Reviews For London Holiday apartment - Property 12777

Holiday Rental Location: World, Europe, United Kingdom, England, London
Attractive central London flat, historic building,close to tube, free broadband
Attractive central London flat, historic building,close to tube, free broadband
Friendly helpful owners, great neighbourhood, two bedrooms, separate shower
The great thing about this superb apartment is its location. Built in 1774, it is adjacent to the buzz of one of London’s “destination streets” (Upper Street), one minute from the underground (Victori...
 4/5

Great location and nice owners
Elfer   Konstanz/Germany.
Date Submitted: September 23, 2009   Date of Stay: August 2009
Considering central London standards this apartment offers good space for 4 people. It was clean and everything was functional and convenient. The owner was very nice. This provided an instant feelgood factor.
The location is great. Islington itself is a vibrant part of town with many restaurants and shops. Its residential areas are also good for walks. Highbury&Islington station (Victoria line and London Overground) is across the road. A few insider tips (we used to live in the area for over six years):
- La Porchetta on Upper Street: great value for money and good fun. You can see the action on Upper Street through the large windows while you work on what must be the largest pizzas in the world.
- The Sunday farmers market (behind Town Hall, signposted on Upper Street): nice atmosphere and losts of organic shopping to be done for a nice meal or a quick bite:
- Chilling out on Highbury fields: it lies in front of you when you come out of the front door. Walk up to the Oasis Cafe for a cup of tea.
- Take a walk along the New River and look at one of the most beautiful streets in the world: Alwyne Road.
- Flashback on the Essex Road for second hand CDs.
- Sitting on the Islington Green and looking around.
- The Screen on the Green cinema: on of the best in London.
- The Hope and Anchor on Upper Street for live music.
- Hop on the Overground and ride out to wonderful wonderful Richmond.

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing

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 5/5

Great experience
Matt in Ohio   Lebanon, OH, USA.
Date Submitted: June 02, 2009   Date of Stay: May 2009
We stayed in this top floor apartment on Highbury Fields for one week in May 2009. Our experience was great - the apartment was clean, well appointed, and just a few steps from the Highbury & Islington station on the Victoria Line (one stop from King's Cross, about 15-20 minutes from Victoria Station). Several markets are within walking distance, so it was easy to stock up on necessities. We didn't make much use of the kitchen for cooking (so many good restaurants around...), but it was clean, well stocked, and large enough to cook for a family. The beds were maybe just a bit harder than we're used to, but some might find that to be a good thing. Regardless, we had no trouble sleeping comfortably. As others have mentioned, the stairs leading to the apartment are narrow and steep, so if you have mobility concerns, this might be something to consider.
I have to say that communication was excellent. Though Sally and Nigel were at their other property in Edinburgh when we checked in, we did run into Sally later in the week. She was very bright and pleasant, and we would have been very comfortable contacting her if we needed anything (as it turns out, everything was already well taken care of and we had no reason to contact Sally or Nigel). We dealt mostly with Warren. Warren was highly professional and always answered emails promptly. We had arranged with Warren to check in early (our flight was supposed to arrive at 7:00), but after boarding the plane, we were delayed on the tarmac for nearly six hours. With no way of contacting Warren, we were a little concerned that no one would be there to check us in. When we arrived, we found that Warren had already checked on our flight and was ready and waiting for us right on time.
Thanks for a great stay!

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers

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 5/5

Highbury Fields
Les Oiseaux   Angus.
Date Submitted: August 12, 2008   Date of Stay: September 2007
There can’t be many flats to rent that enable you to enjoy an early morning swim after a 2 minutes walk and jump on a tube, after a 2minute walk in another direction. The location is fabulous and the small shops in Highbury (8 minutes) are well worth the short walk
We have used this flat when I have been working in London and I have used the kitchen for recipe testing, it is well equipped. I was amazed to find a supply of freezer blocks (useful for my work but also for picnics) in the freezer.
Sally and Nigel are very hospitable from the welcoming bottle of wine, expensive butter and delicious bread on arrival, to their generosity over parking tickets and internet access. Our only complaint is that we rarely want to leave.

Recommended for: Families with Young Children

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 5/5

Excellent Place to Stay
GerryH   Londonderry N.Ireland.
Date Submitted: July 11, 2008   Date of Stay: July 2008
We, (myself my wife and three children aged 6, 6 (twins) and 9) recently returned home after spending an absolutely fantastic week in London, staying at this flat.
The location was perfect, for tube, buses, shopping, dining etc.
The property was immaculate and very well maintained,every need was catered for, all the appliances where working perfectly. We found the beds to be very comfortable and had no trouble sleeping. There was no problem with excessive noise. The kids used the swimming pool and park across the road daily.
I would like to thank Sally and Nigel for helping to make our stay so enjoyable. Thankyou.

