Habitat Aparthotel by Totalstay

They asked me to bring the kry to reception on Saturday so the room could be cleaned. I went out to explore Cape Town, then came back and was told a staff member had checked me out. I'd paid for the whole weekend, and they said they were fully booked. I felt personally that this was the most embarrassing time in my life. The manager said there was nothing he could do and suggested I find another hotel for the night. With what money? Are we living in the same economy? I was also asked to pay a refundable deposit that should have been returned by Sunday, but I still haven't received it. This was the most unpleasant stay in Cape Town I've ever had.

The price may look appealing, but I wouldn't recommend this place if you want a peaceful holiday and decent customer service. They changed my sheets only every 3 days, and the housekeepers were careless about it, leaving my room door improperly closed on several occasions. I also couldn't get a refund when Booking.com requested one, which added to my impression of a very greedy establishment. I booked a superior studio, but on check-in day they gave me a standard studio without saying anything until I asked after handing over my card. They then said none of the superior studios were available, as they were all booked up. It felt like a sinister way of grabbing money.

I stayed for 9 nights, and while the place was comfortable and convenient at first, my experience got worse after the first few days. The location was good, and check-in went smoothly. The walls are thin and the windows are single-pane, so noise carries. On weekends especially, I could hear everything from neighbouring rooms, including late-night parties and shouting. Housekeeping wasn't good either: the room was never vacuumed, there was visible hair and dust, and I was given a bath towel with large holes. Not ideal if you have allergies. Only one roll of toilet paper and two small 50ml bottles of shampoo/body wash were provided, with no replacements. I left a polite note for room service and sent a message through the app, but it was never read and nothing was replenished. On the sixth night the air conditioning broke down. Reception said it would be fixed, but it wasn't repaired until the following day, after I followed up again. The room on the twelfth floor was very hot and stuffy, over 25°C. I left disappointed and frustrated. Do not stay here.

I don't really understand the bad reviews. The staff are nice, and the place is neat and good. It's not high-end accommodation, but I think it's a nice place.