Often when we go away we prefer to stay in cottages or apartments, choosing them over hotels. I mean, staying in a hotel is nice and can be a real treat, but mostly having a place to relax in is what we're after. So when Short Let London got in touch and said that's possible and affordable in London I was intrigued to know more.

FROM OUR STAY IN A DORSET COTTAGE, JANUARY 2015

We find they provide a welcome return from your day's sightseeing, walking or cycling and with all the home comforts too. And if you've had a full day and don't want to go out for dinner again, then it can be a bowl of pasta or cheese on toast if that's what you feel like.

Short Let London have two hundred fully furnished, self-catering budget apartments and flats in central London to choose from online, and that sounds like a great option to me for anyone planning a trip here.

Accommodation is expensive in central London and staying further out means a longer journey before starting what you'd planned for the day. So if you're planning a trip to London, why not consider a stay in one of their London Holiday Apartments in either Bayswater, Queensway, Lancaster Gate or Paddington?

I definitely recommend exploring an apartment or cottage stay, as I think they give you the opportunity to make your trip your own. And I couldn't finish this post without sharing one of the most stunning sunsets from our trip to Tuscany, where we opted out of staying in a hotel. Having our own space to share and admire sunsets like this made for a truly magical holiday.

A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET FROM OUR HILLTOP COTTAGE IN TUSCANY

This is a collaborative post with Short Let London, but all words and opinions are my own.