Pleasant Court Guest House

For somewhere cosier than a standard hotel room, this is a good Southend stay. It’s on a quiet road close to the seafront, and the room was very clean and tidy with easy access. The makeover is amazing, and the photos don’t do it justice. I didn’t love the building work starting at 8am on Sunday, which didn’t feel considerate to guests. The TV kept losing signal on several channels, and there was no iron or ironing board, which I’d expect in an advertised apartment. Most annoying was the bed: I booked a super king, but got two singles pushed together, one slightly lower than the other. You can imagine how that was through the night.

I came back for a second stay because of the location, and I understand the guest house has been sold. It’s in a good spot for the beach, and they supply soap, shower gel and similar things, but the place looked very tired. One bulb was out, the towels looked old, and there was only one, so I was glad I’d brought my own. The fridge temperature changed and froze my food, leaving me with soggy salad. The mirror-topped table needed polishing, there were fingerprints on the mirrors, and paper and sand in the drawers. The cleaning needs attention. Parking was a nightmare. I hope the new owners revamp it if they keep it as a guest house.

The customer service was brilliant, and I had absolutely no trouble. I’d give it 6 stars. Thank you for having me. I had what’s been my favourite stay away from home, and the best Valentine’s Day ever. It was stylish, cosy, elegant and felt very safe. Studio 1 was at the front, with lovely old-fashioned windows and a fully equipped kitchenette. The dark grey exterior continues through the building and studios. I felt chilly in the evenings, but turning on the oven to cook dinner warmed up the whole room nicely. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud, and the silver crushed velvet matched the sofa bed in the TV room. I hadn’t expected that room to work so well as a little cinema: it links the bedroom and kitchen-bathroom, and with both doors shut and the lights off, it felt like my own mini cinema. Netflix was included, which was a nice touch. The marble bathroom looked amazing, with two shower heads, one detachable and one fixed. There were plenty of extra towels and bedding, a hairdryer, ironing board, toiletries, tea and coffee, and ice in the freezer. The doors were thick and shut securely. I needed entry codes, which arrived by email an hour before check-in at 4pm on the day. I wish I could have checked in earlier to spend more time there. I enjoyed a morning walk on a pretty path while there was still snow. There was a local shop, an ATM and takeaways, and food was delivered twice without the drivers having trouble finding the apartment. I’d love to stay again and see the other studios and SortedStays other apartments in Southend.

The bed was really comfortable, the bathroom was nice and the room was spacious. At £30, it’s a bargain, especially when something similar would cost £80 or more in London. Parking on the busy road is the only downside, but it’s worth the walk. After staying in too many Southend flea pits at similar prices, this will be my first choice from now on.