AIRBNB IN LONDON ULTIMATE GUIDE
Airbnb has exploded since it was first founded in 2008, and now includes million listings in nearly 220 countries. And London is one of the cities with the most Airbnbs listings in the world!
Airbnb allows users to search for cheap accommodation in the city of their choice, which range from luxury apartments and homes, to just a simple room in a basic apartment. With an average cost of £100 a night, staying in an Airbnb in London can help you save a ton of money on accommodation costs, especially considering that the cost of a hotel in central London is well over £190!
Ranging from luxurious bedrooms with a balcony to a small room in an attic, or even just a couch or mattress on the floor, London’s Airbnb listings come in all shapes, sizes… and costs. Some Airbnb locations in London are a stone’s throw away from the city’s most famous tourist attractions as well as the meeting points for many popular free walking tours, while others may be located on the outskirts of the city yet offer everything from a fully-equipped kitchen to a small garden, or even stunning views of the London skyline.
If you’re planning on staying at an Airbnb during your visit to London, here are some things to keep in mind:
A rough guide to using Airbnb in London
There are some perks to using Airbnb in London. One advantage is the potential to save on accommodation costs for longer stays or when traveling with a group. Additionally, having access to a kitchen allows you to cook your own meals, which can further reduce expenses.
Once you’ve entered in "London" in Airbnb.com’s search engine, you can use the map to pinpoint a specific location, and sort through the listings according to price, location and facilities (like free wifi, air conditioning/heating, etc.) Each listing should specify more details about the room, flat or house, such as whether you’ll be sleeping on an actual bed or a pull-out couch, or whether you’ll be sharing the home with the owners or other renters.
Before deciding on a place, it’s always a good idea to write the owner and ask them questions such as how long it will take to walk to the nearest underground station, if you’ll have your own set of keys, whether there’s a lock on your door (if it’s a shared listing), and whether you can make tea or coffee in the kitchen. Some listings have different cancellation policies, so it’s always good to read the fine print before you make a final decision. Normally each listing has a list of various rules such as whether or not you’re allowed guests or pets, whether alcohol is allowed on the premises, and if there’s any quiet hours.
You will have to write a reservation request to the host, who then decides whether to accept it or not. If their response takes longer than 24 hours, you will need to look for another place. (Note that "professional" hosts who manage multiple properties offer instant booking, allowing guests to book without waiting for approval.) Once your host accepts your request, your credit card will be charged (including the total rental cost, a 6% to 12% Airbnb fee, and possibly a security deposit or cleaning fee), all of which should be clearly stated in the rental listing. You and the host can then arrange a meeting time at the property on your arrival date.
Upon arrival, the host typically shows you around and explains how everything works. Sometimes hosts provide free maps and give advice on what to do in the area or where to find the best pubs and restaurants. Hosts who don't live on the property you are renting may provide instructions on how to use a lockbox code or a key pickup location.
Although the host normally cleans the room and/or apartment after you check out (that’s what the cleaning fee is for, after all), it’s always polite to do a quick cleanup before you leave to be respectful. Also, if any items were broken during your stay, you should replace them or at least give the host money to replace the items.
Where to find Airbnbs in London
Airbnb rentals are abundant throughout London, offering options from private bedrooms in central tourist areas to entire flats in quieter neighborhoods. If you have a specific area in mind, use Airbnb’s map view to locate listings and nearby transportation.
The cost of using Airbnb in London depends on the location. Staying near attractions in Soho, Westminster, Notting Hill, Mayfair, and Marylebone tends to be more expensive, with prices typically ranging from £80 to £150 per night.
More affordable neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Clapham Junction, Hoxton, and Bermondsey offer better deals, with prices for private rooms or studios often between £30 to £60 per night. You might even be able to find entire apartments in these areas at similar costs to a private room in central locations.
Areas like Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and Oxford Street typically range from £70 to £120 per night. Booking months in advance may secure prices as low as £50 per night. Luxurious listings in touristy neighborhoods can cost between £100 to £200 per night. Opting for private rooms in Brixton, Greenwich, or Southwark can save you significantly, up to £50 per night compared to central areas.
It's a good idea to use the map view to find listings near some metro or train station, book well in advance for lower prices (specially if you are traveling in Christmas or summer), and read previous reviews to fully understand what you are paying for.
How to stay safe when using Airbnb in London
All Airbnb hosts are required to enter their identification details in the website (which is normally via a scanned identification) as well as their verified phone number. Normally reputable hosts will have reviews written about them on their profile, as well more information about themselves which each user can scroll through. Each listing should also have photos of the property, as well as more information on what to expect once you make your booking (the more information the better).
And perhaps it may go without saying, but try to read each and every single review before you make your booking. Sometimes past users will mention whether the host gave them the “creeps” or if they thought the listing was in an unsafe neighbourhood, and in that case, you should make the booking at your own discretion.
You could always contact the host before you make your reservation and ask them for more information about how safe the area is, for example asking them whether you should take a taxi home at night, or whether it would be safe to walk around the neighbourhood alone.
And last, but certainly not least, even if a host has a ton of positive reviews, if your instinct is telling you not to trust this person, then always go with your gut. Although 99.9% of the time Airbnb is a safe option in terms of choosing accommodation in London, it’s always a good idea to be attentive to even the most minor details before you make a final decision. For more information on how to stay safe when using Airbnb in London, read the “Trust & Safety” section on Airbnb.co.uk
Are you ready for your trip? You might want to take a look at the many free tours in London that depart daily.