It is wonderful to have a two bedroom apartment when traveling with others. There were many pluses about Elissa's flat. Here are the pluses and minuses:
1) Area -
Pluses: this flat is on a quaint and quiet street, yet is only a 6-8 minute walk to the Picadilly line at both Knightsbridge and South Kensington, which is easy access to the airport as well all lines to tubes as all over the city. It is a few blocks from Harrod's, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Museum of Natural History. There are many restaurants, and a food store close by. It is a very safe area.
Minus: this is not a pub area, so if your vision is to hang around a pub close to the flat, this isn't it. It's primarily a shopping area and is on the costly side.
1) Living room -
Pluses: air conditioning unit; desk / table area / good lighting with dimmers, 2 comfortable couches. Cable television.
Minuses:
- the a/c unit is very noisy. It does not service the entire flat, only this area. It doesn't really chill the room but it relieves some of the stuffiness since opening windows is not possible.
- the rug has a horrible stain that looks very nasty, although it is not wet and will not get on your socks.
- Wi-fi only works in this area.
2) Kitchen -
Pluses: dishwasher, washing machine, stove and oven. Dryer is in the hall.
Minus: Both washing machine, dryer, and oven could use a description of how to use them. I did not know how to use the laundry detergent; luckily I brought my own washer sheets (yes, that's a thing! Easy to pack and don't need to buy detergent. Elissa's flat does have laundry detergent under the sink.) The dryer uses a pan for condensation; your clothes will not dry unless you empty it before using the dryer. (We don't use this system in America.) Eventually you will figure out how to use these machines but a guide would help.
3) Bedroom #1:
Pluses: bed is acceptable. The fan was extremely helpful.
Minuses: the bed takes up most of the area of the room. My open suitcase was on the table (which was the only place it could go) and there was very little space between the bed and access my clothes in this area. This is a minor inconvenience.
4) Bathroom #1 -
Pluses: This bedroom has its own bathroom. Having one's own private bathroom is clearly a big plus. It has a toilet, sink, and shower stall.
Minuses: small is an understatement:
- It is impossible to use the sink without leaning over the toilet and squeezing into a space constricted by the shower stall. In other words, good luck using the sink.
- The shower stall is so tiny you cannot bend down. Do not drop the soap; you will not be able to retrieve it without opening the shower door. Which of course, you can't do or the bathroom floor can get wet.
- There is a shelf in the shower for your shampoo and soap, but it is badly rusted so make sure you have liquid shower gel in a bottle.
- The towel pegs are situated for a giant. I don't know who installed them, but they're so high they're practically useless.
5) Bedroom #2 -
Plus: having a second bedroom. It is rather large, with a desk.
Minuses:
- Mattress needs to be replaced. Hopefully Elissa has done this since I informed her. It is an old, cheap spring mattress and the springs are at the surface, which makes sleeping on this bed impossible.
- The wi-fi only works in the living room, so don't plan on using this room as a work station, even though there is a desk.
6) Bathroom #2:
- This bathroom has a shower in a tub. The tub is very deep; if you are challenged in any way in getting in and out of a tub this will be a problem. Otherwise, the bathroom is of a reasonable size. For some reason, there is a second separate sink (two sinks altogether for this bathroom!)
Overall, it is a nice flat in a nice area. The host has somebody local to respond to questions. Be sure to know the flat number (#4) before arriving as this person may not be there when you arrive (keys left in a discrete spot). I hope this review has given you an accurate description of what to expect and what not to expect, so you will not be disappointed. There are many pluses to this flat. It is clean, close to all, and safe. If the mattress is replaced, it can be a wonderful choice.