Where to Stay for Affordable Luxury in London: Avenue Story Apartment Review

As you may have read, recently on my trip to Europe, I tried something a bit outside my comfort zone and stayed at luxury apartments in London and Paris as opposed to Five Star Hotels. Avenue Story Luxury Apartment Rentals promised truly luxury apartments. Having never stayed in an apartment rental before this trip, I was still a bit worried despite their promise-what would I find, how would I fare in a foreign country without a concierge? Avenue Story offered to put us up to put our fears to rest! I’m here to tell you that Avenue Story absolutely delivered on their promise. I am a complete convert. I was extremely pleased with my experience with my luxury London flat! Renting apartments in Europe seems to be the latest fad, even for the most sophisticated travelers and now I can see why. Here is my account of my experience with Avenue Story in London.

When I arrived in London, I was retrieved by Avenue Story’s driver as soon as I exited the train’s platform. Our driver took us to our apartment, explaining a few of the sites we passed along the way. When we reached our destination I was greeted by Gabi, the Avenue Story “client relations executive.” She helped us with our bags and showed us around the apartment pointing out switches and amenities, etc. Let’s see if I can’t recreate the property tour using my own untouched photos (although the pics on the Avenue Story website really are accurate). Before I begin, let me also add that my photos don’t do this place justice. However, I know that personally I love seeing real, unprofessional pictures to ensure I get a realistic depiction of what it looks like. So, that said, let’s begin.

I was over the moon with how luxe this place was. If I live in apartment so nice one day, I will be thrilled. The particular flat that we stayed in is called the Trafalgar Square Luxe. It is two floors: the common areas on the first floor and the bedrooms/bathrooms on the second. First stop is the kitchen. Not only was it modern and sleek but it was filled with every amenity like pots, pans, coffee makers, strainers, etc. that any chef might need. There will be no running to the store to find kitchen tools if you are hoping to cook here. Every drawer and cabinet was packed with luxury tools.

Next, onto the beautiful living room and dining area. This room was furnished with crisp white walls, white carpet and modern furniture. There was also state of the art technology like Wi-fi and a flatscreen TV. Everything was immaculate, there wasn’t a scratch or stain to be seen (not easy to maintain on white walls and carpet either) The large windows provided the room with ample natural light and a beautiful view of the amazing architecture that surrounds the apartment.

Here is a better shot of the dining area (untouched)

Next, we went upstairs to check out the bedrooms and bathrooms. Each bedroom provided linens and towels, just like a hotel. Everything was crisp, clean and neatly folded. As you can also see there is a flat screen television and an adorable porthole window. Each room has a Queen sized bed that was extremely comfy! What you can’t see in the photographs of the bedrooms are that each has a gorgeous skylight (which you can close at night) that flooded the rooms with natural light. Such character.

The second bedroom contained similar furnishings (as well as another flatscreen television not pictured). There were also sizable closets in each room if you happen to be a person who needs to unpack your stuff like me.

I was equally impressed with the bathrooms, which if you’re a regular to this blog, you know bathrooms are very important to me. I truly believe you can judge most hotels and restaurants based on what you find in the bathroom. As you can see, everything here was clean and modern. The apartment also provided toiletries like shampoo, soap, conditioner just like at a hotel. There was also a hairdryer.

When we finished our tour, Gabi gave us the keys. She explained that we really mustn’t lose them. This isn’t a hotel where the front desk can just burn you a new key card. Being someone who loses my keys all the time, I took a big gulp as I realized I would have to be extremely responsible with this set. Before departing, Gabi also gave us a folder that contained information like local restaurant picks, the closest Tube stops, favorite local shops and attractions and fun activities going on at the moment. She also provided us with a map of the Tube. Gabi assured us that if we had any questions she was easily reachable by phone or email and gave us her information before taking off.

Once we were alone, we were able to take everything in. I immediately noticed how enormous this apartment was when I had to literally yell up the stairs for my husband to hear me. And I mean this in a good way. We had so much space! And we had two bathrooms! An enormous luxury for a New York City couple who lives in a one-bedroom apartment. The kitchen here was gigantic, I’d say nearly three times the size of my personal kitchen at home. Plus we had an enormous living room with two couches, a dining room table for six. Had we stayed for longer, I surely would have had a dinner party here, assuming of course I made any friends.

