We had reserved for two couples asking to get two separates bedrooms as shown on their website. We got a sofa bed in the kitchen and one bedroom. No maid service to change towels once ou twice a week. We couldn't get in touch with somebody. The only positive point is the location.
Some good things, some areas that could be improved. But overall a great location and functional apartment.
Location: Great, central to many of London's attractions. 10 min walk to nearest tube station. Would recommend a taxi from St Pancras/King's Cross if arriving with lots of luggage. Lots of great pubs, cafes close by. Highly recommend Grill Market around the corner for a nice fresh salad or bagel. Lady Ottoline pub on Doughty Street is also fantastic.
Building: Worth noting there is no elevator! If you struggle with stairs/are bringing lots of luggage I would request a ground floor apartment. We didn't mind, but definitely worth noting.
Apartment: Functional, clean, spacious. All the appliances you will need - dishwasher, hair dryer, wifi, TV, iron (although weirdly you have to borrow the ironing board from the downstairs laundry - would be good if each room just had one). There are washing machines for clothes downstairs, but no soap. Most people wouldn't be doing more than one load, so it's a bit of a pain/waste to have to buy a box of washing powder just to do one load. It would be helpful if they provided some powder/detergent downstairs. There are dryers, but no clothes horses. It would be good if they had a small clothes horse in each room (and more energy efficient and cost effective for them).
Problems with air circulation. It was very hot while we were staying and there's no fans or air con, and the windows only open a few inches! Probably not a problem in winter, but quite stuffy in summer!
Beds comfy, etc for a good nighty's sleep. Traffic noise surprisingly loud when the windows are open - would recommend bringing ear plugs.
They don't have recycling - only garbage disposal. Would recommend they have both - not very environmentally friendly.
Price: Pretty expensive to be honest for what it is. Given the price it would be good if a few more basic things were provided - (as above) better clothes washing facilities, some kitchen basics (salt, pepper, sugar, oil would be helpful and not very expensive for them).
Staff were helpful and friendly, and gave us an extra key when requested (given there were 4 of us staying in the apartment).
Booked for one night only , (luckily) , Upon arrival, and pushing door button, we were greeted by the brusque voice of the representative, I stated why we were there, and the reply was NAME !!. Not a good start, but having read other reviews was not suprised. !!
We were then advised our room was on the top floor, up 7 flights of stairs !!!, (the site details really should be updated to make people aware that they may have to climb 7 flights of stairs).
We were asked if we needed help with our luggage, luckily we only had an overnight bag !
Upon entering the room, the heat hit you, the room itself was nice and clean and fine for what we wanted, but the heat and lack of air movement was terrible.
We immediately opened the window, as far as we could (not far), and made good use of the fan available in the room.
I have to say, If advised in advance we could get over the stairs issue, but the heat of the room was unbearable for both of us, and the bathroom was even worse. Without the fan, we would have had to go elsewhere for our nights sleep, but the fan only made some air movement, did not reduce the heat of the room. They really need to look into this issue, as its is only June, heaven knows what it would be like in August !!!
Booked a four night stay at 5 Doughty Street based on the nice reviews and reasonable price. However, upon arrival we were taken to another apartment, located some 10 minutes away, at Red Lion Street, where we apparently were to stay. On first sight, the apartment seemed fine, very new, with nice furnishing. However, when wanting to shower we discovered there was no hot water. As there was no staff on location, we tried contacting the management, but were unable to reach them by telephone and received no reply to our email. So, during our entire stay in London, we were unable to take a hot shower.
Furthermore, check out is at 10 am, and due to the lack of staff on site, we were not able to have our luggage stored during our final hours in London. Luckily nearby British Museum provides luggage storage with far better service than 5 Doughty Street.
The 1st stay was in a studio apt, it was on the top floor, 7 flights of stairs , was not told about this when we booked , I mentioned to the management about this not being satisfactory and that people should be told , especially if your of an older age group or suffer with asthma , as i do. The second time I booked in , I took a one bedroom apt , it was very nice , clean , modern all that one needs on holiday . Great location , station 5 min walk , cafes, restaurants , cinema. I feel studio apt for 2 is too small, better to take one bed apt, remember to ask how many flights of stairs you will climb . If I go back to London again , I would definitely stay at this address. Forgot to mention cute little pubs 2 min walk .
Facilities are very good and the quality of furnishings. One bed apartment was a good size. Close to tube and buses. Recommend that a map showing where the main bus/tube lines are is included in a welcome pack and also some local taxi numbers.
The price - but when you compare the facilities provided, this is comparable in London! I prefer a flat to a hotel as it gives you so much more freedom and this was a really nice comfy and warm flat to stay in. Could easily have stayed longer.
No lift - but our flat felt very safe/secure on the ground floor.
