My review is for the top floor room #6 with the shower on the first floor.
This room is exactly how it’s advertised. If you’re looking for a basic review: It’s clean, it’s small, great location and I recommend it if you’re on a budget.
If you’re like me and you want every little detail:
It’s small but plenty of room for two people with a bag or two each, plenty of closet space, skylight and window that opens for ventilation, we were there in August during a heatwave of 101!! Peter provided us kindly with a fan which helped but it’s the top floor and it was HOT! But two days later it was 60 degrees and beautiful and with the skylight and window open there was great ventilation at night. There are quite A LOT of steps and toilet and sink is right outside your door on the top last landing. Which means it’s VERY quiet and you can keep the door open and the landing becomes some added space. They did something clever by installing an accordion gate in front of the door to the room, so you can lock the gate but keep the door open for ventilation so the room isn’t so stuffy wherever you’re in or out.
If I did it all again I would spring for a lower floor as the heat and being over 40 years old - the the tight spiral nature and amount of stairs were a struggle after a long day out. It’s a stall shower - I’m 5’9” 155lbs and had enough room and the shower head is removable so while it’s tight, you can maneuver the water where you need it. Temp and pressure were fine too. (HERES A TIP!! When you leave for the day, bring your towels down with you to the bathroom on the first floor- it will save you the additional trips on the stairs to take your shower as soon as you get home for the night AND THEN walk up the stairs!). The shower room also has a toilet and sink which is convenient for bathroom stops throughout the day, you don’t have to go up and down.
Peter and the Auntie who care for the building are lovely and always around. We had trouble with the key and the iron but Peter was quick to answer and fix any issues and the Auntie is just a joy. The closet has shelves on one side (big enough to slide your suitcase in which is great, and hangers on the other side with more storage up top. The kitchen is perfect with fridge and microwave, toaster oven and kettle. Everything you need to cook and eat with some bits and bobs like salt and pepper and oil and tea and coffee in the cabinet probably left by other visitors.
We didn’t use the laundry facilities but they are on the 2nd floor landing in a closet space. You can usually find Auntie there for new towels or bedding (you won’t get what you don’t ask for - they don’t go in your room like a maid). By far the best part of this room is the location. It’s around the block from the British museum, there’s a dead end of sorts at the corner with restaurants and shops where cars can’t go. It’s a neighborhood feel and very quiet and most importantly safe. Day or night you can walk the area without a problem. Great place for kids to play and for teens to venture out on their own without being too nervous. Easy to get to the tube stations but just as easy to walk to many of the tourist areas. We really had a great time despite the heat and if you’re on a budget you can’t do better than this room 6. If you have a couple quid to spare, go for a lower floor.
Things to bring:
Shower stuff/shampoo, soap etc. Again there are some random leftovers from other visitors if you’re stuck but who knows what will be there at any time.
Towels are provided but they are basic, not very large or soft so if you’re picky about that sort of thing or you’re bigger than your average bear - bring them.
Fabreeze or air freshener in warm weather as it’s the top floor so it can get stuffy in the heat.
Hope this helps!