Zeni Ensuite, in Liverpool

The rooms looked modern, though a bit cheap, and came with linen, towels and a couple of toiletries. Cleaning wasn’t great, but the room was passable. There are very few nearby amenities, just a Greggs and a Tesco Express, with nowhere to get breakfast. I was in Kaplan Living, about a 15-minute walk from the city centre, so don’t rely on the Google Maps pin because you may be placed in a block farther out. There’s no kitchen or tea and coffee equipment, and they threaten a fine if you try to use any. You’re staying in student accommodation, which explains why it’s the cheapest option around. If you can afford it, choose a hotel instead.

My partner and I booked a Zeni studio through the airbnb site, and our airbnb HOST robbed me. We tried to sort it out, but “Josh” was still working behind the counter over the following days. We had nowhere else to go, and seeing him there made the stay upsetting and very uncomfortable. Some Zeni staff members doubted us until our host phoned, admitted what he’d done and returned my stolen property. So far, neither party has done anything about it. I had to spend each day knowing he’d be in the building greeting my partner and me. The experience traumatised us.

If you’re fine with basic facilities, it might do, but for a hotel stay I’d avoid it. They’re selling a hotel experience, even though I understand it’s student accommodation. Travelodge is best if you want to stick with a chain. The place felt dated and customer service was very poor. There was black mould around the shower and kitchen tiles, a foul smell from burnt-on cooking on the hob and oven, and long hairs on the bedsheets, even though I’m bald. The shower was freezing, there was no bin or kettle, only one toilet roll, no toilet brush and no soap.

Our group ranged in age from 22 to 62, and we booked two nights. Some people left after the first night. This is student accommodation, and the price makes it a disgrace. We were accused of using the kitchens, which we did not use, and £85 was taken from the organiser’s credit card without consent. Management are calling us liars. Buyer beware.