I really wanted to like this apartment, but due to major issues by the property managers, I would be very reluctant to go back. Read below and beware!
I messaged the host to ask for an early check-in but the host did not respond. I thought I’d try my luck by stopping by the place at 11am and found a representative of the company there. He was very nice and said he’d check his boss. The boss said because my booking was “last minute” the flat would actually be available at 6pm and not the usual 4pm (?!). Bizarre.
I then called back a few minutes later asking if I can at least drop my luggage off while the 1-bedroom flat is being cleaned for 7 hours (lol) and they said I could drop it off to their office in Victoria instead! Oh and by the way - check-in would require me to go to their office in Victoria too! At 6pm! To get the keys! Bizarre.
I reluctantly agreed.
A few hours later I received a message saying the flat was actually ready at 4.30 and that I could come earlier to their office to check-in. I then saw another message saying I had to present my ID and a credit card because the company was going to take a £250 deposit too. At this point I was about to cancel the reservation because I had enough of their little surprises. Fortunately the team at the office didn’t bother.
The flat itself was ok. Location was fantastic. Ground floor, modern furnishings and spacious. Dining chairs were stained and could be replaced. It has 2 toilets. One was in the bedroom and there was chipped paint. The second had a leaky toilet and was yellow (?). Both shower heads had significant amounts of limescale on them too which was a bit gross.
The apartment was well-stocked with general necessities, clean linen etc. There is a washing machine but no dryer (?) - there’s a drying rack for that.
Finally on check-out day, I asked for a late check-out. Guess what? £15 per hour extension! I’m good thanks.
Overall, a convenient pied a terre. If the owner replaces the management company, I would return.