We travelled by car from Belgium. After a long drive, we had an estimated time of arrival at the property of 20:45 (time communicated to the host). Although their check-in instructions stated that the check-in can be done anytime after 15:00, they proceeded to tell us that the check-in ended at 20:00, and that they should charge us a late check-in fee of £25. They didn’t, in the end, only by us promising that we will leave a 5 star review (red flag).
Once let inside the property, which is located in a dark alleyway, at the back of some shops, they told us again that we should leave a 5 star review (?!?) to help their listing as they have just finished a complete renovation.
Long story short, nothing is renovated. The property looks old and dated, they tried repainting it in some places, but with a minimum effort. The furniture / kitchenette cabinets look old. We didn’t even go in the bathroom.
When we have arrived, the room was cold, not heated in days, probably 15 - 16 degrees. We tried the old Thermostat in the corner, waited for 5 mins and radiators still cold.
Contacted the host which told us that the heating is being done by a very small portable heater, rather than through the very large radiators on the wall.
At that point we decided to plug the heater, turn it on on max power and wait in the car while the room heats up. 45 mins later the room was still incredible cold. To put in the context, it’s almost 23:00 at night, and all we wanted was a place to sleep, but to no avail.
We’ve contacted the host for a full refund (communication ended from them) and went somewhere else.
Horrible location, 0 comfort.
5 star reviews are being earned through a 5 star service, not by guilting guests into giving it to you.