Historically we have spent our winter vacations in warmer climates (e.g., Hawaii). This year we decided to spend some time in London and it went very well. Catherine’s (the host) apartment flat is located in St. John’s Wood (SJW) were my wife spent some time student teaching about 30 years ago. SJW is in a very nice location of London. On Christmas day (when the transportation system is shut down) we walked from the apartment to Regent’s park and then onto Hyde park through some really nice neighborhoods.

You can’t beat the transportation system in London. Catherine’s flat is about a 10 minute walk to the closest tube station. However, conveniently, the bus stops right outside her apartment. We hopped onto the 139/189 bus to either the Marlybone or Baker street station and back every day (except Christmas). They seem to come by every 2-5 minutes. Also, there are a couple of markets across the street if you want to do some light shopping (e.g., excellent Yogurt, soda, etc.). We wanted to try two restaurants across the street Pizza Express and Bruno’s Deli which get good reviews but they were both closed for the holiday.

Catherine’s apartment itself was bright, roomy, and clean. Although the building is plain on the outside, the inside is really charming. Unlike some apartments which are used as full time rentals, this is Catherine’s home. Therefore, you have all the amenities you would expect to have in your own home (e.g., toaster, TV with a full set of channels, broadband, cooking pans and utensils, etc.) Everything worked, including the heating system, so it was nice and cozy every night we came back to the apartment.
Lastly, Catherine really helped us out. We flew in Christmas Eve and we were concerned that the grocery stores would be closed on Christmas day. Catherine went out of her way to purchase some basic provisions so we wouldn’t be stranded. I also forgot a UK adapter for our mobile devices and Catherine was able to borrow one so I wouldn’t have to purchase yet another.

Lastly, Catherine was also proactive in reaching out to us before our arrival to make sure she could address any concerns or issues prior to our arrival and to coordinate a meeting time (I really appreciate this because it puts you at ease with respect to a vacation rental).

It was a great experience and we would rent from Catherine again.