Vacation Rentals by Owner

Location great, but with some problems

Guest: Tina (san diego)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/23/11

My family of 5 stayed at this rental for a week. The location, and size of the rental were great. The neighborhood was great as well, with little restaurants, etc. However, for what the cost was, the amenities were basic. For example, the towels were rough and thin. the DVD player was broken during our stay. The house itself could use some cleaning and sprucing up. There was fungus growing on grout in shower, as well as the rug needing a good steam cleaning and the house a paint freshening up. So, the house could use some minor investment to bring it up to what would be expected at this cost, and to add some charm to the decor. The kitchen was well appointed though.The most troublesome issue was how long it took us to get our security deposit back. It took multiple efforts and it was finally returned after a month when the owner became involved. There are some charges that are not listed on the VRBO page as well, including the renter has to pay charges on transfers of money there, as well as their own return of deposit, as well as a VAT tax that is not indicated on the VRBO page.

Owner response:We were sorry to receive this disappointing review after 4 years of nothing but positive reviews from our guests, but we appreciate it is important to receive feedback. We acknowledge what has been said regarding the decoration of our house and had already put in place a program of works to update and redecorate, starting this month, so as not to take the house out of service during the summer when we would have disappointed so many people. We have taken onboard what has been said about the quality of the towels which we agree have slipped below our normal high standards. We also acknowledge an unfortunate delay in the return of the renter's deposit on this occasion. As a result we have immediately put into place measures to ensure that in future, the high quality of our service to our renters is maintained at all times and apologies that on this occasion we missed our target. All our charges are inclusive of VAT (which we absorb in order to remain competitive)and our policy on bank/Pay Pal fees is clearly stated in our rental agreement and in our emails with prospective guests from the outset of our communication. We take pride in offering great value for money and a fair and transparent service.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers

A Great Place to Stay in London!

Guest: Katerina H. (Minnesota, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/29/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

Our family of 7 stayed in this home in London and were so pleased with everything the home had to offer. It's not easy to find space for 7, but this worked out perfectly. The location was ideal, close to the Underground, wonderful restaurants and museums. Martin was always available via phone to answer any of our questions. He gave very clear directions from airport, and even helped us find transportation (once again, traveling with 7, it is not easy to find transports). We will rent another property through through this rental company.

Owner response:Thank you

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Perfect London accomidation....

Guest: Dee with family (san diego)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 10/08/10

We were all very comfortable in this lovely apartment. Plenty of room for 5 of us with room to spare. The location is perfect, with wonderful cafes and pubs close by, and the tube just a block away. Quiet mews street with very little traffic. We especially enjoyed the terrace in the morning. Full of sunshine, and a perfect place to start the day . The living area is comfortable with lots of travel books about London, and also recommendations about dining close by. The kitchen was well stocked , and very clean. Martin was very accommodating and gave us a complete run down on the apt so we knew were everything was. We will plan on staying here again when we return to London.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great Location, Quiet

Guest: Grace (Canada)
Date of Stay: 08/02/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

My husband and I and 3 young adult children enjoyed our 10-day stay at this property in early August 2010. In selecting the property we relied on the reviews of other renters, which, by and large, I would agree with, although it wasn't as high-end as I'd expected. Here is my list of the pluses and minuses: First the good stuff. The location is ideal, just a quick walk from the South Kensington tube, but off the main traffic streets. The place was incredibly quiet and peaceful, a welcome retreat from the excitement of the London streets. The immediate neigbourhood was full of excellent restaurants, away from the tourist traps, so in the evening, after a sometimes exhausting day of sight-seeing, we could easily walk to some fabulous evening meals. The house itself had more than adequate room for the five of us, although the 2 second bedrooms were small. With three bathrooms, we were never in each other's way in the morning rush. (I wouldn't normally comment on a washer and dryer, but the ones in the flat were extremely good quality, doing a better job than mine at home.) The master bedroom was large with lots of closet space, and the beds--and linens--were very comfortable. The kitchen was generously equipped with good appliances, both large and small, with a small table for 3 in the kitchen. A somewhat larger table in the living room served as a work area for our computers, and although it could be extended into the living room, we ate out every night. The internet worked well and at a decent speed. The living room facing west opening to a small balcony was filled with light and had a good view of the sky. Martin, who met us, is an amazing guy who couldn't have been more welcoming or helpful. What could be improved? It really needs a good spring cleaning, something beyond wiping up the immediate grunge of other visitors. But this are not a major problem, as the whole place is well-equipped and in good working order. I would stay here again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Guest: Natla (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/23/10

The house was in a very good neighborhood and very convenient to visit the city. There was a supermarket a door step away and the tube station was at a stone's throw. The home was spotless and very nicely furnished. We were a group of 7 and for us the house was ideal. Would definitely stay there again.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/11/10 Review Submitted: 04/11/10

great location near the s. kensington tube. fabulous retaurants and pubs near by. quiet location, clean, neat. everything you need for a week in london. Manager accessible and very accomodating of any special requests. would absolutely recommend.

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Great house...

