Travelodge London Balham

The train and underground station are right next door, and there are plenty of places to eat nearby, since this is a rooms-only hotel. At night, your room card opens the automatic front door. The room was modern and clean, and the twin beds were reasonably comfortable. It was fairly quiet despite being beside the train tracks, and we’d return. Amanda gave us a warm welcome, looked after our luggage until check-in, and helped us map out the underground route to meet relatives in the city centre. She was very hospitable.

It’s a basic hotel, but comfortable, and the double glazing kept out the noise from the busy road and railway tracks. The location is handy too, about a one-minute walk from the underground station, with good connections to the city centre. A big thank you to Armando at reception. The hotel was full on a busy weekend, but he was amazing and did everything he could to help with our needs.

I wouldn’t recommend this place. They assigned me the wrong room, and another guest walked in at 7:30 p.m. Later, around 10:30, a staff member let himself into my room while I was in the shower, saying he wanted to find out who I was, even though I’d checked in. As a woman, that was very scary. There are also people living there whose accommodation is paid for by the council. They’re rude, loud and like to party. Why pay to stay here? Absolutely awful.

My room at the front was lovely and quiet, with a comfortable bed and everything I needed. The hotel’s recently been refurbished, so it was all spotless and in place. Check-in came with a friendly, informative chat too.