Seven Dials Studio

Covent Garden is very central, which is the one good thing I can say. The rest felt grubby and cheap. Dust had built up on the walls and ceiling, paint was peeling, and the oven door was dirty. One side of the microwave was blackened, perhaps from an earlier fire. The coffee and milk portions weren't replenished. The stairs were poorly maintained too: the lights didn't work, the rails were dirty, and some flights had no rails at all. In our room, the bed's headboard was very wobbly, and the flimsy toilet seat shifted when we sat on it. We had only three thin pillows for two people. I asked for more by message and got no reply. The bathroom fan ran for nearly an hour after we opened the door, and kept us awake.

We'd booked this hotel months ahead, then they cancelled our reservation just one week before the trip, saying they couldn't charge the card. Our bank says there was nothing wrong with it. As soon as we heard about the supposed problem, we asked the hotel to try another card, but they refused and said the booking was cancelled, end of story. Now there are no rooms left at the price we booked. Very convenient, right?

We slept well in the quiet family room with an ensuite on the first floor at 53A Ellen Rd, after being relocated there. It was basic but clean. The location was perfect for the Palace theatre, and the receptionist at seven Dials hotel was kind and helpful.

The staff were friendly and helpful. Our room was small and simple, but spotless and had everything we needed for an affordable stay in a great location. We were really happy with the experience.