Funky Monk Restaurant and Rooms

We enjoyed our meal, and the staff on duty were courteous and attentive. The restaurant has very stylish decor and surroundings. I was surprised it wasn't busier, though we did visit on a Thursday evening when it was quiet. I'd recommend it and would visit again.

We had a great time at Christmas lunch. The live band was phenomenal, and we danced until we dropped. The food was lovely, the cocktails were yummy, and the atmosphere was electric. It was a friendly crowd, and the staff were lovely. We'll be back.

The room felt damp and poorly maintained, with condensation and water dripping from the windows onto the carpet. The champagne flutes left for us were dirty, with old lipstick marks, which was unhygienic and made me question the basic cleaning standards. We were also charged £38.50 for prosecco we didn't drink. The bottle in the bin was a £9 bottle from Morrisons, which we showed the staff as evidence, and the hotel doesn't even sell that brand. Even so, they charged us. We've spent three weeks chasing the refund. Each time they say it will be processed, but nothing has come back. The lack of honesty and accountability has been extremely frustrating. From start to finish, the stay was badly handled. The hotel seems poorly managed, with inadequate housekeeping and customer service. Charging guests for something they didn't consume and then not refunding them is unacceptable. After this experience, I wouldn't recommend staying here.

Mira and Aurel were absolute rock stars. They made an effort to engage with everyone and helped visitors feel welcome and part of what has been created here. The team as a whole were fantastic, with a warm, friendly welcome, and the complimentary bubbles on arrival were a lovely gesture. The funky rooms are beautifully decorated and fit the branding. Epping has plenty of eateries, nail bars, and tanning places, but this spot feels like a haven, with decor and atmosphere that are second to none. It's a great choice if you want to stay out of town but close enough to get work done. I'd give it more than five stars if I could, and I'll definitely stay and eat here again.