New York Habitat Blog

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

England’s capital is well-known for its centuries-old architecture (and, in fact, ancient ruins from the Roman Wall can still be seen throughout this bustling and cosmopolitan center, most unexpectedly in the basement of a barbershop in Leadenhall Market and most picturesquely within the sprawling confines of the Barbican Centre). However, in recent years, London has been undergoing a facelift in terms of architecture and design—and there’s more to come before the 2012 Olympics. Admirers of modern style will be pleased and perhaps a bit surprised at all the cutting-edge structures the city has on show—not to mention the stylish and contemporary accommodations that New York Habitat offers throughout central London.

To really see the changes giving London its updated look, head to St. Helen’s Church, a well-preserved example of twelfth-century architecture. Then contrast it with the infamous “Gherkin” (St. Mary’s Axe) rising behind it. That contemporary building was constructed on the site of a 1992 IRA bombing to commemorate the city’s commitment to continually moving forward.

Another nearby example of modern design is Sir Richard Rogers’s celebrated building for Lloyd’s Insurance, styled somewhat like a sophisticated Erector Set. The stone remains of Lloyd’s original doorway from the 1800s stand solemnly to its right, a reminder of London’s rich history.

Yet another of Rogers’s buildings, Lloyd’s Registry for Shipping, at 71 Fenchurch Street, is also a modernist masterpiece, with a courtyard garden, exterior glass elevators and a sleek, ship-shaped fountain. It was built in 1997 behind the classical façade of the original Lloyd’s Registry.

Of course, many of London’s shops, bars and restaurants also boast the most modern design elements while paying homage to the past. For example, the Hoxton Apprentice in Hoxton Square is an excellent restaurant that employs ex-homeless workers and trains them in the gastronomic arts. The high ceilings, wood floors and huge windows were once part of a Victorian schoolhouse, now transformed into a popular, stylish and socially conscionable eatery (profits go back into the charity/training program).

London Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Apartment in City/Islington (LN-659)

To really get a glimpse of London’s architectural present, stay in a chic New York Habitat vacation accommodation in the city center, such as:

· A breathtaking 2-bedroom vacation accommodation in City-Islington (LN 659) on the penthouse level. This apartment is built in a former luxury office and comes with two baths, laundry/dryer, dark oak flooring and two spacious outdoor terraces that allow striking views of the skyline. 
  
· A crisp, clean-lined studio in City-Islington (LN-212) on the third floor of a period walk-up. This vacation accommodation has a double bed, laundry/dryer, decorative Victorian fireplace and lots of light from the large windows. To contrast the white walls and appliances, there’s a black antique leather sofa.

 · A sleek studio in City-Islington (LN-681) on the lower-ground floor of a period building near Tower Bridge. This rental accommodation comes with a stylized and comfortable double bed, laundry/dryer, wood floors, open-plan kitchen and unique windows.
  
For fans of high design, there’s no better city than London—and no better place to stay than in a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Let us know your favourite building in London with a comment below.

London Accomodation 1 Bedroom in Islington (LN-436)

If it’s a vibrant creative scene, cultural diversity and low costs you’re after, then there’s nothing quite like a stay in London’s East End. New York Habitat has fully furnished accommodations that fit your budget and put you in the center of this hip and happening area. All you have to do is enjoy…and explore!

Some of the best deals in London can be found on Brick Lane. There are Indian restaurants galore—all with above-average fare and lower prices than in other parts of the city. Just walk down the street and let the bidding wars begin: Servers will try to tempt you into their establishments with free glasses of wine, appetizers or desserts, or fifteen percent off your total tab. Go with the best offer—and be assured that, as far as the food is concerned, you can’t go wrong.

Near Brick Lane is the Truman Brewery, an eclectic art space with shops, eateries and—as the name promises—pints. Stop by for free showings and events or the popular (Up)Market on Sundays, where you can score samples of global or local treats or reasonably priced one-off clothing and accessories. Such cutting-edge designs can also be found at the nearby Spitafields market, an East End

London Vacation Rental Alcove Studio in Hackney (LN-773)

institution. Throw in a stroll through the colorful Columbia Road Flower stalls, and you can make a fun, low-cost day of it.
 The East End is also known for its galleries, which are more manageable—and often more contemporary—than London’s large-scale museums. Drop by Whitechapel in East Aldgate for free installations and music (and some of the best souvenirs for under £5 or £10 that you can shove into your carry-on), or White Cube in Shoreditch for its vanguard of visual artists. 

To explore the great outdoors, go for a dip in the lido at London Fields or head to sprawling Victoria Park for some football, free films or low-price music festivals. Let New York Habitat put you near it all in one of these amazing places to stay:

· A mod-styled 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-436) on Hackney Road, near the Columbia Flower Market, Brick Lane and Spitafields. This funky ground-floor flat comes with a double bed, sofa bed, laundry/dryer, terrace and garden with deck. Smoking is permitted—and feeding the goldfish is encouraged!   

· A charming 2-bedroom rental accommodation in Haggerston, Hackney (LN-41) on the ground floor of a modern building with security. This apartment is located near Old Street station and comes complete with queen and double beds, laundry/dryer, an open kitchen, and homey wooden floors and shutters.
  

· This cool alcove studio in Hackney (LN-773) offers fresh furnishings, loads of light, exposed brick walls, parquet floors, a separate, fully equipped kitchen and a loft-style bedroom accessible from a staircase in the living room. It is located on the ground floor of a period block building with communal gardens, close to lovely London Fields. 
 

