Serviced Apartments London

 All-inclusive furnished accommodation like a serviced apartment in London is a hassle-free, safe and flexible option to choose for any short term trip or long stay in the city. Our local expertise and extensive apartment knowledge can help you find the best property to rent on a weekly or monthly basis. You can't get our local knowledge and help anywhere else.

 

What kind of Serviced Apartment are you looking for?

Top 15 Best Serviced Apartments in London

Live Availability with Instant Confirmation on 500+ Serviced Apartments in London. Search now!

"Check-in-London makes a difference to my stay due to their friendly staff and their knowledge about London and which properties will suit which kind of traveller - they really offer friendly, professional and local advice."


Prof. Annelize Nienaber
Read the case study
 

"Sorted out all the hassle of finding the right type of apartment in the right location for my purposes (Close to where I was working - the City, and close to transport links to get home at the weekends - DLR to City Airport). "

Patrick O'Dwyer
Read the case study
 

FAQs: About Serviced Apartments

• What is a serviced apartment?
• Does it work like Airbnb?
• How long can I book a serviced apartment in London for?
• Do I need a serviced apartment?
• What furnishings are included in a serviced apartment?
• What safety measures are in place for Covid-19? 
• How do I find a serviced apartment in London?
• How much does it cost to stay in a serviced apartment?
• What amenities do serviced apartments in London have?
• What types of serviced apartments are there in London?
• When is the best time to book a serviced apartment in London?
• Do I have to pay a deposit when I rent a London serviced apartment?
• What taxes do I need to pay when I book a serviced apartment?
• Can I get a VAT invoice for my stay?
• Can I cancel or amend my booking?

FAQs: During Your Stay

• How do you check-in to a serviced apartment?
• How can I get to my London apartment from the airport?
• How can I get to my London apartment from the Eurostar Terminal?
• Can I order food delivery to my serviced apartment?
• Can I bring my dog or cat to stay with me in a London serviced apartment?
• Are washing machines provided within the serviced apartments?
• Do serviced apartments offer car parking?

FAQs: London

• What are the best London neighbourhoods to stay in?
• What are the top things to do in London during my stay?
• What’s the best local SIM card in London for my stay?
• What’s the easiest way to travel around London during my stay?
• What if I need to see a doctor or have a medical emergency while I am in London?

What is a serviced apartment?

A London serviced apartment is best described as a fully furnished apartment rental that comes inclusive of internet, utility bills, furniture and TVs, cooking appliances, bedding and towels, private bathrooms and 24 hour emergency support.
 

A serviced apartment has these main features:

• All furnishings provided
• Private living area, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom
• Free WiFi 
• All utility bills are included
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Daily or weekly cleaning service 
• Health and safety compliance

Serviced apartments are suited for many different types of stays such as short stays, long stays, self-contained stays, short term lets, extended stays and corporate housing.

The industry body ASAP (The Association of Serviced Apartment Providers) explains what a serviced apartment is in this article.

Does it work like Airbnb?

No. Serviced apartments work more like hotels in terms of duty of care, cleanliness, customer service and emergency assistance.

They are not managed by private owners or landlords but instead professionally cleaned and mantained by global or local hospitality companies.

They do not have any personal belongings and include good quality furnishings including bed linen and towels. You are not allowed to have parties or smoke in the apartments and maximum occupancy limits apply.

 
Do I need a serviced apartment?

Renting a serviced apartment is right for you if you think:

• Hotel rooms don't have enough living space or self-catering facilities
• You are looking for a fully furnished and homely space but not someone's home
• You want all the utility bills included and setup especially good WiFi
• You are worried about the quality and cleanliness of private rentals
• You want the accommodation to be regularly cleaned
• Safety and privacy is important to you
• You need reliable 24/7 emergency assistance should anything go wrong
• You need flexibility with dates and cannot commit to long term periods

How long can I book a serviced apartment in London for?

In London, serviced apartments can be booked for short term stays from one night to 6 monthly rentals or for longer extended stays upto a year or longer.

