How to cut costs on a family trip in London

Although London can be very costly, a family holiday to London doesn’t have to be expensive: there are many ways to save money on a family trip to London.

To help you get the best out of your holiday, we have thought on how to cut costs during your trip.

• Using an Oyster card

If you stay for more than one week this card is what you are looking for. You can use it for all London’s public transport and it’s cheaper than buying every time a single ticket. 

For example, paying cash for a single Underground journey in the centre of London is more than double that paying with an Oyster Card.

Alternatively, if you are staying one week or less, you could still save money doing the Travelcard ticket for 1 day or for 7 days.

• London Pass

With the London Pass you can get free access to 55 major London attractions for as little as £15.83 per day (£11.33 for child) and also allows you to skip lines at some attractions.

• Free museum 

You and your family can enjoy and discover the beauty of some of the most attractive and interesting London’s museums for free. They also organise (often during weekend) free workshops and family activities designed exclusively by professionals and devoted people. 

• Stay with us 

Whether you are looking for a short term or extended family accommodation, Boutique London Lets have a lot to offer. Our accommodation prices are competitive. When you book one of our apartments you don’t have to pay per room like you would in a hotel and you will have all the confort like in your house. 

Kitchen essentials like milk, tea, coffee, sugar, oil, salt and pepper are also provided for free taking the hassle out of family meal times. 

All our apartments are located in central London, easily accesible with close proximity to transports, museums, and London's popular tourist attractions. 

Our apartments will make you feel at home and you get all of this at significantly cheaper prices than comparable hotel accommodation.

Check our blog post regarding ‘Apartments Vs Hotels: A Comparison’ to discover the undeniable advantages to stay in one of our accommodation.

by Sara Laccone

Exploring Bloomsbury: one of London’s oldest and exclusive area

Today here at Boutique London Lets it is a very big day as we are thrilled to introduce you our brand new apartments, The Albany Serviced Apartments, magnificent studios and one-bedroom apartments.

The Albany Serviced Apartments

They are located in Bloomsbury, one of London’s oldest and exclusive area, location of the British Museum, the British Library and many more attractions.

Let’s begin our fantastic journey and discover this amazing district.

King's Cross Station

We are in King’s Cross station, a major railway and underground station in London. There are 6 underground lines (the Piccadilly line is the same line which can bring you directly from Heatrow Airport to here in 40 minutes) and also St Pancras International Station for the Eurostar service. Eurostar operate all train services through the Channel Tunnel to Continental Europe. It is also a great example of Victorian architecture and a triumph of nineteenth century architecture inside. 

King's Cross Station is also near many tourist attractions including The British Library and Regent's Park.

Located just 5 minutes from it you will find our Albany Apartments. So, there is no need for a taxi once you will arrive in London! 

Brunswick shopping centre

Right on your doorstep there is the Brunswick shopping centre that allows you to shop, eat and meet in the glorious surroundings of Bloomsbury. It has all you need just next to your accommodation. 

Heading to the British Museum, we passed through Russell Square, a great public place, completely redeveloped last year. 

Russell Square

The spring is coming and the café is perfect to enjoy the atmosphere of surrounding Bloomsbury back into the area's biggest central square. There is also a small ground-level water fountain and a statue attesting to the permanent status of the Russell family. 

Café in Russell Square

We also found this small green huts called cabman's shelter. The Cabmen's Shelter Fund was established in London in 1875 to run shelters for the drivers of cabs. By law, cab drivers could not leave the cab stand while their cab was parked there. This made it very difficult for them to obtain hot meals. Most of these shelter were staffed by an attendant who sold food and (non-alcoholic) drink to the cabbies and were provided with a kitchen in which the attendant could cook this food.Thirteen of the shelters still exist and are still run by the Cabmen's Shelter Fund and the one in Russell square is one of them.

Cabman's shelter in Russell Square

Nearby there is also Torrington Square with its great market where, every Thursday, you can find right in the heart of Bloomsbury, a good selection of farm products and hot food to take away. This fantastic market could represent a valid escape from your office or meeting for an hour. You can pop down and grab some fresh food and fresh air. 

