Summer East Serviced Apartments

The only clean things here were the bed linen, bath linen and bathroom. They expect guests to leave the kitchen clean. I had to wash a frypan that someone had burnt food onto and put back in the cupboard, and the microwave still had food splatters. I wouldn’t have chosen this place, but it was booked for a work trip. The manager is cranky and uptight, and seems to care more about the grass than clean units. With the windscreen 10 inches thick with frost, I ran my car to clear it and closed the door normally. He came out and yelled expletives at me louder than the idling engine. Not sure how you’re supposed to see to drive. The building is desperate for repairs, the shower tiles are all cracked, and it looks generally tired. Calling it modern stretches the truth, just like the media does. Its one plus is being within walking distance of the town centre and some great pubs for dinner.

I’m here for work for another 10 days and have enjoyed the home-away-from-home feel. The room was more than I expected: a big bed, a big TV that you can cast a movie to once connected to the free wifi, a generous kitchen with all the essentials, and a handy study desk and balcony. There’s a fridge/freezer, pots, pans, an electric fry pan, microwave, kettle, knives, grater, strainer and the drawer utensils you need to cook and clean up. You can cook comfortably, just like at home. I saw a review saying the shower only lasts four minutes, so I wanted to clarify from my experience. Yes, it’ll absolutely last four minutes if you turn the water up so high you could shoot it three metres. The note on the mirror says there’s a 50L off-peak hot water system, so turn the bloody water down, or go to the local car wash if you want that high-pressure hose experience.

Parking right outside the door was handy, the room was tidy, the kitchen had everything needed to cook, and the air conditioner worked well. But the stay felt very average for the price. Hot water ran out after a four-minute shower, so only one of the two people in the room could shower. The shower head wasn't water-saving, which didn't help, and the bathroom sink plug didn't fit properly. Since I couldn't shower, I had to boil the kettle to wash my face.

The rooms are passable at best. The WiFi is awful, the water pressure is poor, and the place could really use a vacuum.