Like so many before me, I loved my week at Andrea and Mark's daylight basement apartment. I didn't have the chance to meet Andrea, but Mark provided me with a great welcome and orientation to the flat and to London. Loved the Oyster card and the maps and guides for planning ideas, as well as Mark's suggestion to rely more on the buses than the tube. That really allowed me to see London more thoroughly and was much cheaper as well!

As a single female traveler, I felt quite safe both within the apartment and the surrounding area and would recommend it to others. It was a valuable part of my trip to get away from the hotel-lined streets of the city and be a part of a real neighborhood where London residents instead of toursits predominate.

I have only two caveats to offer: (1) The spiral staircase down to the front door of the flat is narrow and may be a bit tricky for any with unstable footing, particularly in slippery or icy conditions. (2) For those traveling from cultures which have top sheets on their beds (like the USA), don't expect them in the UK. Just a bottom sheet and duvet-covered quilt are provided at the flat. If you run to hot like I do when sleeping, this can be difficult. It might be worth packing a spare in your suitcase if that's something you wish to have on your travels.