Our journey has finished now and we hope you have enjoyed this virtual trip in Bloomsbury and we look forward to seeing you in London! 

by Sara Laccone

Poster Art 150 - London Underground’s Greatest Designs

The new exhibition ‘Poster Art 150 – London Underground’s Greatest Designs’ has started yesterday at the London Transport Museum showing 150 of the greatest Underground posters ever produced. They are part of the 150th anniversary celebrations of the London Underground and the entire exhibition will feature posters by many famous artists including Edward McKnight Kauffer and Paul Nash, and designs from each decade over the last 100 years. The posters were selected from the Museum’s archive of over 3,300 Underground posters by a panel of experts; the 150 that will appear in the exhibition show the range and depth of the Museum’s collection. 

The themes of the exhibition are six:

1. Finding your way: in this section you can find Underground maps and really original posters which will show you the way.

1. Brightest London: these posters will show you the brightest side of the capital celebrating the efficiency of London Underground.
2. Capital culture: London has always been a melting pot of culture and in these poster you can see its celebration.
3. Away from it all: a way to escape from the daily routine said by the London Underground.
4. Keeps London going: these posters will show how the London Underground has kept London on the move through its reliability, speed and improvements.
5. Love your city: Ready to see the best of London’s landmarks?

So why not staying in one of the Boutique London Lets apartments located in Westminster; the London Transport Museum is a leisurely fifteen minute walk! 

You've really hit the jackpot if you're treating yourself to one of our apartments in the heart of Westminster. Discover more about Westminster Tourist Attractions and History and some Insider Tips and Eating Out with our Westminster location guide.

We look forward to seeing you in London soon

by Sara Laccone

Five family adventures in London

A visit to London does not need to be restricted to just a day trip. Why not consider planning a fabulous weekend adventure in our capital city it’s easier than you think! Booking an apartment or house offers you many benefits including: freedom – cost effectiveness – flexible locations – ability to keep the all-important routine for younger children.

Sight Seeing

Tower Bridge

The tube experience is an interesting one and worth doing, if only to warm the children up on a cold day! For fun sightseeing take an open top bus ride touring the major sites and looking at the truly stunning architecture, old and new. My children always compete to spot the longest limo! On warmer days the river taxi is fun so many of London’s iconic landscapes like Tower Bridge are easy to spot and admire. You could end your journey at Canary Wharf and visit the O2.

The O2 

The O2

The British Music experience at the O2 is fabulous fun for all of the family with memorabilia spanning decades and interactive instruments such as Gibson guitars, pianos, drums and also a vocal booth to record yourself singing and release your inner pop star! With plenty of genres to enjoy this really is a fun family experience.

When you finally drag yourself away from all the musical fun and leave the O2 you could perhaps try a walk with a difference, walk across the roof of the white dome and take in the breath taking views.

If you really do have a head for heights…

The Shard

The Shard

You will find The Shard on the Southbank the tallest building in Western Europe at an impressive height of 310 metres. Travel up 68 floors in a Kaleidoscopic high speed lift the view will be exhilarating. Opening to the public on 1^st February and booking tickets is recommended. The Shard is the new ‘must do’!

Heading back towards the London Eye, as you stroll along the river be sure to have some spare change for the truly brilliant street acts that line the embankment. From incredible break-dancers to fire-eaters you will be wowed by the tricks and turns that make such a great show.

If it’s a live circus that takes your fancy… 

Cirque du Soleil

Cirque du Soleil

The amazing and intriguing Cirque du Soleil – at the Royal Albert Hall: one of London’s most iconic venues which opened in 1871 and was named after Queen Victoria’s late husband Prince Albert. This magnificent building hosts over 300 events a year from Classical concerts, Opera, Pop and Rock to charity events and now Cirque du Soleil’s Kooza. A story about “The Innocent” told using Acrobatic wonder and the art of clowning; taking you on a loners’ journey in search of his place in the world and told with humour and emotion. A visual treat for the senses so prepared to be wowed! Showing from 5^th January – 14^th February.

Sticking with the theatrical..

Matilda the musical

Matilda the musical is showing at the Cambridge theatre near to Covent Garden. Genuinely hilarious laugh out loud theatre (while I went with my son and his young friends I would happily go with adults this show is a must-see in my book!). I suggest a matinee showing and then look to head to Covent Garden to browse the market stalls and stop for an early supper. There are plenty of places to eat in Covent Garden or head to China Town for an oriental feast.

Museums for something educational and fun...

The Science Museum

Try one of the many museums that are spread around London. The Natural History  Museum  with its giant T Rex is always a firm favourite or next door The Science Museum with lots of interactive displays little fingers and minds will be kept busy and entertained. Both have free entry and with Kensington High Street and Knightsbridge nearby you could indulge in a spot of shopping after browsing the museums. Pop into Harrods the children will be in awe of the confectionary section, Willy Wonker eat your heart out! The café on the childrens clothing floor is great for kids my youngest son swears that the hotdogs are the biggest he has ever seen!

Planning a weekend in London really allows you to enjoy all that is on offer in this wonderful city.

This is a Guest post from Kirsti Banyard, a travel writer for Home Away. 

http://www.homeaway.co.uk/london/s/482/fa/find.squery

Stay in the heart of London in our Sienna apartments

Most Londoners would kill for an apartment as central as Farringdon – you've got the West End pretty much on your doorstep, not to mention the hustle and bustle of the City of London during the week and some peace and quiet at weekends.

The East End is just as convenient from here too so have a look at our Sienna apartments in the jewellery and diamond district Hatton Garden if you want to be in the middle of all the action. A 360 degree video tour will be coming to the Boutique London Lets YouTube channel soon.

Southwark apartments and Southwark Penthouse – caught on camera

You might have noticed that we've got even more apartments south of the river now. If not, here's two video treats of the six new Southwark apartments and the Southwark Penthouse - both in easy reach of London Bridge, Borough Market, The Old Vic, the South Bank and the West End.

The Waterloo Green apartment

All New Apartments Alert

We'll let our gorgeous new apartments Victoria (1 bed), Victoria (2 bed) and Grosvenor speak for themselves.

Plus keep checking the blog over the next few weeks for newbies Southwark and Southwark Penthouse.

If you like the idea of staying in one of these apartments in London – I mean, who wouldn't? – click here to see our full range of accommodation and locations.

Autumn Newsletter in your inboxes now

We're happy to report that – bar a few sirens – Sophie, our blogger about town, hasn't seen or heard of any riot-related incidents in Central London today or yesterday. We hope that our BLL guests have managed to continue with your vacations as normal this week.

Looking ahead, anyone who subscribes to our newsletters will have had a shot of upcoming London action in their inboxes. Click on the link below if you missed it for London events and an exciting exclusive newsletter-only discount code for your next stay at Boutique London Lets apartments.

Autumn Newsletter

Canary Wharf – our new Boutique London Lets location

Check out one of our new apartments, the chic Dockside apartment located in Canary Wharf.

Think high rise office blocks housing the city's major banks, big open, modern spaces with plenty of luxury apartments and just 15 minutes on the Jubilee line back into the city.

Sound good? Inside, you've got over 700 square feet with two double bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living and dining area. The Dockside apartment is available from £156.75 a night.

Films set in London: where have I seen that before?

Here's a rundown of our favourite films that pop into your head when you're strolling around London and you think where have I seen that before?

DISNEY Mary Poppins - St Paul's Cathedral/ Trafalgar Square

The film set: In 'Feed the Birds', said to be Walt Disney's favourite song of any Disney movie, Mary Poppins shows the children a snow globe with St Pauls Cathedral in and sings about a beggar woman selling bird seed. Actually, to recreate this scene, you should head to Trafalgar Square for real-life seed sellers.

The apartment: Try our new Grosvenor apartment, on an historic market street in the heart of old Westminster.



DRAMA Match Point - Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and St Mary's Axe

The film: Woody Allen's Match Point doesn't quite match up to his New York based offerings but we all saw it anyway right? The family take in an opera with the social climber Chris (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who also manages to get a job in the Gherkin (St Marys Axe). Note: the Royal Opera House is also the filming location for the opera scene in the superb film The Fifth Element.

The apartment: The Regency apartment is the only one for you: its set in a beautiful period conversion in upmarket Pimlico and its easy to get anywhere from here.



GANGSTER Rock n' Rolla - Tower Hill and Newham, East London

The film set: Not one for the faint-hearted or squeamish, Guy Ritchie's recent London based gangster offering was shot in a mixture of seedy back alleys and high rise blocks with gorgeous city views. The Nightclub scene was filmed on Coopers Row, just around the corner from Fenchurch Street station.

The apartment: Your best bet is our Southwark Serviced Apartments which will allow you to hop across the river and explore East London.

