Highlights

Luxury, serviced apartments in Maida Vale

Minutes from Little Venice and Edgware Road

Award-winning three-acre communal gardens

Peaceful, residential neighbourhood

One-off pieces by Tom Dixon and Mark Brazier Jones

Concierge service and on-site manager

Guestbook

'Stylish, spacious, cleaned to perfection, felt right at home and the staff very helpful.'

'This was our third stay here and each time it has been a wonderful experience as it is a superbly managed property.'

Smith tip

Reluctant land-lubbers should hop on the Jasons Canal Boat Trip and take the original Regents Park canal boat tour which runs between Jason's Wharf in Little Venice and Café Crema in Camden. You’ll be experiencing a piece of nautical history; the Jason is an authentic 100-year-old canal boat originally used as a cargo-vessel. The trip takes an hour and a half, or forty-five minutes each way. Boat departs opposite number 42 Blomfield Road just beside the Westbourne Terrace Road Bridge. (www.jasons.co.uk; +44(0)20 7286 3428) Or see the city by bike (and make the mayor happy); hire some wheels from the London bicycle tour company. Along with your steed, a trusty guide will escort you on a three-hour tour. You’ll whiz past Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, the Law Courts, Shakespeare’s Globe theatre and dungeons and docks. The London Bicycle Tour Company at 1a Gabriels Wharf, 56 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9PP. (www.londonbicycle.com; +44 (0)20 7928 6838)

More photos

Europa House Apartments

London, United Kingdom[view map]

Style: Low-key luxury apartments
Setting: London's Little Venice village

These stylish serviced apartments in Maida Vale have an understated elegance punctuated by one-off design pieces by Tom Dixon and Mark Brazier Jones. It’s like having keys handed to you for your very own impeccably furnished, upmarket residence. And best of all, at Europa House, you'll feel as though you have an old friend on hand to book you the best tables in town. At the back of this contemporary classic is its show-stopper: an award-winning three-acre communal garden which is utterly enclosed – a dream for parents with little ones in tow. As grown-up as the chic furnishings and slick fittings may appear, families are welcomed with open arms and invited to think of these one-, two-, three- and four-bedroomed apartments as their very own sophisticated home from home.

Need to know

Rates

One-bedroom suites start at £180 a night excluding VAT, two-bedroom suites from £250.

Sleeps

1–8

Ideal for

Media moguls seeking discretion, long-term London visits, stylish family sojourns, upscale West London breaks.

Minimum hire

One night.

Booking process

All bookings must be guaranteed to a credit card or the accommodation paid in advance. Once the booking is guaranteed or pre-paid – the cancellation policy applies: 1–6 nights: a minimum of 48 hours advance notice is required avoid a 100 per cent charge. 7–27 nights stays require a week’s notice. 28-night stays, or longer, require 28 days advance notice. However, in all cases there’s a refund for any nights re-let. A £300 damage deposit is also required upon arrival. Smith deposit taken when you book.

Grounds

These apartments have access to London’s best large private garden square: the three-acre Crescent Garden to the rear of Europa House recently won an award for its beautiful, enclosed communal grounds surrounded by stucco-fronted 19th-century houses.

Also

Massages can be booked to have in your suite. Pets are not allowed.

In the know

Eating and drinking

A welcome pack is provided on arrival of organic milk, mineral water, Fairtrade coffee, tea, sugar, hot chocolate and biscuits. They can also stock your cupboards and fridge with groceries prior to your visit; send them a written list of your desires and they’ll get it sorted for a simple 20 per cent service charge. Ocado can also deliver to your apartment, see ‘Shopping’. There are local Japanese, Indian and Thai restaurants that deliver as can Deliverance (www.deliverance.co.uk).

Housekeeping

There is a daily maid service on weekdays.

Entertainment

Wireless high-speed internet, cordless telephones/voicemail, flatscreen LCD TV and Freeview channels, video and DVD library.

Provided

REN skincare products, access to video and DVD library.

Packing tips

Your iPod: see 'Walks', under 'Activities'.

For a detailed description of all the rooms and grounds, click here

Also worth knowing

Children: The green, grassy gardens at the back are completely enclosed, providing privacy and peace of mind for parents. As for equipment, kindly staff is on-hand to provide travel cots, high chairs, baby bath, changing mats, DVDs, board games, books, toys, potties, toilet steps, socket covers, baby cutlery and plates. More…

Smith card offer

A full-size Geodesis scented candle

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