I never did meet with Colin or anyone else on his behalf, on checking in or checking out, we had brief phone call when I arrived.
Unfortunately the property was very dirty and had not been cleaned in some time. I found multiple hair in the room and general dirt on the floors. If my stay was not so brief and I had not arrived late in the evening and already had plans, I would've looked for another place to stay. The bathroom&toilet were also in a dire need to be cleaned. The sink was almost plugged with hair.
My other major issue with the property was the lack of security. I was not provided a key to the property, as Colin preferred to keep it unlocked at all times and the room I stayed also could not be locked from the outside, meaning that I was not comfortable in leaving my possessions in the room and had to take them with me (luckily I drove, so I had a place to store them) whenever I went out.
The lock in the room is a standard bolt lock you find in an older property, so you could only close it (not very well) when you are in the room. As you may be sharing the property with a stranger (as I was doing) this was a real hassle and very uncomfortable.
The location of the property is very nice and there is a lovely sitting area just outside the room. There is plenty of outdoor parking and as it's around a 10min walk from shops, cafes and bars, you can leave the car at home. The train station to Manchester is also 10mins away from the property.
It was always very quiet and the area itself was very safe.
The price and location are big positives but the cleanliness and security really bring what could have a fantastic place to stay down.