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Age 55+, Families with Young Children, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway, Adventure Seekers

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 4/5

Splendid stay
German family   Lower Saxony, Germany.
Date Submitted: July 06, 2008   Date of Stay: March 2008
I just would like say that the stay was really pleasant. The
apartment was provided with everything you need. To start with we found the most important things we needed - bread, milk etc, which we found quite unusual but which helped us a lot, especially because of our three grandchildren. Besides this was a measure of hospitality, which we appreciated.

Even before we left for London, I found that during the process of booking, and of the preparation of our stay, the way the agent dealt with the matter was very reliable, quick and thorough. - So all in all we had a good time
(in spite of the cold weather). Very recommendable!!
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 5/5

Several Wonderful Stays
nanciette   Alexandria Virginia USA.
Date Submitted: July 05, 2008   Date of Stay: June 2008
We have stayed in this flat for several years. The beds are heavenly to sleep on, the linens for bed and bath are of excellent quality. We think it is fabulous that the shower is separate from the bath. We have entertained up to 16 people in this apartment out of this kitchen. Nigel and Sally have lent us extra plates, silverware, glassware etc. Their phone service is also a very generous offer. The apartment is always immaculate when we arrive, flowers and wine always offered. We have used the washing machine at least once or twice every day and never had a problem. I have never been in an apartment anywhere in Europe, where screens were furnished...that's an American Thang. And yes, there are stairs, but just think what great excercise you get so you can have another pastry from Ottolenghis's.

If you choose to rent an apartment in the heart of a major city, there will be noise, people do drink, and yes people have barking dogs. But it has always been very quiet at this address. It sounds like the person who was unhappy would be better off at a theme park.

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway

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 3/5

good value still needs some work
Jackson6   Portland Oregon.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2008   Date of Stay: June 2008
As advertised, the best feature of this property is the location - the park, the tube, shops, pubs, restaurants, and grocery stores. Overall the beds were about average. The queen bed and sofa bed a little less than average comfort by US travel standards. Bath was clean and updated, and the kitchen was functional and clean. We used the washer heavily having traveled with 4 teens for two weeks - it worked great albeit a bit slow, The carpets were very worn up the stairs to the entry as well as in the rooms. The sofas could use some cleaning as well. Our hosts were very warm and welcoming and wonderfully responsive. The stairs were a bit of a hike but no big deal unless you were elderly or had small children and lots of big bags. TV in family room was nice but bedroom had some reception challenges but we didn't come here to watch TV so no big deal. Overall good value despite some needed improvements given prices for hotels that can accomodate 6 people.

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing

Owners Response: Thanks for the constructive comments. The washing machine takes an hour on a fast programme or 30 minutes on wool - bring your washabale jumpers (not that London is always cold!) If necessary, the sofas are laundered between guests, time permitting, and have been thoroughly cleaned. We’ve also recently had the carpets professionally shampooed. Replacing the carpets throughout the three storey building, and within the whole flat is a longer term aim. The public areas are kept clean and tidy, and have regularly replaced fresh flowers from our garden.
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 5/5

We love Islington!
Islintgon fan    Ithaca, New York.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2008   Date of Stay: January 2008
We were delighted with the flat. We loved the location, we found it very clean, enjoyed the charming neighborhood (so many great gourmet shops for cooking, the park, nice restaurants, and a stone's throw from the tube, where one stop gets you within shouting distance of the British Library, the British Museum, Russell Square, etc). The appliances all worked, the owners were helpful and welcoming... We have wonderful memories of our days there and will almost certainly be back!
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 5/5

Fantastic apartment
Delighted of Devon   Exter, Devon.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2008   Date of Stay: March 2008
I would just like to say that I don't think I could find a negative thing to say about this apartment. I think Sally & Nigel have a wonderful apartment in a prime part of London, we certainly will be staying there again.
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 5/5

Lovely apartment, great location
Paul62   Israel.
Date Submitted: July 04, 2008   Date of Stay: April 2008
We spent a week at the flat in Highbury place in London. On behalf of my family, I would like to thank the owners of the flat, for the very enjoyable stay we had at the flat.
We really felt at home away from home from all aspects. The actual layout of the flat and all the appliances, exactly as in the web site, the bottle of wine, the games for the kids, the first aid kit (which came into use), the electrical socket adapters, the book & maps about London, the local shopping guide we found in the flat booklet, etc.
All in all the attention to the small details really made our stay very enjoyable in London. We will recommend to family & friends to rent the flat next time they are in London. Again, thank you very much !

