Family apartments in London: six booking decisions

For a family, the floor plan usually answers more than the star rating. Settle these six details before choosing an apartment.

1. Who sleeps in each room?

2. Can everyone use the bathrooms comfortably?

Count bathrooms and note whether any are reached through a bedroom. With grandparents or older children, a second bathroom may be worth more than extra living-room space. Request the plan of the category being offered.

3. Where will clothes be washed?

Calico House includes washing and drying facilities, but normally takes three months. For a shorter booking, name laundry as a requirement so the offer identifies an in-apartment machine, shared facility or paid collection service.

4. What is the route from street to front door?

Include a pushchair, wheelchair or difficulty with stairs in the brief. The route may include entrance steps even where a lift serves the upper floors. Specify whether everyone needs step-free access all the way into the apartment.

5. How much cooking will happen?

A microwave and hob can cover simple suppers. Daily family cooking may need an oven, dishwasher and larger freezer. Marylebone Mews has fitted kitchens and cleaning three times a week. Request the equipment list for the selected home.

6. Which journey repeats?

For a week of museums, Kensington puts the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A in the same district. For a temporary move, the existing school journey can be the deciding factor. Give the team the postcode before widening the search across London.

The cost guide shows £250 as Kensington’s median recorded starting rate across 12 priced residences. It is a mixed-size sample, not the price of a family apartment. Request a quote with the adults, children’s ages, beds and dates listed together.