Airbnb in London review: Honest insights from our Canary Wharf 2026 stay with Lujan Luxury Property

We stayed at this Airbnb in London during our January trip and didn’t regret it for a second. Winter in London can be grey, wet, and a bit depressing if your accommodation is cold or uncomfortable. Luckily, this place turned out to be a very good decision. It was managed by Lujan Luxury Property, and from check-in to the last morning coffee, the experience was smooth and stress free.

If you are planning a London trip and wondering whether Airbnb is still worth it in 2026, especially in winter, this review will help you decide. I’ll share exactly what the apartment was like, how the area felt, whether it was warm enough, how clean it was, and if the price actually matched the quality. And yes, I’ll link the exact listing so you can see it yourself before booking.

Why we chose Airbnb for our January stay in London

I like Airbnb for the freedom it gives. It’s basically a normal apartment, so there’s no pressure to “make the most of breakfast” or keep eating out just because you’re staying in a hotel. You can buy something good in a shop nearby, come back home, and have a slow evening with a glass of wine or a beer. And when you travel as a bigger group, like we did this time, that freedom matters even more.

We were four people, and a hotel would honestly be much less comfortable. Most hotel rooms are made for two, so you either squeeze in, pay a lot more for extra rooms, or split up. And when you split up, even simple things become annoying: planning the next day, getting ready in the morning, or just having a chill moment together after a long day. With this Airbnb, we could all sit down in the same space, talk, laugh, and relive everything we did. And we had a lot to relive. We went to the West End, and seeing The Phantom of the Opera or Wicked (the other half of out team for the very first time) was easily one of the most magical experiences of the whole trip.

Where we stayed in London (area breakdown): Canary Wharf

We stayed in Canary Wharf, which is honestly my favorite “base” in London. The apartment was just a few minutes on foot from the DLR, around a 10-minute walk to the Elizabeth line and the Jubilee line, and also very close to the Uber Boat (so you can travel by river if you want a more fun, less underground kind of commute).

This location makes London feel easy. You can get to many parts of the city fast, but you can also enjoy the area without trying too hard. There are shops nearby, plenty of good places to eat, and the DLR ride itself is surprisingly scenic. At the same time, Canary Wharf feels calm and quiet, especially compared to more touristy central areas. So you get that “peaceful home base” feeling, while still being well connected to the main London attractions.

First Impressions: Check-in, access and communication

This place offers self check-in, with check-in starting from 3:00 pm. We knew we would arrive later than that (around 7:00 pm), so self check-in was exactly what we needed. Before we arrived, we received clear instructions: how to get to the apartment, the access codes for the gate and the building entrance, and where to find the keys for the apartment door. Everything was explained in a simple, step-by-step way, so we didn’t feel stressed even though we were coming in the evening.

When we finally got there, it was raining, and honestly, Google Maps was not great at guiding us to the exact entrance. We ended up walking around the area for a bit because we really didn’t want to get stuck in some dead end with suitcases. After that, our host gave us a great tip: use the Citymapper app instead. And yes, it made a huge difference. Citymapper navigated us perfectly, not just to the apartment, but later also around London in general.

This is a useful tip beyond this Airbnb stay. If you’re visiting London and you plan to use public transport, Citymapper is a lifesaver. It’s much better than Google Maps for routes, transfers, delays, and the little details that matter when you’re trying to move fast across the city.

The apartment Itself: Honest review

The apartment is a one-bedroom place, with a spacious living room that also has a dining table and an open kitchen. And the kitchen is actually properly equipped, not the “two plates and one sad pan” situation. We had everything we needed to cook and eat at home: a microwave, a stove with an oven, a fridge, and even a washing machine. So yes, you can comfortably prepare meals, which is a big plus in London when eating out all the time gets expensive fast.

Sleeping arrangements worked really well for a group of four. Two people sleep in the bedroom on a double bed, and the other two on a comfortable pull-out sofa in the living room. There’s also a bathroom with a bathtub with a shower, which is great after a long day of walking around the city.

But the real highlight is the balcony. We seriously need to come back in warmer weather because it has such a vibe: outdoor seating, little lights, and an amazing view of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers. In the evening it feels almost unreal, like you’re sitting in your own little London movie scene.

Was it clean? Let’s talk standards

Yes, it was clean, and in a way that felt consistent with the listing photos. Everything looked prepared with real care, not rushed. The small details made a difference: the dishes were neatly arranged, the space felt fresh, and nothing gave us that “someone just checked out an hour ago” vibe.

