Craigslist for holiday let in London-any recommendations?

I have some family coming over to visit before Christmas that want to do a couple of nights in London (we live in Liverpool).  I wondered if anyone had any success with a Craigslist let at all? When I looked there seemed to be some nice places for a decent price but then the worried side of me wonders, 'what if they turn up and it's some scam??'   They've been looking at hotels, too-just thought I'd check out some other options for them.

Thanks!

I'd avoid Craigslist. There are so many dodgy posts on there, I'd also worry it was a scam. You could take a look at vrbo.com or airbnb.com if they don't want to go the hotel route. I've used both and nothing horrible has happened (yet)!

I'd avoid Craigslist.

Agreed.

I'd avoid Craigslist.

Definitely this.  I've used venere.com several times and have never been disappointed.

www.homeaway.com has holiday lets all over. Not sure about London but I wouldn't see why not!

I agree with everyone.. Craigslist for leasing is one thing, but vacation rentals eh.. Not so much! My current place I live in I found on CL and it's a great condo!

Along with homeaway, I've had a great deal of luck both internationally and here in the UK with the website www.vrbo.com

I would just recomend making a short list of properties and then contacting the owners via the email option in the website. i've searched on set price ranges and not read the whole add. Some options will have minimum night stays, or cleaning charges. Make sure to add that into your budget!

Avoid craigslist.

Craigslist for leasing is one thing, but vacation rentals eh.. Not so much! My current place I live in I found on CL and it's a great condo!

FWIW, I've never seen a legit ad for a lease in London (i.e. one where they actually responded to my inquiry) on CL. Gumtree, yes, but CL all seems to be scams. (£95/week to live on Kensington High Street!)

FWIW, I've never seen a legit ad for a lease in London (i.e. one where they actually responded to my inquiry) on CL. Gumtree, yes, but CL all seems to be scams. (£95/week to live on Kensington High Street!)

I haven't rented a flat off of CL in London, but from the postings I've seen listed, most seem too good to be true and to many of the same, so it makes me very wary that they could be scams.  CL to find an apartment in the states is pretty good, though.  We found our current place on CL in Boston and have been there for three years now. 

I've used venere.com several times and have never been disappointed.

This as well. Venere is a good resource.

Many thanks for all of the suggestions (and steering clear of Craigslist for certain things!)  My sister ended up going with a hotel-she's geting a good deal especially as the pound is so weak lately.  I'll keep in mind those other sites for other people visiting (and if we're ever heading into London......probably when my baby is born in a month and I have to do the registration at the embassy...again.)

FWIW, I've never seen a legit ad for a lease in London (i.e. one where they actually responded to my inquiry) on CL. Gumtree, yes, but CL all seems to be scams. (£95/week to live on Kensington High Street!)

Well I'm leasing in San Diego California so that may make a difference lol

Yeah, CL hasn't caught on in the UK. I've used it in the past there for selling furniture. Who did I sell to? Another American expat!