You can't expect too much from a budget hotel, and if you have astma or is allergy prone - sorry, you just have to book something fancier...

After having read all these gruesome reviews, I was a bit discouraged...
I actually didn 't read them until very close to departure and didn't have other "options" within budget. Me and my sister left for London trembling, but that was uncalled for! Sure, some of the staff members aren't 100% attentive, but the "night guy" - a real doll! We got to see our room before checking in, all was fine, (we even had extra towels and soaps :-) fancy that!). It's close to Oxford Street for shopping, Hyde Park for relaxation and Marble Arch Underground station (on the red, central line) for when you want to move around London. I'll book this hotel again next time I go!

Checking in this hotel was more than a nightmare. First of all, the attitude the receptionist (a young guy around his twenties, wearing glasses and Asian face) to a bewildered guest was the worst for a hotel staff member to my knowledge. To call this place as a hotel is REALLY, REALLY an ABUSE of the word. I will never forget the horrible experience I had in this terrible place.

if there is an price for the dirtiest hotel in the EU THEY GET IT. the room was dusty the blanket was dusty the will no clean it for me. so i got a astma attack.

I wish that I had read the reviews here before checking into this sorry excuse for a hotel, from which I am typing this review. It is laughable that they charge people money to stay in this dump - guests should be paid for actually staying here.

I had originally been booked into the Ivanhoe Suite through our corporate travel agent. I now understand that place is (or was) just as bad. As it would appear to be in common ownership, I have no doubt that was the case.

On arrival at the Ivanhoe Suite, I found it to be closed down. A notice on the door asked guests to phone an 020 number. After doing so, I was told to go to the Berkeley Court hotel where I would be checked in and would receive credit for the taxi fare over.

How I wish I had refused this offer...

It is truly dire. I should have been suspicious when I was asked to pay for the room before I even got to see it. It's the "policy of the hotel that all accounts are settled on arrival", according to notices in 'reception'. I can well understand why. To say that the place is the crummiest dump that I have ever stayed in is a huge understatement.

In summary:

- The bed is unmade and looks like it has probably been slept in by about six guests before me
- Used, damp towels remained in the bathroom and on the floor of the bathroom. I asked for fresh towels and was handed one bath towel of dubious quality
- There is no wardrobe
- There is uncollected rubbish in the room
- The room does not look it has been cleaned, well, ever!
- Paint is flaking from the ceiling, etc
- I would not be surprised to come across rats
- The bathroom floor houses a collection of interesting bugs

The staff seem unconcerned about any of this.

Unfortunately, this stay in on my employer and I have paid upfront. Even though I wouldn't be able to recoup any additional expenditure on an alternative hotel, I have looked around seriously and am dismayed that nothing else is available in the area with a rack rate of less than £250. Even at that rate, serious consideration has been given to leaving early.

If I had a dog, I wouldn't board it here. Truly shocking.