What are some alternatives to Airbnb for London, UK?

Travel Destinations

By Kristy Tolley

The popularity of vacation rentals in London

London is a city that attracts millions of tourists every year, and vacation rentals have become a popular alternative to traditional hotels for visitors. With the rise of platforms like Airbnb, travelers can easily find affordable and unique accommodations in London. However, there are other options available for those who want to avoid the crowds, stay in a different part of the city, or simply prefer a different type of accommodation.

In this article, we will explore some alternatives to Airbnb for vacation rentals in London. We will discuss factors to consider when choosing a vacation rental, as well as several platforms that offer a range of accommodations, from high-end luxury rentals to budget-friendly options.

Factors to consider when choosing a vacation rental

When choosing a vacation rental in London, there are several factors to consider. First, think about the location. Do you want to stay in a central area with easy access to tourist attractions, or do you prefer a quieter neighborhood? Consider the transportation options available in the area, as well as the proximity to restaurants, shops, and other amenities.

Next, think about the type of accommodation you prefer. Do you want a private apartment or a shared space? Do you need a kitchen or other amenities? Consider the size of the rental and whether it can accommodate your group comfortably. Finally, think about the price and your budget. Remember to factor in any additional fees, such as cleaning or service charges.

Hotel alternatives: Serviced apartments in London

Serviced apartments offer a hotel-like experience with the added privacy and convenience of a vacation rental. These apartments are usually fully furnished and come with amenities like housekeeping, concierge services, and 24-hour security. They are ideal for longer stays or for those who want a more home-like experience while traveling.

One popular serviced apartment provider in London is Cheval Residences, which offers luxury apartments in various locations throughout the city. Another option is SACO, which has over 80 serviced apartments in London, ranging from studio to three-bedroom units.

HomeAway: A vacation rental platform for London

HomeAway is a vacation rental platform that offers a range of properties in London, from cozy apartments to spacious houses. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities. HomeAway also offers a Book with Confidence Guarantee, which provides protection for travelers in case of unexpected cancellations or double-bookings.

Some popular HomeAway rentals in London include a two-bedroom apartment in Covent Garden and a four-bedroom townhouse in Notting Hill. Prices for HomeAway rentals in London range from around £80 per night for a studio apartment to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Booking.com: A diverse range of accommodations in London

Booking.com is a popular platform for booking hotels, but it also offers a wide range of vacation rentals in London. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities, and offers a range of options from budget-friendly to high-end luxury rentals.

Some popular Booking.com rentals in London include a one-bedroom apartment in Camden and a four-bedroom townhouse in South Kensington. Prices for Booking.com rentals in London range from around £50 per night for a shared room to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Vrbo: A vacation rental platform with unique properties in London

Vrbo (formerly known as HomeAway) is another vacation rental platform that offers a range of properties in London, from quirky apartments to stylish townhouses. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities, and offers a range of options for every budget.

Some popular Vrbo rentals in London include a two-bedroom apartment in Shoreditch and a five-bedroom townhouse in Mayfair. Prices for Vrbo rentals in London range from around £60 per night for a studio apartment to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Plum Guide: A curated collection of luxury rentals in London

Plum Guide is a vacation rental platform that offers a curated collection of luxury rentals in London. The platform prides itself on handpicking only the best properties, and each rental is rated according to a 150-point checklist. Plum Guide also offers 24/7 support for travelers and a personal welcome from the host.

Some popular Plum Guide rentals in London include a three-bedroom apartment in Knightsbridge and a four-bedroom townhouse in Chelsea. Prices for Plum Guide rentals in London range from around £200 per night for a studio apartment to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Homelike: A platform for extended stays in London

Homelike is a vacation rental platform that specializes in extended stays, making it ideal for travelers who need accommodations for several weeks or months. The platform offers a range of properties in London, from studio apartments to spacious houses, and allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities.

Some popular Homelike rentals in London include a one-bedroom apartment in Canary Wharf and a two-bedroom apartment in Hammersmith. Prices for Homelike rentals in London range from around £40 per night for a shared room to over £1500 per month for a luxury apartment.

OneFineStay: A high-end vacation rental option in London

OneFineStay is a vacation rental platform that offers high-end luxury rentals in London. The platform prides itself on providing a hotel-like experience with the added privacy and convenience of a vacation rental. Each rental is handpicked and comes with a personal welcome from the host.

Some popular OneFineStay rentals in London include a four-bedroom townhouse in Chelsea and a five-bedroom apartment in Mayfair. Prices for OneFineStay rentals in London range from around £300 per night for a studio apartment to over £5000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Tripadvisor Rentals: A platform with verified reviews in London

Tripadvisor Rentals is a vacation rental platform that offers a range of properties in London, from budget-friendly apartments to luxury townhouses. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities, and offers verified reviews from previous guests.

Some popular Tripadvisor Rentals in London include a one-bedroom apartment in Covent Garden and a four-bedroom townhouse in Marylebone. Prices for Tripadvisor Rentals in London range from around £50 per night for a shared room to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

FlipKey: A vacation rental platform with a local touch in London

FlipKey is a vacation rental platform that offers a range of properties in London, from cozy apartments to spacious houses. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities, and offers a local touch with recommendations from hosts.

Some popular FlipKey rentals in London include a two-bedroom apartment in Soho and a four-bedroom townhouse in Kensington. Prices for FlipKey rentals in London range from around £60 per night for a studio apartment to over £1000 per night for a luxury townhouse.

Outdoorsy: A unique vacation rental option for nature lovers in London

Outdoorsy is a vacation rental platform that offers a unique option for nature lovers in London: campervans and RVs. The platform allows travelers to search for rentals based on location, price, and amenities, and offers a range of options for every budget.

Some popular Outdoorsy rentals in London include a campervan in Hackney and an RV in Camber Sands. Prices for Outdoorsy rentals in London range from around £50 per night for a basic campervan to over £200 per night for a luxury RV.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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