I challenge you to find a nicer host family than VN (whom also goes by Sonny) and Sheila. This is one of the warmest, friendliest, most polite families I have ever met. I actually miss them.
The apartment is extremely secure. It is actually a gated community — you have to scan a key fob at two different points to get to the front door. There is a lift available.
There is a small grocery store literally across the street, and a huge grocery story literally across a slightly bigger street. *Everything* you need is a short walk away, including quick access to the Central, District, Circle, and Hammersmith & City underground lines, as well as numerous buses. Gorgeous Kensington Gardens is just a few minutes’ walk south.
The room is spacious, keeps sound in well, and has its own internal slide lock for your own privacy. I would suggest bringing earplugs if you are a light sleeper as the room is above a high commerce street with lots of foot and auto traffic, including emergency service vehicles. The windows open wide if you want to cool off, and there is a very powerful space heater if you want to warm up. Very good lighting and blackout shades are both present. The mattress is firmer than I was used to, but Sonny and Sheila helped me adjust it. They have a housekeeping service that cleans often, including vacuuming the guest rooms and removing trash. I was in for three weeks — the cleaning service changed my sheets weekly.
They keep their full restrooms separate as Mens’ and Ladies’ rooms. There is an additional half-bathroom in case of emergencies. Note that they also rent out two other rooms in this flat, but they are very conscious about helping everyone coordinate showering times etc — there was never a conflict around this. Good water pressure and heat.
I was allocated space in the refrigerator and given access to the stove and oven after a quick walkthrough on its operation.
Seriously, my stay was perfect. They are fantastic people. Here’s wishing them the best.