They are best suited for stays of 7 nights or more because of their all-inclusive pricing and easy-to-cancel booking terms that come without any lengthy contract commitments. They are very popular for 1,2,3 monthly rentals as well.

Note: Some properties may have a minimum stay requirement of 7 nights to 90 nights.

What furnishings are included in a serviced apartment?

All the serviced apartments on our website are furnished meaning they are ready-to-live and equipped with furniture and essential home comforts.  They usually include: 

• A living space with a sofa, coffee table, TV and dining table and chairs 
• A comfortable bed with clean bed linen and wardrobe space for storage
• A bathroom with a bathtub or shower, toilet, loo rolls, towels and a sink
• A kitchen with a hob, microwave, fridge, freezer, oven, dishwasher, kettle, toaster, washing machine and sink. As well as cutlery, crockery, pans and cooking utensils.
• Hair dryer, Iron and ironing board, In-room safe and guest handbook are also available in most apartments.
   

Check the property listings for full details.

What safety measures are serviced apartments taking in light of the Covid-19 pandemic?  

Serviced apartment companies in London have implemented many new hygiene and safety procedures to keep their guests and staff safe during the pandemic and minimise the risk of spreading Coronavirus.

Here are some of the new measures in place (varies by property):

• Contactless Check-in and Check-out
• Safety screens at reception
• Staff wearing masks and PPE
• Hand sanitiser stations in the common areas
• Regular cleaning of high touch surfaces
• Temperature checks on arrival
• Socially distanced housekeeping services
• Flexible cancellation policies
• Independent covid-safety accreditations

How do I find a serviced apartment in London?

If you want to make your serviced apartment search in London easier and quicker, take some time to work out:

• When do you need the apartment for and are your dates flexible?
• How much can you spend on a nightly, weekly or monthly basis?
• What neighbourhoods do you like or where do you need to be based (e.g near your office or project)
• How many people will be staying in the apartment? 
• Do you have any preferences of amenities or facilities that you need at the property (e.g lifts, 24 hour concierge, gym, parking)

Having the answers to some (if not all) of the questions above will save you a considerable amount of time and energy and help you find something that is a perfect fit for your needs.

Our specialists can help guide you through the search process if you are finding it hard by offering recommendations based on your specific preferences and our local knowledge.

How much does it cost to stay in a serviced apartment?

• Studios cost from £70-£150 per night / £490-£1050 per week
   
• 1 Bedroom Apartments cost from £90-190 per night / £690-£1330 per week
   
• 2 Bedroom Apartments cost from £210-400 per night / £1470-£2800 per week
   
• 3 Bedroom Apartments cost from £300-£650 per night / £2100-£4550 per week

Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the style, facilities, location and time of the year. Luxury serviced apartments will cost considerably more but offer long stay discounts.
 

What are the best London neighbourhoods to stay in?

London offers a wide choice of unique and vibrant neighbourhoods with plenty of local amenities, eateries, pubs, transport links, convenience shops, gardens and recreational spaces.
 

What are London's best neighbourhoods for corporate housing

The best areas in London for corporate housing are Canary Wharf, Farringdon, Aldgate, London Bridge or St. Pauls with quick access to the prime business hubs and financial centres

What are the best London Zones to stay in

London is divided into 6 zones by the Transport for London (TFL) system to calculate a customer's travel distance.

They look like concentric cirlces starting from the centre which marks Zone 1 in the heart of the city expanding to Zone 2,3,4,5 and then finally Zone 6 which is the last zone on the outskirts of the city.

These are some of the popular neighbourhoods by London Zone to stay in:

London Zone 1 

• Kensington serviced apartments
• Marylebone serviced apartments
• Bloomsbury serviced apartments
• Mayfair serviced apartments
• Tower Bridge serviced apartments
• Bayswater serviced apartments
• London Bridge serviced apartments
• Westminster serviced apartments
• Notting Hill serviced apartments
• Aldgate serviced apartments

London Zone 2
 

• Shoreditch serviced apartments
• Hammersmith serviced apartments
• Canary Wharf serviced apartments
• Maida Vale serviced apartments
• Camden serviced apartments

  London Zone 3

• Ealing serviced apartments
• Kew serviced apartments
• Stratford serviced apartments
• Wimbledon serviced apartments

London Zone 4

• Richmond serviced apartments
• Wembley serviced apartments
• Harrow serviced apartments

Generally speaking, serviced apartments in London Zone 1 are considered to be in the city centre and cost more or offer less space compared to serviced apartments in London Zone 2 and London Zone 3 and beyond. 

