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.

We did not actually stay at the Clearlake because in a three week period, our quoted rate for the same room went from 85 pounds per night to 90 and then topped off at 92 and some change. This after we'd sent one CC number, which they then said they couldn't accept (it was Discover). When we emailed back with another number, we had no response for days. Then, when we finally heard something, it was from a different person who upped the rate. The third and final email upped the rate again and also informed us that two of our nights were no longer available--so more per night for a shorter stay.

We chose to look elsewhere at that point.

Although these apartments are not as up to date as some hotels I really couldn't find a problem with them. I've stayed several times, every time coming away happy. The rooms are clean. The wallpaper and carpets may be shabby but that doesn't bother me because I don't go on holiday to stare at wallpaper and carpets! It is EXACTLY what I am looking for. Cheap, convienent to tube and good shops. The staff are VERY friendly and helpful.
While I do recommend the Clearlake the one downside is the fact that there's no breakfast. I found an Italian restaurant just down the road that does a lovely fry-up though!


When I come to London again, this will be my first choice.