We made a reservation for a studio apartment but upon arrival were told that it wasn't available. instead we got a bigger but neglected basement apartment. The windows opening to a closed yard, a dead cockroach in wardrobe drawer, locked doors leading nowhere - it was unpleasant to say the least. only good thing - the bed linen were clean.

We found the Clearlake to be a good budget hotel. Its true that it is shabby but we found it to be fairly clean and you couldn't ask for a better location. We have been to London many times and we had always stayed on the other side of Hyde Park so we were pleasantly surprised by the easy access to shops, transport and museums etc. We didn't mind the fact that there was no breakfast because there were cooking facilities in our little apartment so we could make tea and coffee etc. Although there was not much in the way of cook wear or crockery. We paid 70 pounds per night for a studio apartment which we felt was very reasonable. Its no Hilton that's for sure but we really only wanted somewhere reasonably priced and convenient and it was fairly clean. It was a bit 'Fawlty Towers'!

we came for 5 nights and stay only 2 - we couldn't stand this place.
we got the appartment on -1 floor ..the appartment was very big (for 5 people), but it wasn't clean at all.
the smell was terrible. no air. old...
the smell of the carpets - disgusting!!!!!!!!
the water in the toilet didn't washed properly
we didn't have hot water in the shower at first (but the hotel fix it fast)
the location is great, and the area in lovely
maybe the other rooms are better.. hope so.
sorry for my english.. good luck

My 21 yr old daughter and I stayed here June, 2008. Thanks to the reviews on this site, we expected what we got: budget accommodations with a separate kitchen and bath, horrible decor and old carpets/wall paper, and only somewhat clean. The linens were clean but frayed, the bathroom was fairly clean, but because it was warm and there is no a.c., the windows were left open a lot. London air is dirty, and all surfaces collect dust, which the cleaning people do not take care of.

The location is great - 5 minutes walk from Kensington High underground station, close to groceries stores, and Naz, the main front desk help, was great for information and extra help.

Don't stay here if you're fussy about desk and room condition, but for a small funky apt,. it's great.