What amenities do serviced apartments in London have?

These are some of the most popular amenities and facilities serviced apartments offer:
 

• Serviced apartments with 24 hour concierge
• Serviced apartments with air-conditioning
• Serviced apartments with a gym
• Serviced apartments with a balcony
• Serviced apartments with car parking
• Serviced apartments with washing machine
• Serviced apartments with meeting/co-working space
• Family-friendly serviced apartments
• Pet-friendly serviced apartments
• Luxury serviced apartments
• Corporate housing apartments

What types of serviced apartments are there in London?

Serviced apartments range from Studios (open plan living and sleeping area) to 1,2,3,4 and 5 bedroom apartments.

Some serviced apartments are set within a dedicated aparthotel or serviced apartment building with a variety of on-site facilities accessible to all guests.

Some serviced apartments may be set within a residential building or complex as a collection of individual units.

 

When is the best time to book a serviced apartment in London?

If you are looking to spend less, then it is best not to book during the Summer season, bank holidays (Christmas, Easter, May Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday) and instead travel during off-peak periods during the rest of the year.

Be aware of major event dates of the year like Wimbledon, World Travel Market, Fashion Weeks as not only do the rates go up but you will find many serviced apartments getting booked up in advance with limited or no availability.

Do I have to pay a deposit when I rent a London serviced apartment?

Depending on the serviced apartment you book, you may need to pay a security deposit to cover against any incidentals.

Some serviced apartments may pre-authorise your credit card for incidentals. Check the the terms before booking.

What taxes do I need to pay when I book a serviced apartment?

In the UK, most serviced apartments charge VAT (value added tax) on the nightly rate. 
Where VAT applies, there is a reduction in the VAT rate after the 28th night of a continuous stay. Check current VAT rates here

Vat reductions apply specifically to Long stay accommodation and is explained further under the UK government's Reduced Value Rule here.

Our website displays rates inclusive of VAT (where applicable).

We can also provide bespoke proposals for corporate travel/bookers with rates excluding VAT.

Can I get a VAT invoice for my stay?

We can provide you with a full VAT invoice for your stay if you book a London serviced apartment that charges VAT. We offer all our corporate bookers and business travellers a client portal login where they can access their invoices 24/7.

Can I cancel or amend my booking?

Most serviced apartments allow you to cancel or amend your booking for free if your cancellation request is received within the cancellation notice period (e.g 7 days prior to your arrival date)

Some serviced apartments may charge a cancellation fee.

Once you receive your booking confirmation, the cancellation and amendment terms and conditions stated in it will apply.

These vary depending on the serviced apartment you book. 

Also note: If you are reducing the number of nights for a discounted long stay booking, you may be liable for a nightly rate increase.
 

How do you check-in to a serviced apartment?

Depending on the property you book, you may need to collect your keys from the on-site reception, arrange a meet & greet service with the apartment provider or use the self check-in facilities like a key safe on-site to access your keys.

Check-in times vary between 14:00-16:00 and Check-out times vary between 10:00-12:00 noon. If you need to check-in earlier then you may need to book the apartment from the previous night. 

Luggage storage facilities prior to checking-in or after checking-out may not always be available.

How can I get to my London apartment from the airport?

The quickest way to get to your apartment from any London airport is by train or by taxi.

There are 5 major airports in London:

• London Heathrow (LHR)
• London Gatwick (LGW)
• London Stansted (STN)
• London Luton (LTN)
• London City (LCY)

Travelling from the airport to your apartment by train

Train services operate from all the major London airports to the city centre.