Boutique London Lets YouTube Channel

Check out our YouTube channel here. We've got 14 videos of our apartments, like this Grand Waterloo Penthouse, showing you exactly what you are booking with us: from the furnishings to the bedrooms and spectacular views.

Subscribe to the channel as we'll be adding more videos in the near future.

New Boutique London Lets Newsletters

The first of our revamped newsletters should have already hit your inboxes with the Summer edition of what's new with Boutique London Lets and what's happening in London for the next few months. We're not fans of bombarding our guests so you'll receive our newsletters less than once a month.

We'd love to know what you think and what you'd like to see in our newsletters - more discounts or more travel advice? Let us know and we'll listen.

See the Summer newsletter in full here - including our latest deals and tips on this season's festivals and exhibitions.

Meet the Team - Meet Sophie

Let's Go Fly A Kite?

The one you've all been waiting for.. Here's my long awaited introduction.

I joined the team in March this year and I look after the Boutique London Lets blog, Facebook page, Twitter account and I'll soon be contributing to the website too.

What's a typical day like you? 
I keep tabs on interesting individuals, websites and organisations on Twitter and share the most interesting with our followers a couple of times a day - usually on my smartphone. I also get out and about in London to find things to blog about, snap pictures of and shoot videos - I'm now addicted to filming anything funny that I see. My job basically comes close to perfection.

If you could rent anything for a week, what would it be?
Right now, I'd rent a paddling pool, hammock and a spot of soft grass to enjoy the London summer. I'm one of many Londoners without a garden, or even a balcony. Oh, and I wouldn't mind one of those cars with blacked out windows and a chauffeur for if I want to wear heels in the balmy evenings.

What would your perfect London day include?
My perfect London day = late breakfast near the river + an exhibition at the Tate or Barbican + live music in Camden + a drink or two in East London

What's your tip for Boutique London Lets guests?
Keep reading the blog every week for my tips on making the most out of the city but here's a sneaky one for now - you can't beat walking across Waterloo Bridge at night. It's good for a romantic hand-hold, a family Kodak moment or an "I'm the King of the World" brisk walk at the end of a long business day.

Meet the Team - Meet Ian

Ian is our Operations Manager and has worked for Boutique London Lets since October 2009. But how does he holiday and what does he think guests should know about?

What is a typical day like for you? 
Varied yet packed - from helping with the expansion of the business to making sure that our new properties are up to the Boutique London Lets standard and keeping in contact with the team to make sure everything runs smoothly. And everything in between.

What has your favourite guest response been? 
There's so many to choose from but it would probably be when we had to accommodate close to a dozen families and groups during the volcanic ash disruption. We had very worried guests needing flexible and last minute arrangements which we managed to facilitate. It involved lots of work from our whole team but meant that our guests were incredibly grateful.

If you could rent anything for a week, what would it be? 
The Emirates, home of Arsenal FC, for me and my friends to play Sunday football in. It would make a nice change to Regents Park.

What would your perfect London day include?
I've been meaning to take a day off during the week and put myself in our guests' shoes for the day. I drive past London's greatest attractions everyday so I would load a backpack with supplies, charge my camera and try to squeeze in everything from Wapping in the East to Battersea Park in the West. Although on second thoughts, I'd probably need more than a day!

Meet the Team - meet Debbie

The second half of our bookings duo is Debbie. We asked her a few questions on London, travel and getting lost..


How long have you worked for BLL and what's a typical day for you?
I mainly cover the admin and booking side of the business with my colleague Kylie. I've been doing this since the beginning of last September and I love that everyday is different. We communicate with people from all around the world so it's a great learning experience.


If you could rent anything for a week what would it be?
I would love to rent a beach house by the sea in Jamaica. To kick back and relax!

What would your perfect London day include? 
Apart from visiting the Emirates stadium to watch Arsenal play a beautiful game of football - shopping, shopping and more shopping! I also love the evening entertainment in London - never a dull moment.

What kind of tourist are you? 
I tend to get myself into a panic, not a good start to any holiday. On top of that I have no sense of direction and always seem to get lost. My kids love it though - it adds to the sense of adventure!

What's your tip for Boutique London Lets guests?
London has so much to offer, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement so plan your day. We have heaps of information on our website with things to do and places to visit. And if you're anything like me, take a map.