There were also a few thoughtful touches around the apartment. For example, there were books and some nice decor elements that made it feel more lived-in (in a good way), not like a cold, empty rental. The books were especially funny because they matched our interests: business and personal development. We had talked with Valentina, the host, a few times before the trip, so I honestly don’t know if it was a coincidence or if she chose them on purpose 😎 Either way, it was a lovely detail and it made the apartment feel more personal.

You could tell the place is well looked after, and that Valentina cares about improving it. We met her on our last day and she told us about changes she wants to make next, which was another good sign. It’s always reassuring when a host treats the apartment like a project they actively maintain, not just something they rent out and forget.

January in London: Was it warm enough?

London is famous for one thing in winter: damp air indoors. A lot of places feel cold even when the heating is on, and that humidity can make everything feel a bit… sticky and uncomfortable. But in this apartment, we haven’t noticed it at all.

The place was genuinely warm and cozy. At times it was even so warm that we opened the balcony door just to get some fresh air, especially in the evening. For a January stay, that is a big win. No sleeping in hoodies, no cold bathroom drama, no “why is the air wet” feeling.

I think the building itself plays a role here. Canary Wharf has many newer developments, and this apartment was also in a newer building. That usually means better insulation, better windows, and overall a more comfortable temperature indoors, even when the weather outside is doing its London thing (although we had pretty dry and sunny week).

Is Airbnb in London worth it compared to a hotel?

This definitely isn’t the cheapest Airbnb you can find in London, but it also doesn’t pretend to be. The cheaper options usually don’t offer the same standard, and in this case the price-to-quality match felt right. And once you split the cost between four people, it becomes a really good deal.

Also, finding a good hotel in this area for a similar price would be hard. We actually have a perfect comparison, because we once stayed at the ARK Canary Wharf hotel (just 1 DLR station away) and it was a full horror story. We were extremely unhappy, and we paid for two people almost the same amount as we paid here for four. And what we got in ARK was basically a tiny box. The bathroom was so small you could only stand facing one direction (front or back), because sideways you simply didn’t fit with the door closed.

Another big reason we prefer Airbnb over hotels is privacy. In hotels, staff sometimes enter the room even when you hang the “do not disturb” sign, and yes, that has happened to us before. It really bothers us, especially because we travel with photo and video equipment and also laptops for work. We don’t feel comfortable leaving that kind of gear in a room where someone might walk in during the day. With an apartment like this, you have your own space, your own schedule, and no surprise “housekeeping visits” when you’re out.

Who This Airbnb Is Perfect For (And Who Should Think Twice)

I would say this Airbnb is perfect for people who want comfort, space, and a calm base in London, without staying in a classic tourist area. If you like having your own kitchen, your own schedule, and evenings where you can sit together and talk instead of sitting separately in hotel rooms, this place makes a lot of sense.

It’s especially great for:

• small groups of friends
• two couples traveling together
• families with older kids
• people mixing sightseeing with remote work
• anyone who values privacy and doesn’t want hotel staff entering their space

It’s also a very good choice if you appreciate a more modern building, proper heating in winter, and a quieter neighborhood that still has great transport connections.

Who might not love it?

If you want to wake up in the middle of Soho chaos, step out directly into crowds, and have a tiny boutique hotel vibe with daily room service, this is probably not your style. Canary Wharf is calmer, more organized, more “business district energy” than postcard London. We personally like that balance, but it depends on what kind of trip you want.

Things we loved

First of all, we genuinely loved Valentina. She is such a strong, entrepreneurial woman, and you can clearly see that she cares about what she does. She pays attention to details, thinks about improvements, and treats her guests like real people, not just booking numbers. That kind of energy changes the whole experience. When a host actually cares, you feel it.

The location was another big win. Canary Wharf gave us the perfect balance between calm and connection. It was quiet enough to rest properly, but close enough to transport links that the whole city felt accessible. DLR, Jubilee, Elizabeth line, Uber Boat, everything was within easy reach.

And then there was the overall vibe of the place. It felt modern, comfortable, and slightly “grown up” in the best way. A space where you can relax after a long London day, sit together, talk, maybe plan the next adventure. The balcony view, the lights in the evening, the skyline in the background. It all created that feeling of “yes, we chose well”.

Things that could be even better

I’m honestly being very picky here, because none of these things really affected our stay in a negative way. I also talked about them directly with Valentina, and knowing her, I wouldn’t be surprised if they are already solved by the time you book.

