Caledonian Studio Flats

Comfortable

We stayed in the one bedroom apartment in the rather delightful (yes that is sarcasm) basement. Advertised as a one bed apartment with private entrance garden views and patio - what we found was our 'private entrance' opened out into a grotty back alley full of rubbish and no garden or patio to be seen. Our plans for sitting outside with a cuppa soon went out of the window. The basement is a dingy set up and the bathroom is at the end of a corridor, there is a door adjacent to the main studio/bedroom which my friend opened thinking it was the bathroom, only to find a room full of men working and smoking - this door was subsequently locked from their side and a towel used to block the smoke from coming into our 'private apartment' which didn't work because there's a 3" gap at the bottom of the door. I have to be honest it didn't feel private or secure. The bathroom was located at the end of the corridor and we didn't feel comfortable using the shower and having to pass the random room full of strange men so we didn't actually use the shower etc. We didn't use the kitchen either as everything looked a bit grotty.. Despite the dingy set up and misleading patio & garden views the main concern was security. We were handed the keys to our room and informed the key to the main entrance ( for all guests ) was also the same key that unlocked our studio/bedroom door which we thought must be a mistake but low and behold yes the key to the main entrance was the same key that opened our bedroom door! If you don't mind basic and just want a cheap place to crash this would suit, just don't expect a patio or garden view you won't get one. I would not be writing this negative review had the advert not been unnecessarily misleading so I hope this helps other travellers make an informed decision.

Bath mats required and new mattress. Otherwise a pleasant stay and the owner was very helpful. Would recommend. Very reasonable price

One of the most unpleasant stays I’ve ever had. Tiny, grubby accommodation with intrusive, incompetent staff supported by one of the most obnoxious owners you could come across. Basil Fawlty eat your heart out! Arrived to find the cupboard ‘stocked’ with 2 plates, 4 bowls (fine), one saucepan and one mug. Cutlery consisted of 1 fork, 3 knives, couple each of dessert and teaspoons. None had seen a proper wash. Went out to work, and asked if I could have another mug and a tea towel. No problem so far. Got a text to say a mug had been left for me and, as they had no tea towels, a couple of kitchen rolls had been put there. Arrived to find the 2 kitchen rolls was one and that ‘the mug’ was 2 cardboard cups. Thought I’ll survive, so left it at that. Day 2, went for a shower. Hot water took 10 minutes to arrive! Great 2 days later, arriving back late, I put my key in the door only to find it unlocked! Thought I’d been broken into! Went in to find nothing missing or touched, save as to the saucepan left with water in the sink. Made the mistake of daring to mention it…

A very warm and friendly welcome when I arrived! The studio apartment is small but functional- had exactly what I needed for a night’s stay so I could go to a concert

Booked a studio flat for one night as at a gig at Islington O2. Staff were very friendly on arrival and throughout our stay. The flat had a large double bed, a small kitchen and bathroom, the kitchen had everything you needed for 2 people including a fridge and microwave. The shower worked well and plenty of soap was provided as well as sachets of shampoo. The room had a portable air conditioner unit but it wasn't too hot so this was not needed. Sadly the TV didn't work it wasn't a problem though as we didn't need it, I meant to mention it to staff on the way out but forgot. The room is a little dated but this doesn't matter, there was plenty of cupboard space and the flat was clean. It is on a main road but it was quiet and we had a good restful night. I would stay here again.

Not ideal that the first time you're made aware of the extra £30 for late check in is via Whatsapp after booking (I understand a late check in fee but transparency with bookings has been overlooked). I think the owner needs to update this information onto all booking sites they take bookings through. We accepted the fee and gave our estimated arrival (including the time our train was getting in) but we were still being asked how long we were going to be and if we could hurry up. I don't see how this is polite or professional. Even if it's a budget accommodation. The extra charge should also be managed upon booking through the appropriate channels. Not cash. I would not have gone to the apartment as a solo traveller as a result.

Extra charges for check in after 5.0pm , not the cleanest place i have stayed . TV did not work only BBC 1 sometime . Item not clean in the kitchen I tried to report my stay to the owner . who was very rude back . Dont stay here !

It’s alright, not great. Location is a little sketchy and there’s no real check in. The dude talks to you via text/WhatsApp, so it feels less professional than one would like. He did offer to try and fix a problem I had with bookings by offering another location which was nice, can’t knock his effort to help - but the price he was offering was a little too much for a ‘single bed and a mattress on the floor.’ I was away in London, I wasn’t gonna sleep on the floor after that long-ass train trip 😂 The bed was in the attic/loft and I kept hitting my head as ceiling was low, and I’m not particular tall. The smell of the building is pretty nasty too but luckily room smelt fine. Check in was pretty bad, no one would answer the door, I rang the guy and he said he’d ring the housekeeper. She answered and was very sweet, there was a language barrier though, she told us 2nd floor on right hand side but it turns out we were top floor left hand side. Not her fault, I’m a patience and understanding guy so I thanked her and continued the evening. Upon entering the room there was food under the sofa and a headband on the floor so instantly my girlfriend’s skin was crawling. Ever had an upset partner whilst on holiday? Yeah proper headache. 😂 It’s a little too expensive for what it is, but it’s semi decent, an alright location. Just wish they hadn’t charged the £7.50 cleaning fee, as I don’t think a wet mop on the floor and nothing else counts 😂 I’ll probs book again but only if it was the last place I could find! Not the owners fault though, as it seems he’s not there too much to check. Do, with this information, as you wish.