London Sleepovers
Have a hankering to hang with the locals but don’t want to sleep on someone’s lawn? Well, come on in! Couchsurfing.org offers a place for travelers and hosts to connect – with hosts providing free (that’s right – free!) lodging in their houses and on their couches. This is perhaps the most interesting option out there for anyone looking for a unique experience and a personal connection with native Londoners (not to mention it’s extremely cost-effective). Beware of one thing though: one of the website guidelines is to not go in looking for a specific date – Couchsurfing.org is as much about developing relationships as it is about finding a place to stay. So this may not be the best option if you have tickets to the games and a schedule to keep. But for the nomadic, free-spirited type who wants to get the flavor of the atmosphere in London and make lasting connections with the city and its people, this is an interesting option. To start searching for a couch on which to surf, visit them on the web.
Fitz-George Avenue. Credit: One Fine Stay
Vicarious Flat Living
Not in the mood to camp or couch surf but also not hot on the prospect of staying in a drab, overpriced hotel? Onefinestay provides the perfect blend of high-class comfort and local charm. Here’s the deal: real-life Londoners go away for a few weeks (or longer) and rent out their posh digs to folks like you and me. And the people at Onefinestay make it all happen – complete with five-star quality, 24/7 service down to the fresh linens and luxury toiletries. Guests even receive (for the duration of their stay) a complimentary iPhone preloaded with tips of where to go and what to do in the local neighborhoods. To learn more about letting a London flat, check them out on the web.
