If you are planning a trip to London with the family but have no idea where to start with accommodation…then read on. Last week I got to have a little peek inside Europa House – a collection of one, two and three bedroom luxury apartments in the pretty canal area of Little Venice. The location is ten minutes from Paddington Station and walking distance to various undergrounds all just a few stops from central London. The real pull of staying in this area however, is its close proximity to the canal on which you can take a boat to some of London’s top spots including ZSL London Zoo or Camden.

Europa House apartments can be found in a Regency Townhouse with three acres of private gardens including a play area. It is part of a small group of hotel alternative properties called Living Rooms, their portfolio also includes: No.5 Maddox Street; 56 Welbeck Street and The Laslett. They all provide the luxury and services of a hotel but with the warmth and privacy of a home which can be ideal for family trips.I love neutral interiors and natural light, all of which come in abundance at Europa House. It is beautifully interior designed in contemporary but elegant furnishings, with high spec technology and Ren Skincare toiletries. There is a children’s cupboard packed with toys and dvds plus a kid’s concierge should you need it. An extra bed or cot is free for children under 12.

It’s always the little things that count when you are away from home and one of the services I really like at Europa House is the complimentary UK mobile phone you get given with unlimited 3G and free UK calls as well as free international calls to five different countries abroad – such a great idea as I always find it so annoying and time consuming to set up. In the apartment, hotel-like facilities such as personal training with Trube, beauty treatments from Perfect10 and catering can also all be organised through the 24 hour concierge.

This is a lovely quaint part of London where you’ll find cute lanes, boutique shops and cafes as well as lots of canal side restaurants and pubs. As a parent I think this London location is ideal – not in the thick of the city but close enough whilst also having its own little vibe going on. The luxury of being able to return to your apartment but still be able to have a large outdoor space for the children to run around is also a big plus for families with active kids.

The Summerhouse is a lovely family friendly canal side restaurant which I have been to and really liked (also pic below)

The SummerHouse

Alfies Market

So if you love design, space and a good location at an affordable price, be sure to check these out. For more information visit: www.living-rooms.co.uk

Note: The above review is based on a viewing I did of a Europa House two bedroom apartment during an open house…we didn’t stay overnight but hope to take a mini break there soon:)

Photo credit: The Summerhouse by The Sunday Times; all other images belong to Living Rooms.