Alo Travels blog

Why We Don't Recommend Booking Apartments or Airbnbs (Even When They Sound Perfect)

Lauren Ringel — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 18:35:24 GMT

There’s a version of travel that sounds ideal. A Paris apartment with a balcony. A villa in Tuscany with rolling hills and long lunches. Everyone together, more space, more privacy. On paper, it sounds lovely but in practice, it’s usually where things start to unravel.

And after years of planning trips and, more importantly, fixing them when something goes wrong, we’re very intentional about when we recommend apartments or villas and when we don’t. Not because they can’t be great. But because they introduce risk in a way most people don’t expect.

The Paris Apartment That Disappeared

We had a client traveling to Paris with a group of nine. Multi-generational, kids included. An apartment made sense to them - more space and everyone together. They booked it on their own. While they were on the flight to Paris, the host canceled the reservation. They had no backup, no support and no real solution.

When they landed, they had nowhere to stay. In June. In Paris. If you’ve ever tried to find last-minute accommodations (let alone for a group that size in peak season), you already know how limited the options are. We were able to find something, but it was far outside the center of the city, which meant every part of their itinerary had to shift. Transfers, reservations, timing, everything. At that point, the trip stops feeling easy.

The Tuscany Villa Everyone Thinks They Want

Tuscany is where this comes up the most. Clients will say they want a private villa, countryside views, walkable to a charming town, with great service. It’s a very specific vision. And it’s usually based on a movie. The reality is those things don’t really coexist.

If you’re in a true countryside villa, you are not walking to town. You need a car, drivers, and planning for every movement. If you want to walk to town, you’re in a different setting entirely.

And then there’s the service piece. A standalone villa does not come with hotel-level service. No one is there to anticipate needs, fix issues immediately, or make things feel seamless. What clients usually want is the feeling of a villa, privacy, space, slower pace, but with the ease of a hotel. That’s a different product entirely.

The Part That’s Hard to See Upfront

Even when everything goes according to plan, the difference comes down to support. At a hotel, if something is off, you have a team. If you need something, it’s handled. If plans change, there’s flexibility.

With an apartment or standalone villa, you’re often relying on a single owner or a third-party platform. If something goes wrong, whether it’s a cancellation, a maintenance issue, or just a mismatch in expectations, there’s no real infrastructure behind it to fix things quickly. And those issues don’t stay contained. They impact the entire trip.

We’ve seen something as simple as a broken AC or a delayed response turn into a full relocation, which then affects reservations, drivers, tours, everything built around that original plan.

The Exception: Villas Done Right

There is one version of this that we do love. Villas that are managed by hotels or part of a resort. You still get the space, the privacy, the feeling of having your own place, but there’s a team behind it. Housekeeping, concierge, someone to call when you need something, someone who can actually fix a problem. It’s the best of both worlds, and in most cases, what clients are actually looking for.

What We Recommend Instead

Most of the time, what clients want is:

Space to be together
Privacy when they want it
A trip that feels easy

And those are all things we can deliver without the downside.

Suites. Connecting rooms. Private villas within hotel settings. Properties that give you space without giving up service. Because at a certain level of travel, it’s not just about where you stay. It’s about how the entire experience feels while you’re there.

Why We Guide Clients This Way

This isn’t about preference. It’s about protecting the experience. When we plan a trip, our name is attached to it. And we want it to feel seamless, not like something you’re troubleshooting in real time.

Apartments and villas can work. But they require a level of flexibility, planning, and risk that most people aren’t signing up for. Most clients want a trip that just works. And that’s what we’re here to make sure happens.

Where to Stay in London

Lauren Ringel — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 18:03:33 GMT

London is one of the cities I book the most, and also one of the easiest to get wrong. Not because there aren’t great hotels. The opposite. There are too many great hotels, and they’re all great in slightly different ways. So what ends up happening is people pick something that looks nice online and then realize they’re in the wrong neighborhood, the wrong vibe, or a hotel that just doesn’t match how they actually like to travel.

And London is a city where your hotel really shapes your trip. More than most places. When I go, I’m not just touring rooms. I’m paying attention to how a place feels. Is the light good? Does the lobby feel alive or stiff? Are families comfortable here or tolerated? Does the service feel intuitive or overly formal? All of that matters.

London in general is very family-friendly, so you have more flexibility than you might think. It’s almost easier to narrow down where I wouldn’t send families with young kids, places like Broadwick Soho, The Goring, Beaverbrook Town House, or The Beaumont, where the vibe leans quieter, more design-forward, or just less suited to little ones.

Alphabetical, because we’re organized.

The Hotels

45 Park Lane

Small, discreet, and very controlled energy. Only 45 rooms, which you feel immediately. It’s quieter than its sister hotel (The Dorchester), a little more masculine in design, and very much for people who don’t want to be in the middle of a scene.

The balcony rooms overlooking Park Lane are actually a sleeper hit. Great for people watching, especially if you like that subtle “I’m in London” feeling without chaos.