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children

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 5/5

June stay
Jeffm   Boulder, Colorado USA.
Date Submitted: July 03, 2008   Date of Stay: June 2008
Hi,
We recently spent a week in this apartment and had a wonderful time. Yes, it is up a few flights of stairs and yes there is some street noise (like anywhere in a major city) but it was a perfect fit for us (2 adults, 3 older kids), very clean and as good a location in London as you would want. The tube stop is across the street (Victoria line), fantastic bus service and 2 other tube lines within a 5 minute bus ride. After many long days sightseeing in London it was great to walk out of the tube stop and be settled into the apartment in about 1 minute.

Upper Street with all of its shops and cafes is right out the door and the park across the street is shady and calm.

Sally and Nigel were very helpful. There were fresh flowers and a bottle of wine provided and we had no problem staying late our last day. The kitchen was well stocked (though small but probably typical for a 200 year old building). The bedroom situation worked out well. There are 2 twins in one room and a double in another with a sleeper sofa in the living room.

We would stay there again without a doubt. However, if you have trouble with stairs then this would not be a good place.

-Jeff

Recommended for: Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway

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 1/5

Not as nice as it looks
Disappointed from CO   Colorado, USA.
Date Submitted: June 21, 2008   Date of Stay: May 2008
Very noisy: sirens, trains, drinks, dogs barking, etc. all hours. Uncomfortable beds, stained carpets with no padding or even tacked down. Terrible washing machine. Lots of narrow stairs. No screens on windows - flies.
Owners Response: We are very sorry Julie felt the need to write this review. The comfort and happiness of our guests is our absolute priority. Unfortunately, during their stay, Julie’s children accidentally damaged our flat. The damage is not in dispute. In over five years of letting this property, this is the first time we have ever asked a guest to contribute to the cost of making good repairs. Although the sum was small and directly related to the actual cost of the work done, Julie was most reluctant to contribute. Perhaps in asking we have offended her, for it was after this, three weeks after her stay, that she submitted her review. We feel it is unkind and unjustified. We would also point out that Julie did not raise a single one of these issues while she was here. Nor did she mention the damage caused. Had she done so, we would have done anything we could to help (we live in the same building). We have forwarded Julie all receipts for work done.
With regard to the specific things mentioned:
Noise: As with any city centre apartment, there is inevitably some noise. It is in no way excessive and we haven't had complaints from other guests.
Beds: No one has ever said the beds were uncomfortable before! We will ask other guests for their comments and, if necessary, improve them.
Carpet: Following the damage caused, the carpet has been professionally cleaned throughout. It is fitted and padded.
Washing machine: This is an own brand from John Lewis, the UK’s best known department store. According to Which?, the UK’s leading independent consumer magazine, this brand of washing machine “has been impressive since it launched”. It is 3 years old.
Stairs: The apartment is in a Georgian building, built in 1774. The stairs are original, and not particularly narrow, except the last flight. The building is Grade II listed (such buildings are of “special interest, warranting every effort to preserve them”) and no change to the stairs would be allowed.
Windows/flies: Screens on windows are extremely rare in UK properties and the occasional fly is an inevitable part of summer. (Two summers ago London was visited by a large number of ladybirds, but that's another story!)
Please read the other reviews on this site, and if you have any queries, please do get in touch. We would be more than happy to answer any questions and we do hope to be able to welcome you in London.
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 5/5

Comments from Owner Guestbook
Comments from our guests: 'What a wonderful apartment. So close to the tube, excellent outlook, well equipped and such great taste. Thanks so much for the wine, flowers and welcome card. It was a thoughtful touch. We loved our short time here and hope to be back soon.' June 2007
'You came highly recommended from family and we can see why. A bright, clean flat that welcomed us 'home' each night. It was great to spread out and have our own space. Thank you for the welcome package.' June 2007
'We feel like at home! The flat is lovely.' September 2007
'Thank you for the wonderful welcome card and most enjoyable wine. Had a great time visiting London. It was made even better by this lovely flat and all your hospitality.' August 2007
'Thank you for sharing your lovely flat. It is wonderful.' August 2007
Did you find this review helpful?  Yes   No Helpful votes: 5/9
Reviews are the subjective opinions of Holiday-Rentals travellers and not of Holiday-Rentals Limited.