The next thing I noticed was that we were alone. Really alone! Hmm, how were we going to figure out what we should do in the daunting city of London with no concierge to call? At first I must admit I was a bit freaked out as I was in Paris when I first made this realization. However, upon consideration it really is a positive aspect. Having to figure out what to do on your own really gives you an authentic experience with the city. It forced us to talk to locals, get their recommendations and find our way around using a map! (GASP!) Although this is a luxury blog, my pet peeve is when I visit a city and stay at a Five Star hotel and all they do is point me in the direction of the finest restaurants. When I visit a town I like to feel the city’s pulse and really experience its spirit (not an easy task if you’re simply visiting the fanciest restaurants). I really enjoyed the apartment experience in London because I felt like I avoided the cookie-cutter tourist plan provided by many hotels. I found local pubs and restaurants through word of mouth recommendation and by actually doing the research myself. The upside of being alone? Privacy! Yes, when you choose to rent an apartment you forego maid service and a full-time concierge you also are actually alone. You don’t have to worry about anyone interrupting you or bothering you with anything. You really are left alone to really enjoy yourselves sans interruptions.

Another element I enjoyed was that each apartment has unique decor designed by the owner. This crisp, modern apartment was gorgeous yet still provided a warm and romantic atmosphere and a place to call home during our stay.

Finally, one of the best parts of this particular apartment was the location. Location, location, location! Located just outside of Trafalgar Square, right next to Admiralty Arch, there is simply no address more central in London. The apartment was surrounded by some of London’s most famous Landmarks: Nelson peers down from his 171-foot column, Landseer’s lions sleep among the fountains while one of the world’s largest and greatest collections of paintings is across the square. And if you are invited to tea with Her Majesty, a stroll down the Mall will have you in Buckingham Palace in moments.

Here are some of the pros and cons summed up for you about apartment stays. In my opinion, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

Cons:

• No Safe. We simply took a few minutes to hide our passports and valuables carefully in the apartment-just in case.
• No Daily Maid Service
• No Room Service

Pros:

• Affordable Luxury (especially for families)
• Full Kitchen- Room service is less of a necessity since you can keep snacks, etc. in your own kitchen.
• More Space
• More Privacy
• Personal Relationship with Gabi- Her and the girls in the office were so sweet and really will help you with anything you need. While they’re not as accessible as a walk downstairs on your way out, they will help you book reservations, tickets etc. if you ask. In fact, they’ll do almost any concierge service for you. If you so desire, they will book your transportation for you or even stock your fridge for you before you arrive (not included of course but I think an extremely nice offering).
• Free Wi-Fi
• Economical. Renting an apartment like this is definitely cheaper than renting two luxury hotel rooms. Plus, you also have a common space to spend time together. You are also able to prepare meals and save money. Especially breakfast, for kids on the go, it can help you get a quicker start to the day.

I would absolutely book another stay through Avenue Story, the luxury apartment broker who found us this apartment. Avenue Story carefully chooses and inspects only the finest apartments that are up to luxury standards. In fact, each apartment is chosen based on some WOW factor-be it a great location, a fabulous view, etc.

The Avenue Story team was very helpful and responded in an extremely timely manner to any request or questions we had. For instance, immediately after Gabi left I realized I had no idea how to turn on the heat. When I emailed Gabi, I received a response within minutes explaining how to do so and offering to come help if I so needed. Avenue Story’s staff provided support from beginning to end–from helping choose an apartment that is the ideal combination of size, location, style and amenities. I really was impressed with their involvement. They weren’t just a broker who facilitated a key swap, they really helped tailor our stay based on my individual tastes and preferences.

Staying at an apartment not only offers an authentic experience with the city but it is also a much more affordable option often than luxury hotels. The apartment I stayed in goes for £675.00GBP/night. This apartment can comfortably sleep six (4 in the bedrooms, two on the couches). Although it sounds a bit steep, this is an incredible value for your money, especially in London. If you were getting three luxury hotel rooms, the cost would surely be far above this.

*I was a guest of Avenue Story but as always opinions herein are always my own. Also, these photos are all my own, none are professional so you can rest assure the apartment and its views are really as incredible as they look*