We used the online site “airbnb”:http://www.airbnb.co.uk to choose a location for a citybreak of 4 days for my 60th birthday. We chose a location close to the tube station in a particularly pleasant “village-like” leafy location, yet only a few minutes away by tube from theatres, etc in central London.
The benefit of using airbnb is that you are dealing almost directly with the owner, the prices are clearly visible, and the choice is vast: rooms, houses, apartments – in places all over the world.
Airbnb is a forum for individuals who have little used or extra accommodation to be able to rent out their place when they are able. The owners post photographs to clearly show what they are letting, and the reviews by previous customers give peace of mind.
Our apartment was exactly as we expected, delightful, convenient, and the owner was incredibly helpful and generous as well.
We would definitely use this means of finding accommodation again.