Aylesbray Lodge

This was the worst booking problem I've ever had, with absolutely terrible service. I needed somewhere near Addenbrooke's Hospital because I was being treated in the oncology department, and asked the owner/manager by phone for clean accommodation due to my condition. She reassured me, and I paid over the phone for four nights. Soon after, the property emailed me several unexpected and unacceptable terms. I replied immediately to say I disagreed with their 'contract' and wanted to cancel. They then said I would owe the full cost, over £300, even though no service had been provided. I also looked at online reviews and was shocked. More than half of Tripadvisor reviews gave the place one star, mentioning dirty furniture, unsanitary showers, bad wifi and management problems. Some described dirty bed linen and bloodstained sheets. Those possible biohazards could be positively dangerous for someone in my condition. I read one review from someone who said money was taken from their account without permission after cancelling. I emailed the property right away, specifically asking the manager to confirm they wouldn't take any funds. She didn't answer that question for a week, despite several reminders. I had to freeze my debit card for that week, which caused massive problems while I was facing a lot of expenses during treatment. After I threatened to report the matter to the authorities, the manager finally replied and confirmed no funds would be taken. I'd advise anyone dealing with this property and its manager to be cautious.

The room was so tiny it felt like a cupboard, and it was dark, damp, unheated, and furnished with old, scratched pieces I didn't want to put my clothes on. The en suite shower room was the smallest I've ever seen, with other people's body wash left inside. Rooms were packed close together, with dark doors, dirty old keys, and barely a couple of inches between the walls. I knew I had booked a single room, but this was far smaller than I expected. I arrived at 6pm, filled in the registration form, got my key, left to buy a bottle of wine after a long day travelling, then came back in with that key. I left by taxi for Rectory Farm Cambridge at 7.45pm and even called Anna to say I'd gone and where I was staying. Still, the owner told booking.com I was a “no show” and claimed I hadn't entered the room. I complained on booking.com. I can't believe this place has 3 stars. It should have 1. No one likes a liar.

Anna made us feel welcome and was really friendly. The bed was comfortable, and the shower was very good. The WiFi didn't work at all, though. We also had a neighbour come to ask us for money towards her electric bill, saying she was the owner's daughter.

I paid £100 a night and it really wasn't worth it. The WiFi was practically nonexistent, the shower unit was loose on the wall, and the sink taps seemed older than the house. We stayed three nights and the room wasn't vacuumed once. I had to clean the bathroom myself. Very disappointing, and definitely not four star.