John and Norma’s Homestay B&B

There's not even a small sign to distinguish this lovely redbrick Edwardian house as John and Norma's Homestay B&B -- though its anonymity is part of the charm. This typical middle-class suburban property has been home to the eponymous couple for more than 40 years, and it feels every inch the well-loved and well-lived-in household. The decor is homey but tasteful -- John is a retired interior designer -- with lots of old family snaps, as well as black-and-white photos of London. With only two bedrooms available, it's one of the smaller and more intimate guesthouses around, and the hospitality and friendliness of the owners is second to none. 

This bed and breakfast is located on a quiet residential street in the leafy north London suburb of Muswell Hill. The neighborhood's main street is less than a 10-minute walk away, and it's full of restaurants, cafes, and shops while offering spectacular glimpses over the capital's cityscape below. With no Tube station nearby, the location is far from ideal for those wanting to explore London's main tourist attractions in a hurry. While there are plenty of local buses in the area, a trip to the city center can take up to an hour. Alexandra Palace is within walking distance, and it's a five-minute drive to the nearest North Circular ring-road exit, making the city easily reachable for those with a car.

The B&B's one double room is spacious with wooden floors, crisp white decor, and modern furnishings, and gets plenty of natural light from large windows that overlook the street. The single room is smaller and cozier, with yellow walls, a carpeted floor, and a period fireplace, and can be made into a twin room with a pull-out bed. Both rooms have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, while only the double room has its own bathroom (because the bathroom is shared between the two rooms bookings are not taken for the single room alone). There's also a travel cot that can accommodated in the double room at no extra charge for the under-two set.

A vegetarian or continental breakfast is included in the room rate and consists of fruit juice, fresh fruit, and cereal, followed by cooked-to-order eggs with toast -- all served in a pleasant dining room. Guests can make their own tea or coffee any time of day, and there's a mini-fridge to store drinks. Free on-street parking is available, and Wi-Fi is also free of charge -- though there's no lounge for guests' use.