Irvine Riverside Guesthouse

The room and its drawers and wardrobe had not been cleaned, and there was dirty hair in both. The place felt uninhabitable and in need of demolition. At reception there was an old stove or oven, and equipment scattered across the floor created a trip hazard that I had to step or jump over. I wonder how Environmental Health allows this. The receptionist didn't know I was arriving, and I had to wait five days to check in. They couldn't tell me who runs the property or give me any emergency numbers, only an email address. I also don't know when the electrical equipment was last safety-tested. The property needs to be reassessed for public safety. The worst experience of my life; there's nothing here worth a score.

The shower drain was blocked, so I was left standing in a puddle, and the room door didn't feel very secure. The 'reception' area and hallways were dirty too. On arrival, the building stank of weed. My room hadn't been hoovered, and the surfaces were marked with stains, dust and tobacco. Customer services seemed to think it was acceptable because someone had come to hoover sometime on Saturday afternoon. Absolutely disgusting, not worth any stars.

I booked four nights, but after explaining what I'd found, I asked to cancel the last three and was refused any reimbursement. I agreed to pay for the first night. The room smelled strongly of damp as soon as I opened the door, and it hadn't been cleaned after the previous guest or guests. There was waste left behind and, once I'd tried airing the room overnight and into the next morning without complaining, I noticed traces of blood on the wall beside the bed. The smell was still there too. I co-head operations for an international cleaning company, and I sincerely advise avoiding this place at all costs. If you like damp, dirty rooms with traces of blood, this is the place.

The room was a pleasant surprise when I first saw it. I was told there was cooking equipment on the first floor and a washing machine and fridge on the ground floor, with no extra charge as far as I know. I was only there for two nights and would recommend the place, though other rooms may be different, so check what you're paying for.