Unique Studio in Kensington near Hyde Park

The three-bedroom apartment downstairs was awful. One room had been a hallway, with two single beds placed end to end and barely enough space to walk beside them. Another was a conservatory conversion with no insulation and no privacy from the apartment above. Our room also had a leak from the plumbing overhead. The bathrooms were extremely small, and the carpet and curtains were mouldy. The desk was rarely staffed. When the fire alarm sounded and everyone evacuated, a guest had to go back in and reset it using instructions given by the owners over the phone. After three days we started feeling ill, so we moved out to avoid getting seriously sick.

It may not suit everyone, and you're basically sleeping in a maid's room, but I loved the atmosphere. The place has a London feel, almost like the Victorian era, and I really enjoyed our stay.

The fire brigade came to our door and told us to leave because the building was unsafe. Apparently it had been shut down months earlier, yet the receptionist still let us in without telling us. Our rooms were dirty and mouldy, we saw a mouse, and we were worried for our safety.

These are lovely self-contained apartments in a great spot. Kensington Gardens, which is part of Hyde Park, is just around the corner. The quiet garden square and leafy trees make it feel like home.