The best Airbnbs in London

Any history buff or those with an eye for brutalist architecture will jump at the chance to kip in this Grade II-listed building, which was designed by Patrick Hodgkinson in the late ’60s. Otherwise known as the Brunswick Centre, this angular structure juts out over the streets of Bloomsbury on one side, while overlooking its own collection of shops and restaurants on the other. Here, you're within walking distance of the British Museum, and the West End. You're also right next to Russell Square tube station. All of the things! There's room for up to 11 people too, so it’s a top spot for larger parties.

Since the Olympic Games were hosted here in 2012, Stratford has continued to glow up. There's been a huge amount of regeneration. There's an enormous shopping centre, the best swimming pool you can get (as used in the Olympics), and acres of landscaped greenery to relish, which you can do perfectly from the floor-to-ceiling corner window of this flat. Thankfully Stratford still retains the charm that the artists and OG Londoners brought to it. Sitting right beside the canal, you get views of the water, nature and the Olympic stadium. Plus it's decked out as boho-chic and can sleep up to four guests. The transport links are also excellent, so you can get around the rest of London quicker than Usain Bolt (maybe). 

In this flat you're practically sleeping in the heart of Soho. Therefore, the walking-distance ease at which you can get to the theatre district, shops, restaurants, bars, museums and more is probably the top selling point. But it'll also suit a quirky bunch of mates perfectly. It sleeps five and is decorated with eclectic colours and furnishings. Plus there's a cute little balcony to make that post-soho coffee all the more rejuvenating. 

All aboard the party boat! This lush yacht is moored right next to the Tower of London – ideal for easy access to the City. Though it might seem a tad on the pricey side, it sleeps four people, so you can split the costs. Other wins include the entire boat being heated, making it a perfect river-side spot whatever the weather. Temporarily living in a lovely boat, next to the Tower of London. It’s the city break to end all city breaks, isn’t it? Your Instagram followers aren’t ready. 

A one-bedroom flat that’s very well sunned and open-planned, this Kensington flat is bright and contemporary. Given just how swish and luxurious it looks in these pictures, curling up with a book and floating about the place in loose summer clothing feels like an absolute dream. A perfect restorative place to unwind. There's a garden, too. But honestly, what else would you expect from a pad in this well-heeled part of town?

To say this place is kitted out to the max is a bit of an understatement. Not only does this townhouse in the middle of London sleep up to 16 people across six floors and eight bedrooms, it’s also got arcade machines, a poker table, a jacuzzi, loads of boardgames, and a rooftop terrace. You may well end up not setting foot outside. Though if you do, you'll be a street from Pall Mall. Monopoly goals right there. 

This house, on a famous street near the riverside in Chelsea, is everything you’d expect of a charming, genteel period property in London. It's beautiful and incredibly old-school London. The boutiques and restaurants of Kings Road are a short stroll away, while Battersea Park is just across the river. If you want to live that chandeliers and patterned wallpaper lifestyle, you'll not find a better place to stay.