WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A FULLY FURNISHED APARTMENT AS A BUSINESS TRAVELLER IN LONDON

Visiting London for work always comes with its challenges—tight schedules, long meetings, and endless Zoom calls. So when I land in the city, the last thing I want to worry about is whether my apartment has a kettle, strong Wi-Fi, or a decent mattress.

As someone who travels frequently for business, I’ve stayed in every type of accommodation—hotels, Airbnb homes, serviced apartments—and I can confidently say: a fully furnished apartment done right makes all the difference.

If you’re a landlord considering hosting corporate guests like me, here’s what we’re really looking for.

Comfort That Feels Like Home (Even When It’s Not)

After a long day in a suit and tie, I don’t want to return to a cold, bare-bones flat. I want a cosy living room, with a proper sofa I can sink into, a big screen TV for Netflix, and lighting that doesn’t make me feel like I’m in a hospital waiting room.

A rug under my feet, framed artwork, maybe even a houseplant—it’s these small touches that help me unwind and feel human again.

A Bed That Helps Me Function the Next Day

Sleep is non-negotiable. I’ve stayed in apartments with lumpy beds and paper-thin pillows, and it’s just not worth it.

What works?

• A comfortable mattress

• High-thread-count sheets

• Blackout curtains (London nights are bright!)

Give me a good night’s sleep, and I’ll probably leave you a glowing review.

A Kitchen That Lets Me Eat Something Besides Pret

Sure, London has incredible food, but when you’re here for more than a few days, constantly eating out gets tiring—and expensive.

A well-equipped kitchen lets me start my day with a proper breakfast and occasionally cook dinner when I’m too exhausted to go out.

What I appreciate:

• A coffee machine

• A clean oven and microwave

• Cookware and utensils

• A table where I can eat or even take meetings over lunch

Reliable Wi-Fi and a Space to Work

This is a dealbreaker. A lot of short-term rentals claim to be “business ready,” but then you find the Wi-Fi drops every hour or there’s no actual desk.

If I can’t work, I can’t stay. That means:

• Strong, fast Wi-Fi

• A desk with a proper chair

• Plenty of outlets for charging devices

Even better if it’s in a quiet spot with good lighting for video calls.

Laundry, Climate Control & All the Extras

Business travel means packing light, so access to a washing machine is incredibly helpful. Heating and air conditioning also matter. London weather is famously unpredictable, and no one wants to freeze in May or sweat through their shirt in October.

Other bonus points:

• A hairdryer (so I don’t have to bring mine)

• A secure entrance

• Easy check-in instructions

The Truth? The Best Flats Are Professionally Managed

Some of the best places I’ve stayed were managed by agencies like 20Property Management.

You can just tell when a place is handled by professionals—it’s clean, everything works, and if something goes wrong, someone is there to help.

It’s stress-free, just the way business travel should be.