Fabulous flat in a great neighborhood! We are two academics who stayed a month with our teenage daughter and Ilaria's flat was ideal.

It is well-appointed, comfortable, tastefully decorated in a Victorian building with lovely cross breezes and a three minute walk to Westbourne Park tube, connecting quickly and easily to all of London.
It has a small but full kitchen, and we cooked many meals, including breakfast every morning.

Portobello Road is three blocks away, with everything: restaurants, clothing stores, grocery stores, fruit stands...Equally close are the elegant shops of Notting Hill. It's a 15 minute walk to the Notting Hill Gate tube stop, through lovely Victorian neighborhoods. Buses on nearby corner stop everywhere in London. Buying a weekly Oyster card is a must to save money if you're riding tube/buses two or more times daily. Available at Westbourne tube stop.

Ilaria was responsive to our inquiries from the start, and remained so throughout. When we asked, she provided us help with the washing machine (door needs to be closed tightly), restaurant recommendations, and answered questions about the neighborhood.

To access wifi, we set up a personal hotspot with our Iphone with unlimited data and texts for 15 pounds a month buying a UK sim card at the Three Store in Bayswater. (Super easy.)

The flat has no clothes dryer, but there is a drying rack. If coming from out of UK, bring several adapters. Bring or buy a hair dryer. The shower is electric, European style, and though loud, pumps out lots of hot water. There is no plug in the bathroom, but plenty of outlets throughout flat. We bought inexpensive UK extension cords on Portobello Road (which has everything you'll need.)

One small caveat: the flat is for guests able to climb three flights of narrow, steep stairs with luggage; I would imagine climbing the stairs -- and getting in and out of the shower -- would be difficult for the elderly. (The stairs will definitely help guests get in shape. )

In sum, staying at Ilaria's was everything we hoped for and more. Thank you Ilaria for making our month in London so easy!