196 Bishopsgate

It doesn't come close to four stars. I'd give it two. I wish I could add the videos I took. The property is advertised with a lift, but it isn't working and won't be for months. I chose it specifically because a lift was listed. I have an injury and had to climb 75 steps every day, up and down. The rooms are in bad shape. The beds are broken, tiles are loose in the toilet and kitchen, and the fabric on all the sofas is torn. My partner and I couldn't sleep because the bed made so much noise. Hot water is limited too, so if two people share a room, you'll need to space out your showers.

We stayed at 196 Bishopsgate for seven days in late October and early November 2025, during a month-long European holiday. It was easy to get around London for the main sights, with a bus right outside and the tube across the road. The staff were excellent and very helpful. Having good laundry, drying, and cooking facilities was a real help while we were living out of suitcases and eating in cafes and restaurants. One small thing, the apartment could do with a bit of refurbishment.

The location was amazing, but I found the room poorly laid out. The kitchen took up a lot of space while the double bed was small, and a big cupboard blocked half of the window. There were no amenities, the toilet was very cold, and the lift was out of order. From talking to regular guests, it seems to be out of order most of the time, which makes reaching the higher floors very difficult.

For the price, I expected much better service and reliability. They accepted my American Express to secure the booking, then refused to take Amex when it was time to pay. That was inconsistent and very inconvenient. The lift was out of order again, which seems to be a recurring problem. I was really disappointed with my stay at 196 Bishopsgate and won't be back.