Birchover Dalby House

We stayed over Christmas and found booking and checking in and out really easy. The apartment was modern, clean and very spacious, with all the appliances to feel at home. There’s lots of parking, and we’d absolutely stay again. Highly recommend it for short or longer stays.

It was clean and spacious enough, but three nights in unit #1 felt like sensory deprivation. There wasn’t a single picture, rug or decoration to give it any personality. The built-in fridge and freezer doors weren’t attached to the cabinet doors, the bathrooms had no mirrors, and most sockets were hard to get to. I can picture prison cells with more character. I can’t speak for the other units, but #1 seemed like the carpenter and interior designer had left before it was finished.

The place looked nice from outside, but inside it was in poor shape. There was no hot water for our four adults in a two-bedroom apartment, except perhaps late in the morning, when it was barely warm and enough for only one shower, or maybe two if we were extremely quick. I called and messaged the owners but got no reply. The mattresses in both rooms were cheap, springy and uncomfortable. Pots and pans were a bit scarce, though usable. I gave it two stars because it did have most things you’d generally need, including a dishwasher with tablets, washing machine, soap, hairdryer, shampoo, ironing board and iron, towels and even a mini hoover. The WiFi worked and things seemed pretty clean. Still, I wouldn’t stay here again. If the basics like hot water aren’t there and nobody responds when there’s a problem, it’s a no from me.

The hot water is the one thing to keep an eye on. I knew to press the booster to get around it, but not everyone would know that. The Stay company could set the timer for longer periods and at several intervals. Apart from that, this is the best place I’ve stayed with my family. Everything was nearly brand new and it looked recently refurbished. I’ve stayed before in different accommodation from the company. Special thanks to the staff, especially Raza, who was helpful even outside working hours.