While many of the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the UK's capital stay in costly London hotels,

they more often than not provide a comfortable yet impersonal service, giving you accommodation and facilities that serve as decent room and board but little else - a far cry from the expectations gained from expensive nightly rates. Many visitors to London have little alternative, being unable to find lodgings with friends and family or a cheaper yet decently-situated hotel. However, amongst London's many secrets lies a host of alternatives to staying in a sterile hotel room - short term apartments in London.

To buy or rent a centrally-located London apartment is obviously far more costly than the going rate for a similarly-positioned hotel, but serviced apartments can be leased for short to medium stays at a price that will pleasantly surprise most potential guests.

"But what exactly is a serviced apartment?", you might ask. Apartments are carefully selected by the companies that offer them, the main criteria being their central location and good management. Most are free to reserve and stays can vary from just a single night to several months, depending on the individual apartment. These self-contained apartments include a fully-fitted kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room: everything you would expect from a traditional London home. The apartments are cleaned, managed and maintained for you in the style of hotel accommodation, bringing you that perfect blend of a traditional, homely atmosphere and the facilities of serviced accommodation.

Finding Canary Wharf serviced apartments is a cinch, thanks to the area's popularity with commercial residents. A popular choice with both business and pleasure travellers is Fraser Place apartments in Canary Wharf, offering views over the River Thames and marina, stylish contemporary design and floor-to-ceiling windows that really emphasise the apartments' amazing location.

All of central London is catered for: there are some astoundingly beautiful serviced apartments in Paddington, within walking distance of Oxford Street, Notting Hill and other exclusive areas in which renting an apartment could set you back several thousands of pounds per month.