Cheviot House

We were stranded on arrival with no entry code or way into the flat, even though our check-in was set for 3PM on 28/06. Nobody had contacted us to say there was a problem. When I called, they said they needed to “verify” the booking. They later claimed an electrical issue a few days earlier meant they had to cancel all bookings. If so, why were confirmation emails still arriving that same day, and why hadn't they told us or Booking.com beforehand? They told me to contact Booking.com for a refund. I asked them to send proof of the cancellation, and they said they would, but no email came. On my second call, they said they were “working on it.” I spent ages on hold with Booking.com waiting for the email. Only after Booking.com contacted them directly did they finally confirm the cancellation and refund me. Then the email arrived. We'd already travelled there, had to find somewhere else at the last minute, and had a concert to get to. It caused a lot of stress. They failed to cancel in time and never reached out to us or Booking.com first. Later I saw a Google review mentioning bed bugs. That review appeared after I booked, but I can't help wondering if that was the real reason for cancelling all the bookings. This was a really stressful and unprofessional experience. If you need somewhere to sleep, don't trust this place. Avoid it, it felt scammy and unreliable.

The host is contradictory, communicates poorly, and advertises items that aren't available. I have evidence, yet they had the cheek to respond as they did. Now they've increased the Airbnb price for this dingy, bed bug infested studio. It's damp, the bathroom has no ventilation, there's no air con, and the broken window only stays open with a spatula. There are three hosts, but getting an answer takes as long as they feel like, if they answer at all. Bed bugs!! I wouldn't book this room, 403, and I'm disgusted to see the listing online again. If this flat has them, the whole building may be infested since they can spread through cracks. Book at your own risk. Gross. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

Soraya Blake sublets rooms as a second landlord, but doesn't respect tenants' rights. I rented room 308 from her and she made me leave suddenly without proper notice. She also kept my £150 deposit without a valid reason. She repeatedly delayed paying it back, made false accusations, and wouldn't follow legal procedures. She uses things like electricity bills and key replacements as excuses to avoid returning tenants' money. Beware if you're thinking of renting from her. She may take your money and force you out without justification.

Cheviot House is now spotless, freshly painted, and well maintained. The building has changed completely since new management took over two years ago. Before that, the previous manager had let it deteriorate. PJC Building Services deserves a lot of credit for the renovations. They did excellent work with very little disruption, and the team was friendly, professional, and efficient. Highly recommend.