Check out our other Low-Cost London Neighborhoods:

- Mayfair

- Earl’s Court

- South Bank

With a New York Habitat accommodation in London’s East End, you don’t have to spend a lot to see it all!

Let us know your favorite low-cost local attraction with a comment below.

In late fall and winter, when a chill is in the London air and night falls early, it’s the perfect time to take a ghost walk through the streets of this very old, historical—and, some say, haunted—city. A New York Habitat rental accommodation can put you close to some of the most popular tours in town…and provide a bright, safe, cozy place for you to come home to!

London Accommodation: 2 bedroom in City Islington (LN-370)

A favorite ghost walk with visitors takes place near Bank underground station and passes by the site of Scrooge’s office in “A Christmas Carol” before winding its way down an allegedly cursed cobblestone street, through ancient courtyards and silent churchyards, to a well-known City landmark that is gaining a reputation for recent ghostly activity, and an historic building where tour members have seen an old woman waving to them from the upper windows of an empty room.

If the thought of any of that sends shivers down your spine, you’ll definitely want to book a spot on the famous Jack the Ripper walks in nearby Aldgate as well. These outings will take you to an 1888 building where an infamous suspect worked as a barber, into an alley where the first possible victim was found, and to the Princess Alice Pub, which shares a connection to Leather Apron, another main figure of interest for the police.

During these walks, you’ll soak up the atmospheric streets and sights of old London and be introduced to local, legendary public houses and restaurants—where you may want to return for a well-earned pint. You will also be entertained by the narratives and chilling anecdotes of the tour guides, seasoned storytellers whose words make the area’s rich past come to life around you.

At around only £8 per person, a ghost walk is one of the most affordable ways to see the city, learn a bit of its history, and be treated to some theatre-worthy tales. Rather than spending a lot of money on tickets to a crowded West End play, take a ghost walk, where the streets are the stage, the spectacles surround you and the main action takes place in your imagination…and possibly in the upstairs window of a dimly lit pub you just passed by!

London Apartment: 1-bedroom in City - Islington (LN-72)

To enjoy your stay in Islington and fully appreciate all the attractions that this central area has to offer, we suggest the following New York Habitat accommodations:

•    An immaculate fifth-floor studio accommodation in City-Islington (LN-226) in a modern building with porter and elevator, within walking distance of sights such as St. Paul’s and three nearby underground stations, including Bank. This rental comes with laundry, balcony and queen-sized bed, as well as hardwood floors and fantastic views.

•    A stylish and contemporary 1-bedroom vacation rental in City-Islington (LN-72) between Bank and Aldgate. This flat is on the fifth floor of an apartment building with elevator, 24-hour concierge service and a parking space, and comes fully loaded with laundry and balcony.

•    A clean and comfortably furnished 2-bedroom rental accommodation in City-Islington (LN-370) near Mansion House station, close to the ghost walks and all riverside attractions. This apartment is well-equipped with laundry and dryer, queen-sized beds and built-in wardrobes.

For some fun and a few chills, check out the London ghost walks at www.london-ghost-tour.com and www.jack-the-ripper-tour.com — and for the best place to hide under your sheets at night, stay in a New York Habitat vacation rental.

Leave us your haunted tale of London below.

When I grow rich say the bells of Shoreditch …

Children all over London have grown up reciting the hopeful words to the nursery rhyme, “Oranges and Lemons.” Today, Shoreditch has achieved its goal.

The lively neighborhood has grown to become very rich in culture and personality. New York Habitat heralds the cultural ascent of Shoreditch by highlighting a modern, One-Bedroom Accommodation (LN-436) .

Groovy, One-Bedroom Rental:

Located only a short walk from the thriving cultural center of Shoreditch, this one-bedroom rental stands out as a Hidden Gem.

The apartment’s design is richly inspired by the mesmerizing colors and swirls of the 1970s, while still providing modern appliances and wireless broadband Internet.

The trendy décor is further amplified by the apartment’s trendy fish bowl and three goldfish. The ground level flat also leads to a private garden and deck.

Travel into the city of London is made simple by the use of the Old Street tube station, as well as a 24-hour bus system.

Shoreditch, London:

From early on in the history of Shoreditch, artists have been attracted to the area. The first playhouse in England, The Theatre, was born here in 1576. This playhouse was soon followed by the Curtain Theatre, both of which housed plays written by William Shakespeare. In fact, it was in The Theatre that Romeo and Juliet and Henry V gained their initial fame.

While neither of these theaters are standing today, Shoreditch has since become a breeding ground for galleries, studios, and workspaces. It was the lure of cheap rent that attracted scores of artists to the area during the early 1990s.

Since then, however, artistic bohemians are not the only crowd flocking to the area. More recently, Shoreditch has become a mecca for students and successful twenty-somethings. Shoreditch real estate has become a booming business.

Shoreditch, located in the East End district of London, is centered around a triangle formed by Old Street, Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street. It is on Old Street and nearby Curtain Road that the largest concentration of clubs, pubs, and restaurants can be found.

For example, The Pool, found on Curtain Road, is a very lively bar that features dance parties downstairs on the weekends. Or perhaps, you can enjoy the sunny terrace of the Caffe d’Arte, which serves hot meals and sandwiches during the day.

What makes this one-bedroom a Hidden Gem?

A prime position in a culturally diverse and now fashionable area of London is the standout feature of this one-bedroom apartment. The clever and colorful décor, as well as the private garden also help to make this accomodation a Hidden Gem.

If you know of any interesting spots in Shoreditch or have any comments/questions, feel free to post them below.

Image courtesy of: Golf Punk