From London Heathrow

• Heathrow Express
  London Heathrow Airport to London Paddington station in 15-20 mins
  Contactless and Oyster payments accepted
  Run every 15 minutes, 7 days a week
  On the day tickets from £22.00
  Advance tickets from just £5.50
  See all fares & Book here
  
   
• Heathrow Connect (TFL rail)
  London Heathrow Airport to London Paddington station in 32 mins
  Calling at West Ealing, Hayes and & Harlington and Hanwell
  Run every 15 minutes, 7 days a week
  You can’t use Oyster travel cards on trains when travelling from Heathrow
  On the day tickets from £11.20
  Advance tickets from just £5.50
  Book here
   

• Underground trains (The Tube)
  Three station at Heathrow Airport Terminals 2 and 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5
  All stations are in Travelcard Zone 6
  Contactless and Oyster payments accepted
  Tickets from just £5.30 one-way during peak times & £3.30 off-peak times
  Check fares here
  
   

From London Gatwick

• Gatwick Express
  London Gatwick to London Victoria
  Journey time 30-35 minutes
  Tickets from £17.80 (10% Discount if you book via app)
  Non-stop service runs every 15 minutes
   
• Southern Railway
  London Gatwick to London Victoria (Via Clapham Junction & Croydon)
  Journey time 1 hour 30 minutes
  Tickets from £12.00 (non-refundable) £17.60 (Flexible any time of the day)
   
• Thameslink
  London Gatwick to London Bridge
  Journey time 1 hour 28 minutes
  Tickets from £12.00 (Flexible any time of the day)
  Contactless and Oyster payments accepted

From London Stansted

• Stansted Express
  London Stansted to London Liverpool Street
  Tickets from £19.90 (or £9.70 Advance offer)
  Journey time 47 minutes
  Runs every 30 minutes
  Non-stop service
   
• Greater Anglia
  London Stansted to London Liverpool Street
  Tickets from £19.40 (Flexible any time of the day)
  Journey time 50 minutes
  86 services a day

From London Luton

• East Midlands Railway
  Direct trains to London Bridge, London Blackfriars & London St. Pancras
  Tickets from £15 (Check Peak & Off-Peak rates)
  Journey time 22 minutes (fastest train)
  129 services a day
   
• Thameslink
  Direct trains to London Bridge, London Blackfriars & London St. Pancras
  Tickets from £13.50 (Check Peak & Off-Peak rates)
  Journey time 34-50 minutes
  300+ services a day

Remember to add to a 10-minute Shuttle Bus transfer to your overall journey time. Pre-book your train tickets online and include your shuttle bus in your journey

 

From London City

• Dockland Light Railway (London Underground)
  Tickets from £2.80 off-peak times (£3.40 peak times)
  Journey time 13 minutes to Bank & 17 minutes London Stratford
  Runs every 15 minutes
  Contactless and Oyster payments accepted
  Locates in Zone 3
  Check fares here

Travelling from the airport to your apartment by coach

National Express Coach Services

From Heathrow Airport to London Victoria
From £7.60. 13 services a day. 40 minutes journey time.

From London Gatwick
From £8. 3 services a day. 30 minutes journey time.

From London Stansted
From £8. 100 services a day. 50 minutes journey time.

From London Luton
From £5. 35 services a day. 47 minutes journey time.

Travelling from the airport to your apartment by taxi

You can book an Uber, hail a Black Cab from the airport taxi rank or book with a local taxi company to take you from all London airports to your serviced apartment.

We can recommend reliable local chauffeur companies who offer airport transfers from all the London airports. Their professional drivers will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your apartment address.

How can I get to my London apartment from the Eurostar Terminal?

The quickest way you can travel to your apartment in London after your Eurostar journey is by train or by taxi.

The Eurostar operates from London St Pancras International - Euston Rd, London N1C 4QP.
 

Travelling from St. Pancras International to your apartment by train

King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station is connected to this terminal and is served by six Tube lines (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines) and the Thameslink train service.

