Guilford House Hotel

The owners are friendly, and the location puts you close to bus stops, the British Museum, and plenty more. For a short stay, it was totally fine. Just know it's very basic: a bed, a tiny bathroom, and sometimes noise from people talking outside your door. If you want a roomy bathroom, lots of space, or luxury amenities, this probably isn't the place for you.

My disabled mum struggled to get down to the basement room. There was no handrail and the carpets felt dodgy. The windows wouldn't shut, there were hairs in the bed, and the bathroom was covered in mould, so we couldn't shower. My mum slept in her coat rather than use the blanket, and it hadn't been cleaned after the previous guest. The place was absolutely grim, like it hadn't been cleaned in months. It may have been two stars in the 60s, but not now. The bathroom was like an old airing cupboard, too small for anyone over 5 stone.

With only 4.5 hours to sleep, the room covered the very basic needs I had, though I wouldn't choose it for a vacation. It was a little run down, and the bathroom was right beside the bed with a step up to get into it. I booked in a pinch, and it works for a last-minute night. Someone was at reception all night, and the staff member was very kind when I came in cold and exhausted at 2 a.m. after foolishly thinking I could walk around London during an overnight layover.

We left at midnight after spotting three bed bugs on just one of the beds. We had to find somewhere else at the last minute, and fortunately got a room at a nearby hotel. We only booked this place because nothing else was available at the time. Avoid it. No low price makes up for the lack of cleanliness. It's so neglected I don't think any amount of cleaning could save it. It needs gutting, and shouldn't be marketed as a hotel. It's a hostel at best.