Business Trip to London - Our Most Asked Questions Answered

London is a leading global city, with one of the greatest financial districts in the world, attracting tourists and business professionals all year round. Home of the SilverDoor Apartments headquarters, London is one of the most popular destinations for our clients, as we aim to offer serviced apartments in every corner of the city to meet their requirements. In 2022, over 2.4 million international business travellers visited London for work purposes. Our experienced account management team is on hand to guide you through the booking process, accommodate your needs and answer any questions you might have, before, during, or after your stay. If it is your first-time visiting London or booking with SilverDoor, here are our most asked questions answered to give you a head start on planning your business trip to London.

What is there to do in London?

London is often described as the city that has anything and everything you could want from a world-class capital. With so much to see and do, here are some top things to do on your next visit.

• A must visit during spring and summer is Kew Gardens. Located in west London, Kew offers over 500 acres of spectacular gardens, with the biggest and most diverse botanical collections in the world. You can spend the whole day wondering the winding paths through lawns, trees, Japanese garden, lake, rose garden, and kids play area.
• For any art lovers, the Tate Modern is filled with paintings and sculptures by famous names like Picasso, Warhol, and Dali. The Tates collection of international modern and contemporary art will take your breath away not to mention the incredible building itself, with lots of open seating areas to take in your surroundings. Other galleries include the National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, and the Dulwich Picture Gallery.
• Take a walk through the South Bank and get lost in its rich history. Located between Westminster and London Bridge, the city landmarks include Big Ben, St. Paul’s, the Tower of London and a wide variety of restaurants and street food vendors. This is a great way to explore the city, especially for first time visitors.
• Visit London’s theatreland – better known as the West End. From dramatic musicals to Shakespeare plays, London’s West End has something for everyone and is a must-visit during a business trip to London.

Is there room service available in my serviced apartment?

If you are looking for a serviced apartment in London that offers room service, please make this clear to your account manager during the enquiry process. Although most serviced apartments are self-catered, some of our aparthotels might be able to offer this. Most serviced apartments have a fully equipped kitchen for the home away from home feel, and many offer grocery delivery services.

Where are the best areas to stay in London?

At SilverDoor we pride ourselves on offering an extensive portfolio of high quality, well priced serviced apartments globally. SilverDoor has fantastic coverage of London, with apartments in over 30 districts across the city. If proximity to your office is a priority when visiting London, SilverDoor can find the ideal accommodation for whatever your business trip demands.  Planning a business trip? Here are some key locations when travelling for business to London.

London Bridge

• The London Bridge area remains famous for its remarkable London sights as well as its proximity to key business districts. With an abundance of transport links, this area is also great for an easy commute.

City of London

• At the heart of the financial district, the City of London area is the top location for business travellers when visiting London. There are a variety of industries present in this area, making it ideal for corporate travellers looking to network and collaborate.

Kensington

• Regarded as one of the wealthiest boroughs in London, in Kensington you can enjoy world famous restaurants, shops and business district access within walking distance from your serviced apartment door.

What is the time zone in London?

London is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during winter months only. The GMT time zone has the same hour offset (GMT +0) as the Western European Standard Time Zone. At SilverDoor, we want our clients to enjoy a home away from home experience, which is why we operate 24 hours a day. With our international offices, a member of our team will be able to assist you with any concerns or queries you might have, so don’t hesitate to contact us.

How do I work my way around the London Underground?

As a first-time visitor, navigating the London Underground can feel quite daunting. However, it is relatively simple to use and is very convenient, taking you to any part of the city. The London Underground network is divided into nine zones. Zone 1 is covered by Central London and Zones 6 to 9 cover the outer parts of the city. There are 11 Tube lines along with the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), the London Overground, the Elizabeth line and National Rail services. To find your way around the city, we recommend using the TFL journey planner or Citymapper, both of which will show you the quickest way to travel as well as transport-specific alternatives.

Are there any smoking apartments?

The majority of serviced apartments are non-smoking. This does include all the apartments within the development and any internal communal spaces. Smoking may be permitted in external areas such as balconies and gardens, however you should check the restrictions first with your account manager who will be happy to help. Alternatively, refer to the Guest Welcome folder.

Where is the closest airport to me in London?

Where you are staying during your leisure or business trip to London, will determine which airport is most convenient for you. Heathrow Airport, which is located west of the city, is by far the largest out of the six airports in the capital, with 5 terminals and operating around 1,300 combined take-offs and landings every day. Gatwick Airport is also popular among those visiting London and is accessible by the Gatwick Express, a non-stop service between London Victoria Station and London Gatwick Airport which runs every 15 minutes. Other airports include Luton, Stansted and Southend.

What is the weather like in London?

London weather varies throughout the year. Summers are short, comfortable, and partly cloudy with some heat waves between July and August. On the other hand, winters are long, very cold, windy (and mostly cloudy, too). Make sure to pack an umbrella with you when visiting London as it is more than likely to rain!

Where are the best shopping areas in London?

The shopping experience in London is second to none with well-known flagship stores, local designers, and hidden vintage stores. Here are some top shopping destinations to explore when visiting London.

Oxford Street

• Known as the most famous shopping street in London with over 300 shops, Oxford Street is home to some iconic brand names and experiences. Check out Selfridges department store which offers everything from top designer clothing brands to children’s toys and futuristic gadgets.

Covent Garden

• Filled with cobbled streets, luxury fashion and beauty stores, and award-winning restaurants and theatres, Covent Garden is a bustling shopping area and a popular tourist destination.

Kings Road

• This 3km street stretches through Chelsea and Fulham and is the perfect place to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon when visiting London. Among the beautiful architecture are a host of boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and cultural hot spots.

Are family-friendly serviced apartments available in London?

Many of our property providers offer accommodation tailored to those with families and children – be that a family room, large living space, or interconnecting rooms. Simply specify your room requirements with your account manager and they will source accommodation which meets your needs.

What amenities are there in my serviced apartment?

Serviced apartments offer business travellers a flexible and self-sufficient living experience, while also offering luxury and convenience. Many serviced accommodation operators offer hotel-like services and amenities like 24-hour receptions, gyms, pools, restaurants, and communal areas. If there are specific amenities you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team today or fill out an enquiry form and make sure to mention specific needs and wants.

With all this in mind, serviced apartments are the ideal temporary accommodation solution – whether you are relocating, visiting for leisure, or on a business trip to London. With a home away from home that accommodates all your needs, SilverDoor is on hand to guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you may have along the way. Check out our extensive portfolio of serviced apartments in London or get in touch with a member of our team today.