Best London Airbnbs: An Insider's Guide

In search of the best London Airbnbs but don't feel like you're getting anywhere on your endless search? We know the feeling, and it's not a good one. So close all of those browser tabs you have open and trust in our guide to the best vacation rentals in the city instead. We here at Plum are here to take away the unreliability and unbearability of travel, because planning a trip should be fun and exciting, not frantic and stressful.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the best London Airbnbs and vacation homes that you're sure to love.

A mere minutes from the glamour of High Street Kensington lies your new favourite mews house. Kensington Luxe boasts three floors and five bedrooms of pristine luxury. With grand floor to ceiling walls and skylights providing hoards of natural light, it’s no surprise that owner, Harry, is an (excellent) interior designer. Pick up fresh, organic groceries from nearby Wholefoods and enjoy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Or for your lazier lot, order a takeout and spread out with a tipple or two in the amazingly spacious living area, admiring the fine and homely surroundings, whilst you wait for your food to arrive.

If the romance of this quaint apartment doesn’t make you fall in love with it, then, well, you’ve probably got a heart made of stone. French doors, balconies, chandeliers, private gardens, Orpheus and Eurydice really does have it all. There’s even a piano – which could be good or bad, depending on how musically inclined you are. Dine in the sultry lighting of nearby restaurant Casa Cruz and head back for a nightcap on the balcony of your London home with great views.

Explore our collection of self-catering apartments in London.

Entranceways don’t really get better than this do they? Nestled inside a stunning listed building, Dapper Court is a charmingly smart two bedroom apartment, perfect for families wanting a Kensington experience, combining culture, luxury and plenty of things to do with the family. Enjoy immersing yourself in the museum quarter by day, running after the kids every time they see something exciting. The good news is that it’s not too far back to your luxury Plum home to rest those tired feet. Kick off your shoes, light up the fire and wind down with the home cinema style set-up to keep everyone happy.

In London's cool Clerkenwell neighbourhood, The Easton Diamond is the perfect romantic London vacation rental retreat for a couple, or a great option for a small group. Make the most of the barbecue on the terrace with an outdoor Sonos sound system. Once you're done with your feast, venture to the rooftop with your tipple of choice to enjoy the hot tub as the sun goes down. There's no need to worry about being too hot in the summer here, as The Easton Diamond comes kitted out with air con to keep you cool as you cosy up in its luxury bedding. And if the weather doesn't hold out (it is London, after all), you can always enjoy a movie night in the relaxing living room.

The Church Tower is a, you guessed it, converted church which certainly brings the 'wow factor'. This Hackney home's exposed brick work and church windows will have you feeling like the king or queen of your own castle. The dining space is fit for a royal banquet for your nearest and dearest. Climb the original church tower staircase right to the top for your very own private outdoor space on top of the tower (oh, and don't forget to check the view through the original turrets).

So, which one of these homes on our list of the best London Airbnbs would you choose? Carry on the search by browsing the full Plum Guide-approved collection of homes in London. From quirky London houseboats to plush penthouses, every award-winning home on our site has been meticulously vetted by our home critics...because only the best is good enough for you.