Travelling from St. Pancras International to your apartment by taxi

You can book an Uber, hail a Black Cab from the taxi rank (Midland Road) or book with a local taxi company to take you from the Eurostar terminal at St. Pancras Station to your serviced apartment.

Can I order food delivery to my serviced apartment?

Yes of course, you can order groceries or take-away from local restaurants and have them delivered to your serviced apartment.

Top online grocery delivery shopping sites/apps
 

• Amazon (Brands: Amazon Fresh & Morrisons)
  Minimum spend £40. Delivery fees varies. Prime members get same day free delivery.
   
• Deliveroo (Brands: Co-op, Morrisons, Aldi & M&S)
  Minimum spend £15 or small delivery fee £5. Free delivery
   
• UberEats (Brands: Sainsbury, ASDA, Local independent shops)
  Minimum spend £15. Free delivery
   
• Ocado (Brands: Ocado & M&S)
  Minimum spend £40. Delivery fees varies. 
   
• Tesco
  Minimum spend £40. Delivery fees varies. 
   
• Morrissons
  Minimum spend £40. Delivery fees varies
  . 
• Sainsbury Online
  Minimum spend £25. Delivery fees varies. 
   
• Asda
  £3 charge if order below £40. Delivery fees £5. 

Top food delivery and takeaway sites/apps
 

• Deliveroo
  Track your delivery. Contact-free delivery. No minimum order. Delivery charges apply. Also delivers groceries. Fast food chains like KFC & Subway. Regular discounts.
  
   
• Just Eat
  Widest coverage of restaurants. Minimum order amount for some restaurants. Regular discounts.
  
   
• UberEats
  Track your delivery. Regular discounts. Easy sorting tool on app. No minimum order. Delivery charges apply.  Also delivers groceries. Fast food chains like McDonalds & Starbucks.
  
   
• Local London food delivery businesses by Timeout 

What’s the best local SIM card in London for my stay?

A Pay As You Go SIM-only deal with No Contract is probably the easiest and quickest way to get a SIM card up and running with your current phone.

Make sure your phone is unlocked before trying to set it up.

You can buy SIM cards from almost any supermarket or corner shop in the UK. 

Tesco and ASDA supermarkets also offer their own brand SIM cards. 

SIM cards for EE & O2 networks are also available from vending machines at the airports. 

You can also order a SIM from online-only providers like Voxi and Giffgaff. They usually offer better value for money especially for data plans.
 

Top Pay As You Go SIM-only providers to consider:
 

O2

• Pay as you go SIM only deals. No Contract
• £10 gives you 6GB Data. Unlimited UK calls and texts. Data rollover.
• Order here

EE

• Pay as you go SIM only deals. No Contract
• £10 gives you 8GB Data. 100 mins UK calls and unlimited texts. Data rollover.
• Order here

Giffgaff

• Runs on the O2 network. No contract.
• £10 gives you 9GB Data. Unlimited UK calls and texts. EU Roaming.
• Order here (to any country in the world)
   

Voxi

• Runs on the Vodaphone network. No contract.
• £10 gives you 12GB Data. Unlimited UK calls and texts. EU Roaming.
• Order here (UK addresses only)

What’s the easiest way to travel around London during my stay?

There are many options for getting around the city of London. 

• Underground trains (The Tube)
  Pay with an Oyster card or contactless credit/debit card
  Fares from  £2.50 Off Peak times or £3.00 Peak times
  Peak times: Monday to Friday from 0630 to 0930 and from 1600 to 1900.
  Off Peak times: At all other times including public holidays.
  Click here for the London Tube Map
   
• Buses
  Pay with an Oyster card or contactless credit/debit card
  Fares from £1.55.
  See fares & charges here.
   
• Cycles by Santander
  Pay with contactless credit/debit card. Easy-to-use App. Great London coverage.
  Fares from £2 for unlimited journeys up to 30 minutes. Yearly memberships.
   
• Black cabs
  Pay with contactless credit/debit card.
  Fares from £3.20. See fares & charges here.
   
• Taxi apps like Uber & Gett
  Payments via stored card details in app. Easy to book app.
   
