City Studios

It’s right on the main street, with the shops easy to reach, and it wasn’t too noisy. Be aware there are stairs up to the accommodation.

The location is excellent, but there are quite a few things that need attention. In the morning, I tried the shower and the tray started filling because the water barely drained. I pulled out the trap, which was gross, but there was no blockage. I was worried it might overflow, so I rushed. My partner checked the trap too when he showered and found no blockage, but had to hurry as the water rose. It sounded like everything was plumbed through the macerator, which was also very loud when it came on. We stayed one night in Apartment 2 while visiting family. Entry is from a door on the main road, and there’s nowhere proper to unload luggage. We had to park badly on the double yellow lines right outside to carry our bags up. The electronic codes for the main entrance and apartment worked, and parking nearby is free. There’s a steep staircase to the apartments, which might not suit people with mobility impairments. At first, I thought we’d found a great place. The toilet has a note explaining the noisy macerator, which is useful for people who might flush things they shouldn’t. The kitchen had what we needed for preparing food and drinks, though a sponge for washing up would be better than a jay cloth. The tea towel had tea and coffee stains, so I left the washed items out to dry. The bed is tucked into an alcove you have to climb into, another awkward feature for anyone with mobility issues. It felt like two single beds pushed together, with a dip down the middle. The bedding was clean, but the duvet was open at the bottom and got me tangled up in the morning. There are individual bedside light controls, USB charging points, and a handy shelf for a device, but one USB point was broken. The desk had a small cosmetic mirror; a larger one for hair and makeup would be useful. There’s a small wardrobe with hangers, though coats and jackets could use a spot nearer the front door.

The place is right in the centre of Ely, and the room was very clean and tidy with a neat little kitchenette. Getting in was straightforward, and it all felt secure. They provided tea, coffee, and milk. The TV signal was patchy, but free Wi-Fi let us watch something. There was only one toilet roll.

We enjoyed our night here. Check-in was easy, the place was very clean, and the hamper of essentials was a nice bonus. I’d have given it five stars if noise from other guests and nearby building work hadn’t disturbed us.