Four Points Flex by Sheraton Shoreditch East

I understand booking policies, but I expected some customer care in a documented situation that was completely beyond my control. I told the hotel more than two weeks before my stay that an official UK government decision meant I was legally unable to enter the United Kingdom, so I could not use the reservation. Booking.com tried to mediate repeatedly, but the property refused any option, including a partial refund or changing the dates, saying it couldn't make exceptions even in exceptional circumstances. Things outside a guest's control do happen. What matters is how a hotel handles them, and here there was no flexibility or willingness to help.

For a solo traveler with a short, busy schedule, I'd stay here again. For a longer visit or if I needed to work in the room, I'd choose somewhere else. The rooms are tiny but clean. Mine had a double bed, a small window that wouldn't open, barely any storage, and no closet. My suitcase had to go under the bed, and the desk chair had no back. The shower was small too, though it offered both an overhead rain shower and a standard power wand. The staff were friendly and did what they could with limited resources. The location is great, very close to Bethnal Green underground station, though there are stairs and an annoying change at Holburn from the Piccadilly to Central line. The website doesn't mention breakfast, but they serve a pretty standard UK Marriott breakfast bar with eggs, beans, streaky bacon, toast, pastries, juice, tea, and coffee or espresso. I couldn't inspect the accessible rooms, but the elevator sign listed an accessable WC on the lowest level. It used to be a Yotel last year and was recently rebranded as a Four Points Flex.

They got me an early check in after my red eye flight, even though I arrived in the morning, and brought me coffee and pastries while I tried to stay awake in the lobby. The staff were wonderful, and having the lobby staffed 24/7 felt especially reassuring as a solo traveler. My room was small as expected, but very clean and thoughtfully laid out. The hotel sits by a pretty, leafy square, just down the street from Bethnal Green station. The station unexpectedly closed one night, but when it was running, the nearby stop helped, since the hotel is a little out of the way from central London. I wouldn't share the room with someone else, it would've been impossible, but I'd definitely return as a solo traveler.

We stayed five nights and loved the facilities, especially the lift and the lobby refreshment corner. There was warm water, coffee, and soft drinks available all the time, which was handy when we wanted to grab coffee before heading out. Our room also had an Espresso machine, a nice touch for my boyfriend, who needs his morning coffee. The room was compact and clean, much like places we've stayed in Tokyo. The underground station is just a few minutes away on foot, with three supermarkets nearby and some good restaurants within walking distance. It was an excellent experience, and we'd stay here again if we're back in London.