Can find better
Review Submitted: July 18, 2009
Date of Stay: June 2009
Family of four stayed this past june for 6 days. Don't come earlier than 3PM check in because you won't get in. Yes, the house is clean but it is showing its age. The television is very outdated in the bedroom. I won't go into dirty details but we are being charged for broken blinds which we had nothing to do with except to pick them up off the floor after they had fallen. And we were told that the towels had to be disgarded after we used them! How petty and ridiculous. I'm surprised we were not charged for defrosting the tiny little freezer too with it's unhinged door! This is not a city centre location. It will take about half an hour to get to the main sights on the DLR & tubes. House is a pretty good walk to stations or shops and the area is a bit questionable. The docklands have been rundown and are just now starting to make a comeback. Not all there yet. We thought the area was quiet but found out quickly that river traffic is noisy on early mornings. No, I don't think I would stay here again. We did love "The George," the local pub -- great staff and good welcome from the regulars. they do have a good menu and is about the only place to eat in the area.
Owner's Response: We run a very happy house on the River Thames with many guests returning, or being referred, about 50% each year in this category. We try our very best sourcing reliable taxi companies for airport pickups, put together local information packs, have even negotiated 10% discounts with 3 of the very best local restaurants. (See the web site for details) For 7 years we have worked hard to ensure that our standards meet the very exacting requirements of the English Tourist Council. Indeed, on the 15th June this year we underwent the 3 hour inspection of the property and proudly obtained their 4**** accreditation.
Then on the 28th June, this family arrive and we are reminded that we have been very fortunate indeed to deal in the main with lovely people who appreciate the amount of effort we go to on their behalf. After 7 years we have two bulging guests books full of great comments, loving living on the riverbanks with the feeding cormorants and passing ships and write of great family occasions. We have many friends who return and even have had the odd wedding celebrations taking place. It's a quiet location, there's no passing traffic, except for the ships and their distant "toot" when rounding the bend of the river, which I have always thought charming. Oh, and on Saturday mornings you may hear the Cox calling to the rowers out for the day from the local sailing school.
There are two TV's in the house, the one in the top floor bedroom is a few years old but this little white SONY just keeps on going and adds a plus to the much larger TV in the lounge for everyone to view.
The web site covers details of the celebrity restaurants nearby and the many eateries and shops to cater for the hundreds of City traders that live in the area.
Very rarely do we meet with people who disrespect our property damaging the fittings and staining the curtains. Our email questioning the nature of the stains was ignored. The broken blinds had to be repaired and other areas cleaned up. Subsequently, towels were returned from the laundry as uncleanable. But we took this damage on board and did not charge. We spend 5 hours to prepare for each booking to ensure that everything is cleaned and prepared which is just enough time before guests arrive.
However, if mindless damage is done then we do reserve the right to charge for this and it's unfortunate that this lady isn't happy to take responsibility for her boisterous family.
Christine - Owner
Did you find this review helpful?
Yes
No
Helpful votes: 3/4