In 2019, London saw an influx of approximately 21.71 million international travellers. The capital city attracts a plethora of international guests each year, either permanently or temporarily relocating for work. Leisure visits to the city are also on a steady incline.
As a newcomer to this beautiful, bustling city, you might be looking for practical accommodation options that are suitable for first-time renters, as well as international guests. Travelling across borders and finding the right accommodation for your specific needs can be a tall order, especially if you are handling the finer details on your own.
1-bed studio flats in London have proven a popular choice for international guests who want to maximise their monthly rental spend, without sacrificing on quality.
Our blog will help you navigate the highly competitive London rental market and provide you with the resources you need to make the best-informed decision for your upcoming London trip.
What is a 1-bed studio apartment?
Strictly speaking, 1-bed apartments and studio apartments are not the same things. Studio apartments are often described as “self-contained apartments with one multifunctional room”, whereas 1-bed flats have distinctive partitioning between each room.
Studio apartments are often the most affordable accommodation option for solo travellers and couples alike. 1-bed apartments offer a similar level of affordability with slightly more space. That being said, one-bedroom apartments do often carry a slightly higher price tag - willingly paid by travellers who require the additional space.
The choice between one-bedroom apartments and studio apartments is highly subjective, and will typically be decided based on how much the prospective tenant values additional space.
Perhaps more important than the space allocation is the inclusion of essential services within your rental price. If you were to choose a one-bed flat without housekeeping services, you may well end up paying more in the long run to maintain your standard of living, which would typically require you to outsource your weekly housework chores to a third party. Inversely, choosing a studio flat which includes weekly housekeeping services within a monthly rental rate will allow you to save a considerable amount of money.
Below, we will discuss additional benefits of choosing a serviced studio apartment as an international traveller.
Benefits of Serviced Studio Apartments for International Travel
We briefly mentioned the inclusion of housekeeping services in the section above, but what other major benefits does a serviced studio apartment offer international guests on their trip to London?
Below, we highlight the major benefits you can expect from your stay with us at Dolphin Square - regardless of whether you choose a one-bedroom apartment or a studio apartment.
Prime location for transport links
Pimlico Station is on our doorstep, giving you direct access to London’s underground tube network. You can affordably and safely travel to all of London’s boroughs from the easily accessed Pimlico Station, freeing up valuable time, and taking the guesswork out of your travel through the capital. This can be especially useful for first-time travellers who might not be familiar with the tube system.
Close proximity to airports
Dolphin Square is located within a reasonable distance from all major airports, giving you quick and convenient access from the moment you land to the day you depart.
Outside the congestion zone
London’s congestion zones can be tricky for newcomers to navigate. We are situated outside of the congestion zone. This allows our residents to benefit from a lower cost on their transport. If you drive a vehicle, we always advise checking your route before you depart, so that if you are routed to travel through the congestion zone, you can budget, plan, and pay accordingly. Bear in mind the transport links that are already on your doorstep will allow you to travel using public transportation for a fraction of the cost!
Close proximity to landmarks
When you visit London, it’s customary to pay a visit to your favourite landmarks. You’ll be glad to know that some of those landmarks are on our doorstep - your day out in London has never been more convenient. Whether you want to see the River Thames up close or visit Westminster (and their renowned restaurants) - your Dolphin Square location has you in the prime position for an easy commute and memorable day out.
Local attractions
If landmarks aren’t quite your ‘cup of tea’, you’ll be glad to know there are a plethora of alternative local attractions you can visit during your stay in London. Holland Park in London is one of the most notorious green spaces on offer, home to the stunning Kyoto Gardens, as well as an impressive 22.5 hectares of sprawling green space. If you prefer something even closer to home, we have an idyllic 3.5-acre garden, freely accessible to all our residents and tenants.
24-hour security
Travelling to a new country can seem daunting. Our 24-hour security provides unparalleled peace of mind to all our residents and tenants and is included on any rental, for any duration. Your safety and security are our priority - along with your comfort and convenience, of course!
Privacy
Many international travellers may be tempted to book into a hotel for their stay in London. By choosing a studio apartment, you’ll have a level of privacy that hotels simply cannot match. If privacy is important to you, this is an important aspect to consider.
Support when you need it
Our reception is open 24 hours a day, giving you the support you need if you find yourself struggling with any aspect of your rental. We are here to make your stay as memorable as possible, every hour of the day.
Affordability
Considering the inclusions that our studio apartment rentals offer, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable, high-quality accommodation option. No need to worry about your utilities or housekeeping costs. One fixed fee covers it all.
Furnished
Your studio apartment at Dolphin Square comes fully furnished, ensuring you have all the accessories and appliances you need to enjoy your stay. Eliminate the need to splurge on expensive furniture, and enjoy inclusions on your furnished apartments such as flat-screen televisions, Hypnos pocket-sprung mattresses (a great night’s sleep awaits!) and other essential furnishings.
On-site amenities
If you’d prefer a quiet night in, but still want to enjoy a gym session, delicious meal, or even a Moroccan spa treatment then Dolphin Squee is the perfect location for you. You will have access to all our on-site amenities, allowing you the luxury to indulge when you want to, without needing to leave the building. Do bear in mind that while we allow access to our facilities, residents and tenants may pay a nominal fee for using the facilities and will be required to pay for meals and spa treatments over and above monthly rental charges.
Extended stay for extended work contracts: No need to uproot and find a new studio apartment if your work contract is extended. You can simply extend your tenancy, and continue enjoying the Dolphin Square lifestyle, as and when you need to.
Tips for international travellers staying in studio apartments
When you’re in the midst of apartment hunting for your trip to London, you might overlook some important aspects of making your stay as seamless as possible. Below, we highlight some practical, quick tips to help you plan your trip effectively:
Bring a plug adaptor
Seasoned travellers know the value of bringing their own plug adapters. It’s most practical to bring one multi-point plug along, which you can plug all your devices into through one central point. Using a single multi-point plug saves on luggage space, and will come in handy more often than most would like to admit.
Unpack - do not live out your suitcase
As tempting as it may be to live out of your suitcase, the quickest way to feel “at home” in your new apartment is to unpack. A general rule of thumb most travellers are familiar with is “if you’re staying more than 2 nights, unpack” - and we have to agree! You’ll find all the essentials in your studio apartment - including hangers and hanging space for you to lay out your clothing.
Familiarise yourself with the (new) basics
Some minor things are very different in each country. For example, the locking mechanism on British doors may be different to the style or type of locking mechanism you’ve grown accustomed to. Take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with these small intricacies and nuances - you might pick up a handy trick or two.
Bring a spare charging cable & power bank for days out
While the majority of buses, tubes, and trains in London offer a power outlet to charge your phone from, nobody wants to be stuck in a new country with a dead battery. Pack an extra charging cable and power bank for days out to ensure you avoid this inconvenience.
Welcome to London living
We hope our blog has helped you uncover some useful tips for your upcoming trip to the capital city. Whether you’re looking for accommodation for a few nights, a few weeks, or even a few months - you can rest assured that choosing Dolphin Square as your temporary London base is the best decision you could make.
Our team is committed to helping you find the ideal apartment, regardless of your needs. Reach out to them and book a viewing today, or simply get in touch with us for more information.
We look forward to welcoming you to London, and Dolphin Square!
