Brighton Serviced Apartments

The smell hits you as soon as you walk in, and it stinks. There were cobwebs on the ceiling, filthy fly screens, a stained mattress, and a slipper and old bottle under the bed. The bathroom had mould and dirt running down the tiles from the steam. I killed one big cockroach, and lots of tiny ones were running around. It's completely disgusting. Don't ever book this place.

We left as soon as we could arrange another place to stay. The kitchen was the worst equipped I've seen, and none of the utensils or equipment were clean. There were three of us, but only two unmatched glasses, one of them a Hungry Jack's glass, and two mismatched bowls. There were no forks at all. We bought paper plates, cups and bowls rather than use their equipment. The unit smelled, the carpet was torn and badly stained, and there were holes in the curtains. One room's curtain wouldn't close properly, and the lounge was so dirty we had to lay towels down before using it. Worst accommodation I've ever stayed in.

The location was handy for the wedding venue and only a short drive from the bay, but I immediately regretted choosing this place when I opened the unit door and the smell hit me. The internet photos were appealing, but reality was very different and they seemed Photoshopped. The shower rose didn't work properly, and water came out like a hose with no nozzle. The shower head was held up with red tape, and the soap dish was attached to the wall in a dodgy way. There were stains on the carpet and the floor creaked badly. At least the bed was clean and the towels were nice and white. The ironing board cover needs a good wash. I felt dirty the whole time, though fortunately that was only two nights. I've come home to sterilise myself! The grounds need attention too. Weeds are growing around the two garden chairs, and there are disused appliances and a general mess out back. With new curtains, carpet and a paint job, the place could be presentable, but it needs a LOT of TLC to reach an acceptable standard. I would NOT recommend it.

We arrived for a late check-in, inspected the room, and immediately asked to return it and get a refund. The caretaker said that wasn't possible, but we handed back the keys anyway. After getting no response by phone, we came back on Sunday to ask for our booking money. We saw the manager renovating rooms. He said he couldn't refund us because of a 48-hour cancellation policy. I don't consider this a cancellation, the property should never have been listed in this state. There were serious health and safety problems, and management dismissed us when we raised them politely and frankly. The roof leaked, there was pet hair around furniture and an animal had chewed through the bed. The carpet was extremely stained, rubbish from previous occupants was left around, the microwave and oven were filthy, and cupboards and drawers held more rubbish. There was black mould in the shower. The residence smelled of vomit and cigarette smoke, and loose screws and renovation waste were scattered through the common areas. The property as a whole was a work site. Another booking arriving as we left told us their room had missing carpet and stained, mould covered areas on the roof. These conditions aren't acceptable for occupancy, especially with young children. We had to arrange somewhere else across town late at night, at extra expense and inconvenience. Not everyone is as lucky. No one should have to stay in rooms like this. If I could rate Brighton Serviced Apartments below one star, I would.