Harefield Manor

Breakfast was a joke. It was self-service, which would be fine if there were actually things to choose from. There was no bacon for 20 minutes, no eggs, just mushrooms and one cold sausage. The first guy at reception was lovely and couldn't do enough for us. He said the bar would be open all night if we wanted it, but when we came back, the guy on duty wouldn't open it.

We had a quiet night's sleep, then a pleasant, relaxing breakfast. The staff were friendly and very accommodating, and when we realised on arrival that we'd been put on the top floor, they sorted out another room within a few minutes. That was my mistake, I forgot to mention when booking that stairs are difficult because of my arthritis. We've stayed here several times while visiting friends in Romford. It's comfortable and surprisingly peaceful despite being on a main road. We had another hassle-free stay, and we'll definitely come back next time we're in Romford.

After one very uncomfortable, sleepless night, I left, even though I'd booked for two nights. The beds were uncomfortable, the room was shabby and mine had no hot water. Staff weren't helpful, and when I complained, they refused a refund. I moved to The Premiere Inn instead. It cost more, but I got a much better night's sleep. Horrible place, more like a hostel than a hotel.

The lobby stinks, and the room smells like a sewer. The floor was so disgusting I didn't want to walk around in socks. There were cobwebs in every corner, the toilet dripped constantly, and the creaky floors carried every footstep from the room above. Half the lights didn't work, everything was falling apart, and good luck getting shower gel or soap from the dispensers. I could keep going, but you get the idea. Pay a little more and stay somewhere else. Your nose, health and sanity will thank you. I stayed in this hell hole so you don't have to. Under a bridge would be better.