Firstly, communication was excellent. Helpful directions which were very clear. Slightly longer walk from bus than anticipated, but I only had a small amount of luggage, so not a big deal. But with heavy suitcases or someone less agile, it may be an issue. Any questions prior to stay were answered promptly.
On arrival, I was struck by a very strong, almost overpowering, smell of air freshener in the room. Within 20 minutes, I went out to get something to eat. I returned at 8.50pm to the most revolting smell of sewage coming from the ensuite.
I called up to the owner who came down to the room and acknowledged it was not good. He ‘turned up’ the air freshener to its ‘maximum capacity’ and opened my window. The sewage smell was so strong, I had to leave the room.
He offered me my money back (not the full amount, only what he received, ie less the Air B&B taking). I said OK and tried to find somewhere else to move to. However, after 20 minutes of trying, there was nowhere that was affordable on my budget, plus I was getting up early for a flight from Heathrow. So I had no choice but to stay.
The owner said “You are the first one to complain.”
And then:
“Sometimes we have this problem with the drains; some people are more sensitive than others.” I felt he was making it my problem because I must be one of those people who were ‘more sensitive to smells’. I can not underestimate how revolting the stench was.
As I was writing this down, word for word, to make sure that this review is accurate, there was a knock at the door and he offered me £20 cash. I paid £40.77 for the room. I didn’t take it, because I wanted to write this review and possibly prevent others from having to endure a similar experience.
I do not know what the other rooms in their house are like, but this small double, aside from the unbearable smell, has an uncomfortable bed, lumpy pillows and if you like cotton sheets, don’t stay here. I am about to try and sleep under the duvet with the windows wide open to counteract the repulsive smell.
Just as I was about to go to sleep, another guest arrived and I had to answer the door to her because after knocking twice the owner had clearly not heard and as my room was right by the front door, the doorbell/knocking & outside light shining through my window were not conducive to sleep.
Needless to say, I did not have a good night’s sleep and a guest left at 4am which meant the noise and light issues repeated themselves.
I could not bring myself to use the shower as it was in the small cubicle with the toilet (and no window) so I had to wait until I was at Heathrow to wash.
I would not recommend this room.