London holiday lets: Where to stay, what to expect, and how to find the best deals

When you’re visiting London, a London holiday let, a privately rented apartment or house for short-term stays, often used by tourists and business travelers. Also known as short term rentals London, it gives you more space, a kitchen, and the feel of living like a local—not just passing through. Unlike hotels, these places let you cook your own breakfast, spread out after a long day of sightseeing, and even host friends or family without paying extra. But not all holiday lets are created equal. Some are in quiet residential streets with real neighborhood charm. Others sit right next to busy train lines or in buildings with poor reviews you won’t find until it’s too late.

What makes a good London holiday let, a privately rented apartment or house for short-term stays, often used by tourists and business travelers. Also known as short term rentals London, it gives you more space, a kitchen, and the feel of living like a local—not just passing through. isn’t just location. It’s knowing which areas actually work for your trip. If you’re here for culture, a flat near Camden or Islington puts you steps from markets, pubs, and underground gigs. For families, places around Greenwich or Richmond offer parks, river walks, and fewer crowds. Business travelers often prefer zones like Canary Wharf or Southwark for easy Tube access. And if you’re looking to save money, staying just outside Zone 1—like Walthamstow or Croydon—can cut your rent by 30% or more, with a 20-minute ride into the center.

There’s also the question of legality. London has rules around short-term lets. Some buildings ban them entirely. Others charge extra fees. And while Airbnb is popular, many of the best deals come from smaller platforms or direct landlords who skip the platform fees. That’s why the best listings often don’t show up in the first page of search results—they’re buried in local Facebook groups, community boards, or word-of-mouth recommendations. You’ll find more honest reviews, clearer photos, and fewer hidden charges if you look beyond the big names.

Don’t forget the little things. Does the place have a washing machine? Is there a 24-hour supermarket nearby? Are the windows double-glazed so you can sleep through the early morning traffic? These details matter more than a fancy photo of a bathtub. The posts below cover exactly this: real experiences from people who’ve stayed in London holiday lets—from the ones that felt like home, to the ones that made them wish they’d booked a hotel instead. You’ll find guides on where to find the safest rentals, how to spot scams, which neighborhoods offer the best value, and even how to negotiate longer stays for lower rates. Whether you’re coming for a weekend or a month, this collection gives you the tools to avoid the traps and find the spots locals actually recommend.