Bloomsbury Silk

Overlooking a historic London square, this Bloomsbury apartment has the kind of period bones – high ceilings, grand windows, leafy views – that feel a world away from the ordinary. Light fills every room, and the calm of the square is right outside. Russell Square's Edwardian gardens are a five-minute walk, independent bookshops and Georgian streets are nearby, and Russell Square Underground station is less than a five-minute walk away, putting the whole city within easy reach via the Piccadilly line.

Home truths:
* Parking in this part of London is on-street and paid – we recommend using the Tube or buses, both of which are right on your doorstep.
* You'll need to climb a flight of stairs to reach the apartment – there's no lift access from street level, so it may not suit guests with mobility requirements.
* There's no air conditioning here – the host has provided fans to help on warmer days, but do bear that in mind if you're visiting during a summer heatwave.
* If you're travelling for work, you won't find a dedicated desk here. However, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace.