HouseofHarmony

I was supposed to check in late, but the instructions about where the keys were left weren’t clear enough. For security reasons I won’t say where the safe place was, but make sure to ask if your instructions are unclear. We messaged through WhatsApp and the booking app. Some replies were automated, and someone answering questions said there was 24-hour support. There wasn’t, or at least there was no help late at night. I couldn’t get into the accommodation and had to find somewhere else. I’d already paid for the night, so I asked the host if I could get a refund or another night free. The response was that it wasn’t their problem. She then said I hadn’t provided my number, accused me of not understanding the Swiss hospitality approach, and said the UK did things differently. I didn’t engage. I never got to stay, didn’t receive a refund, and was made to feel it was all my fault, with no apology for the miscommunication or lack of support. Things happen, and misunderstandings happen too, but I was shocked by how I was treated. Be careful when booking and make sure the instructions are clear, or you may face what this host called the Swiss hospitality approach, or at least House of Harmony’s idea of it.

The rooms are very basic, and not particularly clean. There’s no wardrobe or drawers, only a coat rack, and the radiator was filthy. The bathroom is shared, as is a kitchen where you can use the kettle, but the kettle was faulty. I won’t return.

I was already on my way from Italy when I was told, with less than 24 hours’ notice, that the promised studio with a kitchenette wasn’t available. They offered me a double room instead, and no refund. The owner said I’d been given a nice room, but I wasn’t happy with her. Her cleaning staff were left trying to sort out the mess.

The studio itself was clean and sort of okay, but getting there was unpleasant. The outside of the building and the entrance are horrible, and we had to climb two flights of stairs. Check-in was difficult too: we had to call to make contact and received poor directions. Luckily, the cleaner was around and helped us find our room. I wouldn’t recommend it.