Best for: business travelers, solo travelers, or anyone who values privacy over buzz.

Beaverbrook Town House

This one is tiny. Like, blink and you miss it tiny. But in the best way.

There are only about a dozen rooms, and each one is themed after a London theater, with artwork tied to that theater’s most iconic productions. It feels thoughtful and specific, not gimmicky.

It’s one of those places where you feel like you found something.

Best for: couples, solo travelers, design lovers who want something intimate and different.

Broadwick Soho

Newer, bold, and very personality-driven. This is not a neutral hotel. You’re choosing it because you like design, you like a bit of edge, and you don’t want something traditional.

It feels very “downtown energy but in London,” which is a lane not every hotel hits well.

Best for: younger couples, creative travelers, anyone who wants something with a point of view.

Brown’s Hotel

This is quintessential British hotel energy, but it’s been refreshed enough that it doesn’t feel stuck in time.

You still get the heritage, the history, the “this has been here forever” feeling… but the rooms feel current, not dated. Which is harder to find in London than you’d think.

Best for: couples and families who want classic London without sacrificing comfort.

Charlotte Street Hotel

Kit Kemp design, which means color, pattern, and personality, but still somehow cozy.

It’s in Fitzrovia, which I love because it feels like a real neighborhood, not just tourists and shopping. The whole hotel has this cheerful, lived-in feel that’s very easy to settle into.

Best for: creative travelers, couples, anyone who wants charm over flash.

Claridge’s

Iconic for a reason.

It’s polished, beautiful, and incredibly detailed without feeling cold. It has that “this is London” energy people are usually hoping for, but the service keeps it from feeling intimidating.

Also one of the better options if you want something classic and family-friendly.

Best for: families who want elegance, couples who love timeless glamour.

Corinthia London

Big, bright, and very well located. You can walk to a lot from here, which matters more than people think in London.

The spa is one of the best in the city, the gym is strong, and the courtyard restaurant somehow feels like you’re in the Amalfi Coast in the middle of London.

It also does a really good job balancing business travelers and families without feeling like it’s catering too much to either.

Best for: families, couples, multi-interest trips where everyone wants something different.

The Cadogan, A Belmond Hotel

Feels like staying in a really beautiful Chelsea townhouse.

It’s fresh, light, and intimate. Some of the top suites have multiple balconies and even views toward the London Eye, which makes things like New Year’s Eve feel very special if you’re there at the right time.

It’s not a family hotel. It’s quiet, refined, and more grown-up.

Best for: couples, girls trips, anyone who wants privacy and a residential feel.

The Beaumont Mayfair

Understated in a way that feels intentional.

Nothing is trying too hard here. It’s elegant, calm, and just quietly well done. Also one of the rare hotels in London where even entry-level rooms can have furnished outdoor terraces, which is not common.

Best for: couples, business travelers, or clients who usually book Four Seasons but want something more boutique.

The Berkeley

Modern classic with a bit of personality.

The rooftop heated pool is a big draw (especially in London where that’s not a given), and the location in Knightsbridge makes it very easy.

It feels polished but not overly serious.

Best for: couples and families who want something stylish but approachable.

The Chancery, Rosewood

This is the new one everyone is talking about.

Former US Embassy turned into a hotel after an eight-year renovation. It has that slightly brutalist architecture, but softened with really thoughtful art and design.

It’s going to be one of the most expensive stays in London, and very much a “you’re staying here because you know about it” hotel.

Best for: design people, trend-conscious travelers, clients who want the newest thing.

The Chelsea Townhouse

Feels like you actually live in London.

They have multi-bedroom apartments, including three-bedroom setups overlooking a garden, and the layouts are genuinely functional for families.

This is one of those rare hotels where I’d confidently send multigenerational groups.

Best for: families, longer stays, groups who want space.

The Connaught

Quiet luxury at its peak.

Everything here feels confident, not showy. And their bars have been ranked among the best in the world, which matters if that’s your thing.

It’s classic Mayfair, but warmer than some of its neighbors.

Best for: couples who appreciate tradition, incredible cocktails, and discretion.

The Dorchester

Fresh off a renovation and feeling really good again.

It’s grand, polished, and very much part of the London scene. This is where you stay if you want that “I’m in London” social energy.

Best for: luxury travelers who want to feel part of it.

The Emory London

This hotel just does everything well.

The spa, the pool, the fitness, the restaurants, the bars. The rooms are soundproofed and come in a range of design styles, so it never feels one-note.

It’s refined without trying too hard, which is actually hard to pull off.

Best for: couples, wellness travelers, design-conscious guests.

Fleming’s Mayfair

This is one of my go-tos for families who want flexibility and value.

It’s a British independent hotel with a ton of connecting options, plus full apartments with kitchens. And I can get clients perks like a one-way airport transfer, which adds real value.

Best for: families, longer stays, clients who want charm without ultra-lux pricing.

Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane

This is just a safe bet in the best way. The connecting room setups are seamless, the service is warm, and everything works the way you want it to when you’re traveling with a toddler. The service is warm, thoughtful, and reliable. I love their king-to-two-twin connecting room setups for families. It just works.

Best for: everyone, but especially families.

Ham Yard Hotel

Another favorite for traveling with kids. If having space and flexibility matters, this is a great option. The apartment-style setups with kitchens make a big difference with younger kids. You’re not stuck working around hotel dining for every meal, which just makes the whole trip feel easier. It's playful, colorful, and not pretentious at all. There’s a bowling alley so that alone tells you the vibe. But it’s still beautifully designed and very comfortable.

Best for: families with older kids, creative travelers, people who want fun without sacrificing quality.

Hotel Café Royal

Location is a huge win here.

Very central, which makes it great for first-time London trips. The rooms have high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and some categories even have direct Big Ben views.

Also one of the more family-friendly luxury options.

Best for: families, first-time visitors, clients who want convenience.

Jumeirah Carlton Tower

This is one of my go-tos for traveling with kids. The indoor pool is a standout, not just nice, but somewhere you’ll actually want to spend time. And the access to Cadogan Place Gardens is a huge advantage. It’s private, gated, and has a playground, which gives you an easy reset during the day without needing to plan an outing. Bright, airy, and actually enjoyable to spend time in.

The location sits between Chelsea and Knightsbridge, so you get both neighborhood charm and access to shopping.

Best for: families and couples who want a calm, polished stay.

Kimpton Fitzroy

Grand architecture, lively energy, and a more approachable price point.

It has personality, which makes it feel less corporate than some others at this level.

Best for: younger couples, solo travelers, value-conscious clients.

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

This is one of those subtle but magical London experiences. If you time breakfast right, you can watch the Royal Guards pass by, which is always exciting for kids. The location right by the park also gives you an easy place to walk, run around, and decompress. If you get a park-facing room and have breakfast around 9:30, you can literally watch the Royal Guards and Cavalry pass by. It’s one of those small moments that makes London feel like London, especially for kids. Also great family perks like discounted connecting rooms.

Best for: families, first-time trips, anyone who wants that classic London experience.

NoMad London

Moody, dramatic, and very aesthetic.

Set in a former courthouse, with a stunning atrium restaurant. It feels immersive and a little theatrical in a way that works.

Best for: couples, design travelers, people who like a strong vibe.

One Aldwych

One of the best-run hotels in London. It's a lower price point relative to others on this list, but incredibly well run and family-friendly. There’s a pool, the service is thoughtful, and it’s one of the easier luxury hotels to settle into with a child without feeling out of place. They have a chlorine-free pool, are B Corp certified, and the team literally meets weekly to review every arriving guest. You feel that level of care. Also great with early check-in flexibility when possible.

Best for: families, wellness travelers, people who notice service details.

Raffles London at The OWO

This is a destination hotel.

Former Old War Office, now restored into something that feels grand, moody, and incredibly detailed. Multiple restaurants, a Guerlain spa, a 20-meter pool.

The heritage suite has full ceiling frescoes, which is just… insane.

They’ll even do complimentary Range Rover transfers.

Best for: couples or families who want the hotel to be part of the experience.

The Ritz London

In a transition moment.

They’re expanding into the building next door for a new spa, gym, and additional rooms, and the main building will eventually close for a full renovation.

Right now, it’s a bit of a moving target, but long-term it will be a major reset.

Best for: clients who care about legacy and don’t mind change.

The Savoy

This is one of London’s most iconic hotels, and it leans into that fully.

You have two design styles here: classic Edwardian or Art Deco, which gives you options depending on your taste. The location along the Thames is excellent, especially for first-time visitors.

It has that old-school glamour, but still feels relevant.

Best for: couples and families who want history, location, and a true London classic.

Shangri-La The Shard

You’re here for the views. And they are insane.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, the city laid out below you, especially at sunrise or sunset. It feels very different from a traditional London stay.

Less about neighborhood charm, more about the experience of being above the city.

Best for: couples, special occasions, anyone who prioritizes views over everything else.

Six Senses London

Not open yet, but expected to bring their signature wellness focus.

If it’s anything like their other properties, it will blend luxury with serious wellness programming.

Best for: wellness travelers and brand loyalists.

The London EDITION

This one has a very specific vibe.

It’s buzzy, design-forward, and feels younger than a lot of London luxury. The lobby and bar scene are always active, which is either exactly what you want or not at all.

Rooms are more minimal, but done well.

Best for: younger couples, solo travelers, clients who care about energy and scene.

The Part That Actually Matters

London is layered. You can stay at two equally “nice” hotels and have completely different trips.

So this isn’t about what’s the best hotel. It’s about what’s the right hotel for you.

That’s always the goal.

Because when you get that part right, everything else falls into place.

And London, more than almost anywhere, deserves that level of intention.