Planning a workcation in England’s capital?

Here’s our guide to business accommodation in London

The most energetic, the most dynamic, the most eclectic city in the world. Ancient Roman fortifications sit alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers. Hundreds of languages are spoken in an area spanning just over 600 square miles. Here you’ll find countless cities within a city, some of the world’s finest restaurants, an entire area devoted to the theatre, and the world’s most famous ‘corner store’: Harrod’s.

If you’re on a London business trip, you’ll be just as impressed by the sheer entrepreneurial spirit of this city. The ‘Square Mile’ that is the actual City of London is home to some of the world's largest financial institutions, while media and communications businesses are thriving in some of the hippest parts of London.

Whether you’re travelling for work, pleasure, or a mix of the two, onefinestay has all the inside knowledge you need. Our London business accommodation guide is here to help you experience the city like a true local.

Selecting the right location is an important consideration when choosing your London business accommodation as it will greatly influence things such as travel time, amenities and access to some of the more popular attractions.

The best neighbourhoods for a business trip are those which boast good access to the city's Underground and are well-served by local amenities. We love the leafier suburbs, such as the gorgeous Primrose Hill, where you're just a short walk from one of London's many open spaces but are also within easy reach of the city centre and financial districts.

If you want something a little closer to the action, you’ll find exceptional apartments for a work trip in London’s Kensington and Chelsea districts. Despite their proximity to the city, they're often set back from the main thoroughfares in picturesque squares and charming mews streets.

Trendy Notting Hill is a vibrant, colourful borough filled with markets, boutiques and some of the best vegetarian restaurants in town, while South Kensington puts you within walking distance of world-class museums.

Meanwhile, nature lovers should book an apartment in Holland Park for a truly delightful business stay in London. This tranquil part of the borough of Kensington is a charming part of the city with a small park at its heart, complete with the magical Kyoto Japanese garden and a scattering of magnificent peacocks.

Apartment vs hotels – which is better?

London is famous for its high-end hotels, including world-class establishments such as the Savoy and the Ritz. Demand for hotel rooms is high, and while they are an excellent choice for a short stay, they can become less appealing if you're here longer.

Our exclusive apartments in London are designed for long-stay visitors and are also geared up for business travellers. This means they'll have good wifi connectivity, a space where you can work comfortably and in complete peace and quiet (something you cannot guarantee in a hotel).

From spacious kitchens to light-filled living spaces, if you're staying in London for any length of time, you will want to feel comfortable in your surroundings. The privacy and comfort of a home ensure you have everything you need to settle in and get to work straight away.

Getting around – the best way to travel around London

If you’re on a London business trip, travelling around the city will be part of your everyday experience. Fortunately, London has an excellent public transport system that includes buses and trains. Most of central London is covered by ULEZ or ‘Ultra Low Emissions Zone’ regulations. This means that if you drive a car or motorcycle that does not comply with the emissions regulations, it will cost you £12.50 per day to enter the ULEZ zone.

The best ways to get around are by Uber, Black Cabs or the Tube. Before travelling, ensure you have the Uber app on your phone, cash to pay a cab with, or a loaded Oyster Card. Oyster Cards can be topped up with pay-as-you-go credit, or you can purchase weekly, monthly or yearly travel passes. If you're here for a longer period, an Oyster card is your ticket to the city and is used for travel on the Tube, the Docklands Light Railway, and buses.

Must-haves in your London business accommodation - leave the little details to us

When staying in London on business, you won’t want to be bothered by everyday details. Our homes and apartments in London include weekly housekeeping, as well as an array of available extra services. From taking care of the laundry and weekly grocery shops to arranging a private chef for a special evening at home, we will ensure everything has been taken care of, leaving you free to focus on the important stuff.

Our apartments in London also provide you with that absolute essential for a successful business trip – peace and quiet. We know that our guests need space to work, so a great selection of our homes and apartments in London have work areas that are well-lit, comfortable and quiet so you can focus on your busy to-do list. London benefits from an excellent wifi network, with many areas boasting superfast fibre broadband connectivity, high-speed download times and stable connectivity.

All work and no play – enjoy luxury experiences in London

There’s so much to see and do in London that it’s essential to put aside a little downtime to enjoy the finer things in life. Once the work is done, you can use the city’s transport system or hop into an iconic Black Cab and explore London’s most celebrated attractions.

Other attractions include a trip on the London Eye for some incredible panoramic views of the capital. Or take the lift up to the top of the northwest tower at Battersea Arts Centre for mesmerising views down the river.

The Thames is the artery of the capital, and chartered boat trips give you a new perspective of the city, complete with champagne and gourmet food. An exclusive helicopter tour of the cityscape is also a must while you're here.

Live like a local on a business trip – top tips for London living

Be prepared for a fast way of life

London life is 24/7 and very fast-paced, which can be a shock if you've never experienced it. Give yourself time to adjust.

Use the Tube to get around

While there are plenty of cabs and buses, the quickest way to get from A to B is via the Underground system, known in London as the Tube. Trains are regular and run to late at night, so it's easy to get around whatever the hour.

Hire a bicycle

If you don't fancy walking, you can hire a bike. Cycle lanes are plentiful in most parts of the city.

Stand on the right on underground escalators

It's an unwritten rule to always stand on the right. If you stand on the left, you’ll disrupt the flow of traffic.

Wear comfortable shoes

Living in London involves a lot of steps, especially if the Tube trains are delayed. You'll find that Londoners do a lot of walking, so it's best to wear comfortable shoes. Walking is also a great way to get off the beaten path in the city.