The communication with Franciene and Bruno was fantastic. Before we arrived Franciene sent us a very detailed and accurate list of instructions on where to find the flat and how to access the key box and navigate to the room. Usually we have to get Google Maps out but the guide was so detailed that we didn’t have to do so!
Upon arriving we were greeted by Bruno, who was very kind and welcomed us to the flat. The room was a good size, bigger than expected and with a fairly comfortable bed - could have done with an extra pillow each. It had good storage for our stay too. However, the room wasn’t the cleanest, there was hair on the floor and a faint smell of damp/cat/dog. Overall we were happy with the room.
The kitchen has good facilities and was kept clean and tidy. We didn’t need to cook meals during our stay, but if we wanted to it would have been very adequate to do so!
The bathroom however was what let the flat down for us the most. It was dirty and damp, and just not very clean at all. There was no hand soap at all, I had to go and buy some. I know things like shower gel and shampoo aren’t provided, that’s just a given in any Airbnb, but I think in terms of hand soap it is fair to say that it should be provided. At one stage we returned to the flat and the bathmat was SOAKED and screwed up on the floor, which was dangerous and this meant the floor was very slippery! We also didn’t feel very clean after showering as there was hair on the floor and the shower curtain had mould on.
The location of the flat was brilliant! About two minutes walk to Bermondsey underground station and Southwark park is literally across the road, perfect for a Saturday morning Parkrun! It’s a quiet area and we had no trouble at all. Close walk to Tower Bridge (about 15 minutes) and there is a Sainsbury’s Local and Tesco Express close by. We went to Printworks and Canada Water is one tube stop away so the flat was perfect to stay for the event!
Another issue however was noise in the flat, there were signs everywhere but other guest were still very noisy in the morning and late at night. Although I guess if we wanted to avoid the noise we should have got a hotel so fair’s far.
The doors to each room do not lock, so I wouldn’t stay here if you are bringing valuables etc. as it isn’t safe. I know the instructions stated to lock the door behind you every time, which we did so but other guests did not. Additionally, the little key box where you collect your keys from has a code you need to enter to retrieve the keys. However, on departure when we placed the keys back someone had left the code on the box, which isn’t safe at all as anyone could collect keys if this is done with some inside!
Overall we enjoyed our stay, the description says it is not a modern flat and you get what you pay for!
Thanks