Messina Studios

Self check-in was easy, and the room was nice, if a little small. It had everything we needed, including a kitchenette, and the price was low to normal for what was offered. The neighbourhood was lovely and quiet, with some view. It's a ten-minute walk to the tube, then about half an hour by transport to the centre.

The place was clean and the area nearby had a couple of nice pubs, grocers, and cafes. It was also close to the tube and the rail link to the airport. We stayed with two friends, and it was sufficient, but I wouldn't stay again. The price made us expect a hotel, but it felt more like a hostel. Smokers in the building left the facilities smelling dank. After check-in, we discovered our room door wouldn't lock unless we had another key, so we had to walk 20 minutes to get it. The fix was easy enough, but the whole thing left us unsure about the building's security and the experience.

I complained after the first night, when a party in the apartment above went on until 6am. We were there for work, and my daughter had school the next day, but management never even acknowledged the complaint. The following night brought more loud music and shouting from another apartment, and cigarette smoke filled the building while my daughter was asleep. I called the number they provided several times and got no answer. This was the worst hotel stay I've ever had. I wouldn't come back even if they paid me. Just awful.

The bathroom was good, and the bed was reasonably comfortable, though the kitchenette was tiny and tucked into a cupboard. We were visiting Camden, so the location worked really well, with West Hampstead stations about a 10-minute walk away. Good value for the money, and I'd definitely return.