Guest: Natla (Thessaloniki, Greece)
Date of Stay: 04/08/10 Review Submitted: 04/23/10

The house was in a perfect location with supermarkets around the corner and the tube station minutes away.Ideal location if you want to see London easy. The home itself was very clear and well structured.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great location,few steps from everything you need.

Guest: Mattilalli (Rome,Italy)
Date of Stay: 02/28/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/10

It's a very traditional British home,on three floors.The master bedroom is very spacious,the kitchen in the upper floor is fully equipped.The location is great,in a very quiet street,only few steps from restaurants,pubs,bakery...and 200mt from South Kensington tube station.We were two families,4 adults and 3 children,so that the rate is affordable and very convenient.We are very satisfied of our choice.Mind the steps if you have little kids.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Guest: Marguerite5 (Los Angeles,CA)
Date of Stay: 02/15/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/10

We were so comfortable. Just my husband and I but we needed to sprawl so the space was perfect. The photos are a true image. The amenities were thoughtfully chosen. We had everything we needed from iron to hairdryer. Great location. The owner is helpful and responsive. Good wi fi connection.We'll be back.

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Guest: Bjorn Flesaker (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/19/09 Review Submitted: 07/19/09

We stayed at the house in Reece Mews for four nights, as a family of four visiting London. The VRBO description and previous comments are accurate. The house is not recommended for those who cannot handle stairs, but otherwise offers easy living, a particularly well equipped kitchen, and a location quiet enough that sleeping with all windows open during a July heat wave was not a problem. The hosts are very helpful, and the financial aspects of the transaction were handled efficiently,

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Guest: Elizabeth C. (Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/24/09 Review Submitted: 06/24/09

Comment Text: We stayed for two weeks at 4 Reece Mews and were delighted with the property, as well as with the friendliness of Alison and Don. I frequently rent website properties, and Reece Mews is the nicest place I have ever stayed in London. The Mews itself is charming and quiet even though cars can drive through -- there is seldom much traffic. The top floor of the property, with the kitchen and sitting room, is flooded with light. Everything in the kitchen is new and highly functional, with decent equipment and lots of counter space. The living room is pretty, airy, comfortable. The house is tastefully decorated and fresh looking throughout. The master bedroom is gorgeous, the bed is firm, and the cupboard space enormous. The other two bedrooms, while small, are perfectly adequate. For a bathroom freak like me, one of the main strengths of this property is that it has no less than THREE gleaming bathrooms, with great showers. If you wanted to fill the place up (we were only four) this would be a major feature. And the location! It's in the middle of "little France," with some excellent cheese, bread, and fish shops, and some not- ridiculously-pricey restaurants. Everything you need is within walking distance: 3 minutes to South Kensington station (which has 3 useful tube lines); 3 minutes to the V & A (we just popped in there whenever we felt like it); and about 7 minutes to a big Waitrose supermarket (there's a little Tesco just at the top of the mews for late night emergencies, though you wouldn't want to eat out of it). Charm, comfort, location: what more could you want? I hope we'll be back: thank you Alison, for all your help.

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Guest: Peter & Kathy (Wisconsin, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/21/09 Review Submitted: 05/21/09

We really enjoyed this comfortable home in a lovely part of London. The apartment was well appointed with nice linens, dishes, etc. and had ample sleeping even for our large family of 7. A very quick walk to the S. Kensington Tube -- and handy grocers, fish markets, ice cream and cafes just out the door. A short walk to many great museums. The owner, Alison, was extremely helpful and made every effort to ensure our stay was pleasant.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/13/09 Review Submitted: 05/13/09

My family loved staying here. It was comfortable for seven adults and was very clean and well cared-for. The location was absolutely perfect, and it was easy to get to every part of London. Having Wi-Fi in the house turned out to be a much bigger bonus than we had expected, too. Next time we are in London this will absolutely be our first choice for lodging.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Hiking Fan (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 04/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/10/09

We had a fabulous time at 4 Reece Mews. The location is close to the South Kensington tube stop, as well as groceries, restaurants and a bustling neighborhood. The flat itself was great - very nicely decorated, in good/excellent condition, comfortable beds, well-equipped kitchen, easy to use washer/dryer. Owners were accessible and helpful. We'll be back.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/21/09

We loved our stay at 4 Reece Mews. Don was a gracious host, and made sure everything was just right. The townhouse was perfect for our family of 5, and the location was ideal (just blocks from South Kensington tube station, grocery/restaurants one block away). We would definitely stay again, and have recommended it to several friends.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/01/09

Great house, great location, very helpful owners - would stay again the next time we're in London.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/24/08

We just rented this perfect mews house. What a perfect location. The home was spotless. The owner is very pleasant. Everything that one would need is in the neighborhood. There was even ice at the Tesco Express around the corner. It truly was a perfect stay and home. It could not have been better.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

Spacious interesting apartment in fabulous location. Comfortable, well appointed. Handy to Underground with museums and Hyde Park on your doorstep and great food around the corner. Would highly recommend and love to stay there again.

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