NOTTING HILL: FIVE NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Because Notting Hill is largely residential, it isn't home to a large number of prime tourist destinations. Here are a handful within two miles (as the crow flies, not by road):
Natural History Museum: One of the finest in the world, featuring 70 million species and an incredible dinosaur collection. (Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.; opens at 11 a.m. Sundays. Free.)
Victoria and Albert Museum: Highlights include the British design galleries, John Constable paintings, Italian Renaissance sculpture and historical fashion. (Cromwell Road, South Kensington, SW7 2RL. Open daily 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Free.)
Kensington Palace: The birthplace of Queen Victoria, this palace is a "working" royal residence, meaning that current members of the royal family keep offices and private apartments there (Kensington Gardens, W8 4 PX. Open daily 10 a.m. to at least 4 p.m. Admission 11.50 British pounds).
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain: Hyde Park. Open 10 a.m. up to 8 p.m. daily, depending on the season.
Portobello Road: The weekend market, during which the long, funky shopping street is jammed with vendor stalls, no longer offers the art-and-antique bargains it once did. But there's still plenty of people watching, original fashion and interesting restaurants galore.
TIPS ON RENTING APARTMENTS ABROAD
Check the proximity of subway and bus lines. If there's no public transport within six to eight blocks, keep looking.
If such amenities as a coffeemaker or washing machine and dryer are advertised as a part of the deal, double-check with the agency contact to ensure they are indeed there.
You don't want to spend your vacation dealing with clogged pipes or a power outage. Make arrangements with the landlord or agency before arriving about what to do in case of a plumbing problem or other household mishap.
Know what you're getting into. Find out how steep the security deposit and cancellation policies are before clinching the deal. If you can't check it out online via a Web site with photos, don't risk it.
Remember all the extra space, cost savings, privacy and independence comes with added responsibility. You can't call room service, housekeeping or the business center at 2 a.m. You may have to memorize an alarm security code to press each time you go in or out. If you're a high-maintenance traveler, stick with hotels.
FLAT RENTAL AGENCIES
A sampling of agencies that rent flats in London:
IN THE UNITED STATES
The London Connection: 1-888-393-9120 www.londonconnection.com
Four Seasons Villas: 1-800-338-0474, fourseasonsvillas.com
IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
Home From Home: 1-800-748-9783, www.homefromhome.co.uk
Go Native: 44-20-7221-2028, www.gonative.co.uk
In the English Manner: 1-800-422-0799, www.english-manner.co.uk
Regency International Apartments: 44-17-3281-0800, www.regencyintapts.com
Nell Gwynn House Apartments: 44-20-7589-1105, www.nghapartments.co.uk