The best Airbnbs in London

If you're into your brutalism (you know, funky window positioning, concrete and stuff) then this is the temporary home for you. Welcome to a Grade II-listed building, designed by famed British Architect Patrick Hodgkinson in the mid sixties, building started in 1967 and finished in 1972. The building is 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, restaurants and more on the other. Previously it was a row of Georgian-era terraces which had become a little run down. Anyway, if that hasn't stolen your heart – at this location (right next to Russell Square station) you're within walking distance of the British Museum, and the West End. All of the things! There's room for up to 11 people at this abode too, so it’s ideal for larger groups (or a lot of person space). 

Since the 2012 Olympic Games were hosted in this part of East London, Stratford has continued to enjoy a huge amount of regeneration. There's an enormous shopping centre, a state-of -the-art aquatics centre (including the best swimming pool you can get, as used in the Olympics). Away from the shops and swims, there's  acres of landscaped greenery to frolick in, or in the case of this flat, gaze at – which you can do perfectly from the floor-to-ceiling corner window of this flat. Sitting right beside the canal, you can also find views of 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). Thankfully Stratford's glow up hasn't come through destroying the charm that the artists and OG Londoners brought to it in the years gone by, if you pop out for a stroll you'll see prime old-school east London landscapes. 

Ah Chelsea, what could be any more regal? Well, actually, maybe this house. Which is 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. So what's the street called, you're probably wondering? Cheyne Walk. It runs parallel to the river, and notable residents (past and present) include: David Lloyd George, Bram Stoker, T S Elliot, Ian Fleming, George Best, Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards. Woah. 

Get this one: not only is it in super swanky, uber fashionable Shoreditch, within a few metres of the area’s finest nightlife spots, but the flat itself is also exceptionally swish. Decked-out with mesmerising artworks and decorated with immaculate taste, this place captures everything that’s great about one of London’s most on-trend neighbourhoods. Sure, it’s a little pricey, but it is hella glamourous.

Take a walk around Kensington and you’ll quickly realise where the borough gets its stately rep. The place is absolutely bloomin’ lovely – and this studio flat is no different. Airy and open-planned, it offers a great mix of clever design, high functionality and subtle luxury. Plus, you’re just a short stroll from the V&A, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum and much more. Dreamy stuff.

If you take the "I need a place in CENTRAL London" then this 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. Covent Garden is home to a lot of the great things in London, from luxury retailers and street entertainers to the most chic bars, restraunts and private members clubs in all of London. By using Airbnb you'll not have to worry about reception being closed. 

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 home to some arcade machines, a poker table, a jacuzzi, loads of boardgames, and a rooftop terrace. You may well end up not setting foot outside. (Ideal if there's a lockdown ever, to be fair). Though if you do decide to all get your boots on and wander outside, you'll fine yourselves a street from Pall Mall, and a mere stroll from Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Monopoly goals right there!