Let me just start by saying, I manage properties making sure they are up to standards/code, so I inspect units from day to day.
This place is in a prime location. There are a ton of restaurants and
shopping right outside the front door. Its convenient to just about
anywhere worth visiting in London, however. ....
My train arrived from Paris at 7:30 and when I arrived an hour
later at 8:30 PM I was greeted by the housekeeper who told me "It's a $25 up-charge for arriving after 8:00 PM" I hesitantly replied "ok".
He replied very firmly "now!"
Because I didnt have cash on-hand, he held the keys and walked my guest and I to the nearest ATM to retrieve cash before we were allowed to take possession of the apartment. Although the housekeeper claimed this rule was advertised
on airbnb's web site, I was unable to locate it. I personally found
this to be an of enfensive welcoming gesture. For the most part the apartment was generally clean, however the couches in the living area were extremely soiled and worn; so much so that I had to line them with linen in order to somewhat relax on them. They are not what's advertised in the picture.
The guest bathroom REEKED of mildew so bad that I had to close
the door to contain the smell. I literally had to hold my breath to
walk in there the first time I tried to use it. The only reason I even
attempted to go in there was because there were 4 lights out in the other restroom and I could barely see well enough to assemble myself.
There were also 7 additional lights out throughout the remainder of
the apartment. Being that I had a late check-in I found this to be
unacceptable because the housekeeper had more than enough time to correct any issues prior to my arrival.
The linen on the beds were some type of below standard sheet duvet with a dingy looking white comforters on the inside of them. I really didnt feel comfortable taking my clothes off and climbing in. All of the beds did have clean pillow cases though. I just slept in my clothes during my entire stay. Other than what I previously mentioned, the bedrooms, main
bathroom, floors throughout the place and the kitchen were all
spotless. All dishes and other amenities were available as promised. The building is old so even though it was clean, there was still a slight stench that you would expect of an older building.