APC on Bourke

We waited more than three hours to get in because we couldn’t reach the host. They eventually called back. The room was stuffy, with locked windows and poor ventilation, and the shower water kept changing temperature. Both the washing machine and dryer were full of towels when we wanted to wash our clothes. Bring your own seasoning and cooking oil if you plan to cook. There was Wi-Fi, but no password was provided. The TV connected to the network but still wouldn’t play Netflix or YouTube.

Great spot, just a short walk from Swanson street, China Town and Fed Square. The apartment was clean and comfortable, but the operation felt very unprofessional. Check-in arrangements were vague, and the $200 security deposit was charged to our card five days before the stay. We’re still waiting for it back. When I asked, I was told in very poor English that it could take up to 10 working days. Some light fittings had no bulbs, there were no drinking glasses or tea towel, and the only sponge was old and dirty. We also found condoms tucked into a sofa cushion, which made me wonder what else the apartments are used for. If you’re bringing children, keep them out of the second bedroom, where the internet modem and routers were dangling from the wall by their wires.

We ended up in a lovely hotel in Fitzroy, and I’m glad we didn’t stay at this place. The reviews suggest it’s quite bad. Expedia was great about relocating us, and I’d recommend using them. We booked through Expedia and got a confirmation, but no check-in details. After seeing reviews about check-in problems, I called the hotel using the website numbers and nobody answered. I found a mobile number on google and reached someone who said they’d check the booking and get back to us. Instead, the operator sent a vague text saying the booking was invalid, even though money had been taken from our account. They told us to call Expedia. This wasn’t Expedia’s error, APC had confirmed the booking when we made it. It seems like a scam business. I wouldn’t book here, and should have read the reviews first.

It’s a modern building in a great location, and my partner and I wanted to like it. But the room was badly let down by poor cleaning. There were dry blood and urine stains on the doona, dust along the windowsill above the bed, lipstick on a mug and grime all over the stove. Cables were also hanging loose in the built-in wardrobe. Staff communication was fine until I raised these issues. After that, I heard nothing. They didn’t acknowledge the state of the property or take responsibility, so I gave it one star. Cleaning properly would go a long way, but we won’t be coming back.