• Uber Boat by Thames Clipper
  Pay with contactless credit/debit card or Thames Clippers Tickets app or Uber.
  Toilets & café bar onboard. Guaranteed seats. Bikes allowed.
  Fares from £4.60 Single, Return & Unlimited tickets. See fares & charges here.

What if I need to see a doctor or have a medical emergency while I am in London? 

Depending on the seriousness of your situation you can try these healthcare options:
 

For life-threatening emergencies:

• Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and in a life-threatening condition.
   
• Find your nearest A&E (not all hospitals have an A&E department). Check here to know when to go to the A&E

For less urgent medical help and if you are feeling unwell:

• Ask a local pharmacist for advice on minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headaches, sore throats, or travel health
   
• Register with an NHS GP practice as a “Temporary Patient” (if you are in the area for more than 24 hours and less than three months). It is up to the GP practice to decide whether to accept new patients or not. Treatment will be free of charge. Find a GP and doctor in London
   

• Try an Urgent Care Walk-in Centre if you cannot register with a GP.. Registration is not required and patients do not need an appointment. Most centres are open 365 days a year and outside office hours. Find Urgent Care Walk-in Centres in London
  
   
• Call NHS 111 for medical advice if it's not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need.

Also note:

Some services or treatments carried out in an NHS hospital are exempt from charges, so they're free to all.
 

These include:

• A&E services – not including emergency treatment if admitted to hospital
• family planning services – this does not include abortions or infertility treatment
• treatment for most infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

If you're visiting England for more than 6 months, you'll need to pay the immigration health surcharge, unless you're exempt from paying it. The full amount will be paid upfront for the duration of your visa and this entitles you to free NHS hospital treatment in England.

If you're visiting England for less than 6 months, you should ensure you're covered for healthcare through personal medical insurance during your visit, even if you're a former UK resident. You will need to pay for NHS hospital treatment and you'll be charged at 150% of the national NHS rate.
 

Useful links:

NHS Advice for overseas visitors

How to access NHS services in England if you are visiting from abroad

Can I bring my dog or cat to stay with me in a London serviced apartment?

Yes, there are many pet-friendly serviced apartments in London who are happy to accommodate your furry family members.
 

What you should know about staying with a pet in a serviced apartment:

• There may be an additional charges, cleaning fees or deposits to stay with a pet in a serviced apartment
• There may be restrictions on the number of pets you can stay with
• There may be restrictions on the size or breed of the pet
• Find an area that is more suitable for your pet as well (i.e near a park or in a quiet residential neighbourhood)
• Research local vets in the area. The RCVS Find a Vet service is a good place to start.

What you should know about travelling with a pet cat or dog to London:

• Your pet must be microchipped
• Your pet must have a pet passport or health certificate
• Dogs must also usually have a tapeworm treatment
• Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies - it will also need a blood test if you’re travelling from an country that is not ‘listed’
• Check that the company you are travelling with will accept your pet (or pets) for travel. Also check if you need any proof that your pet is fit and healthy to travel, for example a letter from a vet or certain information in your pet passport

Your pet may be put into quarantine for up to 4 months if you do not follow these rules - or refused entry if you travelled by sea. You’re responsible for any fees or charges.

UK Government guidelines and steps for bringing your pet to London here.

Are washing machines provided within the serviced apartments?

Most serviced apartments in London include a washing machine or a washer dryer within the apartment. They also usually have an iron and an ironing board.

Those that do not have this included within the apartment, may have an on-site laundry room for guests to access these appliances (charges may apply).

Do serviced apartments offer car parking?

Car parking is a very desirable on-site facility when living in London and not very easily available.

We do have some quality central London and suburban London serviced apartments with car parking.

Extra charges may apply (especially for central London properties).

What are the top things to do in London during my stay?

Our local specialists have put together a handy list of the top experiences that are highly recommended for you to out when you are in London.
 

We have tried our best to provide accurate information here to inspire you and help you plan your trip. If you notice any broken links or out-of-date details, please send us an email here