Important things to remember when staying at a serviced apartment

Serviced apartments are growing in popularity as a choice for accommodations when traveling to a different country. There are so many benefits to staying in a serviced apartment that people are beginning to realize that it is the sensible option especially for corporate travelers, budget travelers and people who travel in a large party. It is a great alternative to a hotel stay.

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

Apartments Vs Hotels: A Comparison

When traveling to London, either for pleasure or business, a large majority of tourists or businessmen look to hotels for their accommodations. The reason for this is quite easy – a hotel is the most popular type of accommodation for travelers mainly because it is top of mind. But there are other choices that are available for them. One of these choices are London serviced apartments.

A growing number of travelers are finding that serviced apartments have undeniable advantages over hotels. See for yourself:

The Advantages of Corporate Accommodations

Business-related travel has become more and more common over the last decade, thanks in part to globalisation. It’s possible for companies to have international partners, suppliers, stakeholders, and consumers--and for managers to need to fly to another part of the world to discuss a potential business venture or check on a project. 

In the past, the typical accommodations provided to corporate personnel are hotels. This is a good option if you only plan to stay for a couple of days, but it’s not unheard-of for a business trip to last for weeks, or even months. For longer stays, a hotel room is not cost-effective solution and the hotel environment does not provide the homey feel that you would crave for if you’ve been far away from your family for such a long time. The better option is to book corporate accommodations like apartments to let. 

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