Meet the Team - meet Kylie

Kylie, our bookings rep

Next up in the Boutique London Lets team is Kylie who answers your guest queries online and takes bookings for our apartments. 

How long have you worked for BLL and what's a typical day like for you?
Since June 2010 and - very busy! 

If you could rent anything for a week what would it be?
I would book out an entire day-spa and invite my girlfriends along for some much needed pampering.

What kind of tourist are you?
I'm extremely organised and usually early for all my flights. I do normally leave at least one item behind at my hotel at the end of my stay, though. 


What would your perfect London day include? 
I'd get some shopping done on Oxford Street then have a few afternoon cocktails with my friends, maybe at a table on the cobbles in Covent Garden or down a side street near Seven Dials. It wouldn't be complete without a light-hearted musical to top it off in the evening, something like Hairspray or Legally Blonde.

Meet the Team - meet the Director

Our director Derek and his wife

In the first of our exciting series of posts - here's Derek Gallimore, director of Boutique London Lets on his job, why he loves London and his top tips for guests. 

How long have you worked for Boutique London Lets? 

Since the beginning - April 2009.

What would your perfect London day be?

I love London's South Bank and the West End.  I regularly spend the mornings walking through the markets along the South Bank and having brunch. Then I walk across the Thames and head into the West End for more shopping, coffees and theatre excitement.

What is a typical day like for you?

Hectic!  I mainly manage online, marketing and admin aspects. We are expanding at the moment, so it seems that every minute is filled with new products and developing services. We are trying to be the best in the market, so that means we're always trying out new ideas. 

If you could rent anything for a week what would you rent?

Probably a penthouse apartment high on top of a building in New York! You can get fabulous apartments all over the world and experience the best of that place or city. 

What kind of tourist are you?

I'm fairly laid back.  I loved travelling the world and going to all of the most obscure destinations. More recently though I see my travels as a great way to relax and really luxuriate. 

What tips would you give to Boutique London Lets guests? 

Book early, and keep an eye on our website for the latest specials.  In London, I would suggest going to the Tate Modern gallery in Southwark, and also trying a real local pub.  They are, or certainly were, the heart of old London. 

Did you know there is a difference between Tower Bridge and London Bridge? Stay at Boutique London Lets and discover the difference!

When staying at Boutique London Lets in London, am I close to Tower Bridge or London Bridge?

Well, both are very close by, but did you actually know that there is a difference?

There is Tower Bridge and there is London Bridge. Many people get confused between the two, like Robert P. McCulloch, who as the story goes, purchased the original London Bridge (it was replaced by a stronger structure) in the 1960s thinking he'd bought Tower Bridge. The structure was transported to the US where it was reconstructed in Lake Havasu, a city in Arizona. There is no knowing what Robert thought when the builders finished putting it in place..."This isn't the bridge I bought....this is just a bridge."

London Bridge is just a regular bridge, Tower Bridge is definitely more spectacular. It opened in 1894, has a total length of 244 metres, and is crossed by more than 40,000 people a day. The walkways at the very top are just over 40 metres above the water.

There is an amazing story linked to Tower Bridge. In 1952, gatemen operated the access to the bridge. Human error caused a double-decker bus to be on it as it was beginning to open. The driver, realising he wouldn't be able to brake in time to stop the bus going front first into the Thames, whacked his foot down on the accelerator and hurtled over the growing gap in an act that wouldn't have looked out of place in a Bond movie. The bus amazingly landed safely on the other side and the passengers suffered no more than a racing heart.

When staying at one of our amazing apartments you will be close to all tourist attractions, however for a great day out, in addition to visiting Tower Bridge, also Tower of London, the Design Museum and the London Dungeon.

Introducing the Boutique London Lets Blog!

I'm excited to introduce the Boutique London Lets blog.

We're going to use this space to broadcast the hottest tips and information about London.  A true "insiders' guide".  If you're planning on visiting London, are a guest of Boutique London Lets or just a fan of everything London, you'd do well to keep an eye on our posts.

We aim to fill these pages with the latest London news and tips and information.  We are also going to publish any information on great deals to be had, both with Boutique London Lets and within London in general.

London is an ancient, vibrant and fascinating city.  Make sure you tune in here to make the most of your time in this wonderful city!

If you are about to visit London, for business or pleasure, check out our website for the best serviced apartments the city has to offer!

Yours faithfully,

Derek Gallimore
Director
Boutique London Lets