Imperial Court Studios

We were in apartment 79, where a rooster in the backyard started waking us around 7 in the morning. The entrance is awkward too, and if you're tall you might not be able to get in. The apartment was nothing like the pictures. It was filthy, smelled awful, and the cabinets were broken. The sink and toilet water stank, and the pressure was so weak we couldn't flush. The floors were dirty, and the kitchen aisle was old and disgusting. The cleaners seemed to use lots of smelly chemicals that didn't help. The bathroom looked horrific. There was no headboard, just a scratched, dirty bare wall behind the bed. The mattress was terribly uncomfortable, with old springs that creaked whenever you moved. The bedding and especially the pillows looked old and filthy, and the thin walls let us hear everything. We asked to move rooms and were shown a couple of alternatives, but they also looked nothing like the photos. The front desk person went to speak to the manager and left us waiting for about an hour. The owner, a woman, then said we could leave, choose another apartment, or pay extra for a luxe suit. There was no compensation, including for the extra amount we paid. She wasn't very understanding. After I gave my feedback, she spoke to the front desk and walked off without saying goodbye. Very unprofessional. We chose a new accommodation and had to get the card replaced twice because it wouldn't work. All in all, I'd suggest never booking here.

The room photos don't match what you get. The place is old, run-down, and badly needs renovation. On my second night, the toilet started leaking and filled the bathroom with a sewage stench. The shower was a grimy makeshift setup with mould in it, and the kitchen floor was broken and sagging. The mattress was rock-hard, and the old, lumpy pillows were even worse. Just an awful place. I'd stay farther from central London and find somewhere cleaner and more comfortable. It's not worth the money.

Getting our heavy luggage up to the flat on the fourth floor was a real struggle because there was no lift. They also took a £200 deposit, said it would be returned within an hour of checkout, then told me it would take seven working days when I asked for it back. That's unacceptable and felt like a disregard for guests' money and trust. I stayed one night at Imperial Court Studios, and the place was filthy. The floor was dirty, the bathroom grimy, and there was an unpleasant smell throughout. I also found bedbugs, which made the stay unbearable. For somewhere listed on booking platforms, I'd expect basic cleanliness and accessibility. I can't understand how a listing like this is allowed. Imperial Court Studios is not a good place to stay. Save yourself the trouble and avoid it.

We had a lovely stay, and the location was fantastic: just a two-minute walk to the tube, shops, and restaurants. It's a shame to read so many negative reviews. Just remember you're booking 3-star accommodation, not a 5-star place.