Irvine Riverside Guesthouse

There was nothing here that deserves a score. This was the worst experience of my life, in an uninhabitable place that needs demolishing. Five days after my expected check-in, the receptionist still didn't know I was coming. The rooms were very dirty: neither the drawers nor the wardrobe had been cleaned, and both had dirty hair in them. There was an old stove or oven at reception, and equipment scattered across the floor created a fall hazard. I had to step or jump over it. I wonder how Environmental Health allows this. The receptionist didn't know who ran the place or have any emergency numbers, only an email address. I also don't know when the electrical equipment was last safety tested. This property needs to be reassessed for public safety and protection.

The room door didn't feel very secure, and the shower drain was blocked, leaving me standing in a puddle. The reception area and hallways were dirty too. On arrival, the whole building smelled of weed. My room hadn't been vacuumed, and the surfaces were marked with stains, dust, and tobacco. Customer service seemed to think it was acceptable because someone came to vacuum sometime on Saturday afternoon. Absolutely disgusting, not worth a star.

I booked four nights, but after the first night I asked to cancel the remaining three and was refused any refund. I'd explained that the room was still terribly smelly and dirty, and I agreed to pay for the first night. When I first opened the door, the damp smell hit me straight away. There was waste left by the previous guest or guests, and I later spotted traces of blood on the wall beside the bed. I tried airing the room overnight and the next morning before complaining, but the smell didn't go away. I co-head operations for an international cleaning company, and my sincere advice is to avoid this place at all costs. Dirty, damp, and a scam!

I only stayed two nights, but I'd recommend the place. The room was a pleasant surprise when I first saw it. I was told there was a cooking area on the first floor, plus a washing machine and fridge on the ground floor, with no extra charge as far as I know. Rooms may differ, so check what you're paying for.