The only small technical issue we had was with the QR code for the WiFi connection. It showed an error when we tried to scan it. But the router was literally within arm’s reach, and it had the network name and password printed on it. So we fixed it in five seconds. And even if we hadn’t, Valentina was available on WhatsApp the whole time, so support was never a problem.

The other thing is more of an idea than a complaint. After our little Google Maps adventure and discovering how much better Citymapper works in London, I thought it could be nice to have a small guest guide in the apartment. Something simple, with practical tips like the best way to reach the nearest underground station, where the closest grocery store is, or which app to use for public transport. It’s not something that was missing in a dramatic way, but small local tips like that can make a good stay even smoother.

Price breakdown: Was it worth the money?

We were invited by Valentina for this stay, but I still checked what the full price would have been if we had booked it ourselves through Airbnb. For our dates in January, the total cost came to around 12,000 SEK, including all Airbnb fees.

Converted to GBP, that’s roughly £900 to £950 in total, depending on the exchange rate at the time of booking.

And that price was for the entire apartment for four people, not per person. When you divide it by four, the cost per person becomes very reasonable, especially for London. In Canary Wharf, finding a comfortable hotel in a modern building for a similar total price would be difficult, particularly if you need space for four adults.

There were no extra add-ons like airport transfers or additional services included, so the price is very transparent. You pay for the apartment, the location, the comfort, and the privacy. And in our opinion, considering the standard, the heating in winter, the balcony, and the space, the value for money makes sense.

Would we stay here again?

Like I already mentioned, we would happily come back. This place was simply very comfortable, and that balcony is seriously tempting us for the warmer months. It felt like an easy, stress-free base in London, which is exactly what you want when the city is busy and you’re doing a lot every day.

And if we don’t come back to this exact apartment, it would only be for one reason: we’re genuinely curious to see how Valentina will grow in the London market. We know she plans to take on more apartments in other parts of the city, and honestly, I would love to try those too. So stay tuned, because if you can choose between a random, “I never answer messages” host and someone as engaged and thoughtful as Valentina, the choice is very easy.

Practical tips if you’re booking Airbnb in London

A few practical things we learned (or were reminded of) during this stay, that can make your London trip much easier, no matter which Airbnb you book.

Download Citymapper before you arrive.
Seriously. It’s the best app for London transport and walking routes, especially around bigger complexes where Google Maps sometimes gets confused. It helps you plan public transport, shows the best exits, and saves a lot of “where are we?” moments.

Choose your base based on transport, not vibes only.
London looks compact on a map, but travel time adds up fast. Areas like Canary Wharf work great because you have multiple options (DLR, Jubilee, Elizabeth line, river boat). Even if you stay somewhere more central, make sure you’re close to at least one strong line.

If you’re traveling as 3 to 4 people, an apartment often makes more sense than a hotel.
Not only financially, but also for comfort. Having a living room and a kitchen changes the whole rhythm of the trip. You can sit together, plan the day, eat something simple, and recharge properly.

Check what “self check-in” really means.
Ideally you want clear instructions, access codes, and a simple key pick-up. If the listing is vague, message the host before booking and see how they respond. A helpful host is a huge part of a good stay.

If you travel with laptops or camera gear, think about privacy.
In hotels, housekeeping and staff access can feel unpredictable. With an Airbnb apartment, you usually have more control over your space, which can be a big comfort factor if you’re carrying expensive equipment.

A London stay we’ll remember

If you want a London stay that feels easy, comfortable, and genuinely well looked after, this Airbnb managed by Lujan Luxury Property is a really strong choice. For us, it was the perfect mix of a calm base in Canary Wharf, excellent transport connections, and that real “home after a long day” feeling, with a host who actually cares.

We left with that quiet confidence that we chose well. And that says a lot. London can be overwhelming, expensive, and unpredictable, so finding a place that simply works and makes the whole trip smoother is priceless. If you’re thinking about booking it, check the listing below and see if it fits your style of travel. And if you stay there too, I’d genuinely love to hear your experience.

Planning more than just one stay?

If you’re going to London, accommodation is just one part of the puzzle. Over the last trips, I created my own custom Google Map of London with more than 500 pinned spots: restaurants, coffee places, viewpoints, West End theatres, hidden gems, markets, brunch spots, and places that are actually worth your time. It’s the exact map I use myself when I plan our days. You get lifetime access, and I keep updating it regularly with new discoveries.

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