Oxford Modern Guest House

There were a few things we appreciated: the property was very clean, our room was a good size, and the TV had a Netflix button. But getting in and settling down was stressful. The booking came through work, and the door code email arrived after we had left the office, so we reached Oxford without it. The manager didn't answer when we called from the train station, or when we tried eight more times at the property. An older man who was outside smoking tried to help, and the manager eventually called back. We got the keys from the lockbox and went inside, but our rooms were unlocked. Since strangers occupied the other two rooms, we had to search ours carefully. I couldn't find a hairdryer, so I texted the manager. It took an hour to get an answer, which wasn't helpful when I wanted to shower, wash my hair, and go to bed. I don't expect one in a hostel, but this was described as a guesthouse. I've stayed in guesthouses before, and this felt more like an unstaffed Airbnb that rents rooms individually. There was no onsite manager or reception, and communication at check-in and during the stay was too slow. No tea or coffee facilities in the room, either. Room 3's extractor fan was very loud and kept running long after the bathroom light was switched off. The so-called continental breakfast was food left in the kitchen. The front door wouldn't lock, the key lockbox was tricky to secure again, and there was no outside sign, so the place was hard to find. In the bathroom there was hand wash and bubble bath, but no soap or shampoo, even though there was only a shower.