroom). The kitchen was great, although we ended up not doing any cooking.

We loved the neighborhood, right off Portobello Rd, mixed income and ethnicity and down the block from the famous Lisboa Patisserie with the most amazing custard tarts. Our only complaint about the neighborhood is that is was not super convenient to London's center - there are a couple of busses nearby, but the rout is slow and meandering, at least for the places we wanted to go, and the Tube is a bit of a walk and always requires a transfer. We ended up taking the mile long walk up Portebello Rd to the Notting Hill Gate stop most of the time because that is a direct line, and we actually grew to enjoy the walk. It was also great to be in a more residential part of this tourist filled city!

All in all, we were very comfortable in Constantinos' flat and we felt sad to leave. Constantinos did everything he could to make us feel at home and we would definitely come back!