I stayed at Hotel Cavendish who 'SELF ACCLAIM' themselves s a 4 star hotel. I complained, but they refused to allow me to speak to the manager. They then refused to refund me the night I did not stay, so I warned them that I was not going to be messed with, but that didn't sway them. So, I went ALL THE WAY. Afte numerous letters from me, the only written communication from them was two days before the hearing (2QT11563 heard in the Edmonton County Court - 11th May 2012), telling me that their 'counsel' advised them to counter claim up to £1,500 damages from me for their staff attending the court for my hearing, and that they would refund me the one night I had stayed on top of the night I did not stay if I agreed to settle. I had already booked and paid for my flights (I am based in Cannes FR), my hotel (a REAL 4 STAR) and car hire to get to my hotel and the court, so was already far beyond the £95 they offered me as a 'take it or leave it', 'between the lines' threat.

I won the case and was awarded £298 and some pence - I did not do this for the money, but out of principle - most travellers will be unable to sue a hotel for breach of contract - I could and did because I feel it is wrong for them to call them a 4 star, when they are clearly not.

They do this, in my view,

To be avoided at all costs as we had the same experience as the gentleman from Cardiff (CardiffCymrocymraeg) in May 2012.
Trading Standards and solicitors and credit card company are all on the case.
DO NOT BOOK THIS HOTEL BY MISTAKE. We made the mistake of believing what was on the website but the reality is truly unspeakable so much so a cardboard box under London Bridge would be preferable.
Reception was certainly well versed when it came to dealing with disatisfied customers...plenty of practise by the looks of things!

The bed was awful. Springs protruding into my back. Some of the towels in the bathroom were stained. You couldn't run the shower for more than 1 minute before it flooded (as the plug hole was blocked). The TV only had a few of the channels tuned in (had to balance on top of the sofa to retune on the second night.

Oh, and the hot water only came on after another guest complained that there wasn't any!!!!

Do not know how they have the temerity to charge almost £200 per night.

I was given room 203. As I opened the door, I actually thought I had walked in to a cupboard. You could not swing a cat in this room! I have seen bigger rabbit hutches. I am serious! See my photos! Being 6' 2" I need a decent size bed. This one i could not fit in to. The room was also dirty. Marks on the walls and dust on top of the wardrobe!

I did go and complain to the two guys in reception and they told me I wuld have to pay £20 for another room and that I should count myself lucky I had been given a double bed!

On a plus, ther was a TV with a decent picture and free wifi although the connection was very slow and not good enough for me to use Netflicks to watch a film.

The breakfast was a full English but very disappointing.