The Turnpike Residence - Free Parking♡

A decent stay overall, but the inaccurate listing and undisclosed check-in requirements were disappointing.

6.0

The apartment is in a good location with convenient access to public transportation and local amenities. It was reasonably clean (about 4/5), and there were no issues with mold or damp walls. The check-in instructions were clear, and the apartment generally matched the photos.

− The listing states that the apartment has air conditioning, but there is no air conditioning at all. During our stay, the indoor temperature exceeded 30°C (86°F), and the windows only open a few centimeters, making it almost impossible to cool or ventilate the apartment. After the free cancellation period had expired, the host required us to complete check-in through a third-party website outside of Booking.com. During this process, we were asked to either provide our credit card details for a security deposit of approximately £150 or pay a non-refundable £20 damage waiver fee. This requirement was not disclosed in the Booking.com listing before the reservation was made. The kitchen floor is also in poor condition. Several tiles are cracked and loose, and some move when stepped on, creating a risk of pinching or injuring your feet if you are barefoot.

Not bad, but there's a few things you should know before booking

6.0

Easy walk to the Turnpike Lane tube station (0.4 mi). Surprisingly quiet street, generally speaking. Plenty of consumable amenities available (toilet paper, shampoo, body wash, dish soap, coffee pods, laundry detergent). Windows open for letting in cooler air overnight. Two oscillating floor fans. Generous space for a family of 4 to spread out.

− There are a few items future guests should be aware of. (1) THIS UNIT DOES NOT HAVE AIR CONDITIONING (it is listed in the amenities at the time of this writing, and it was listed in the amenities at the time I booked). Thankfully, we didn't require it during our stay, but for those with the bad luck of visiting during a heat wave, you will be sorely disappointed. (2) After my reservation passed the date for free cancellations/refunds, the host sent a mandatory pre-check-in link that sent me to a site outside of Booking, which isn't typical for Booking reservations. The check in process wasn't too bad until it got to a part that required me to either provide a credit card # for a security deposit of approximately £150 -OR- provide a nonrefundable £20 "waiver"--this was not disclosed on the Booking description, and it felt like a "gotcha" fee. As I didn't seem to have an option, and it was mere days prior to my arrival, I opted to pay the £20 "waiver" but I wasn't happy about it. (3) The smoke detector was disabled, and the carbon monoxide detector was not in working order. (4) The kitchen floor tiles are catastrophically broken and cracked, and you must be extremely careful where you walk, as some of them would tilt up when stepped on, risking painful pinches to bare feet. I did send a private message about all of the above concerns (except for my objections to the surprise fee) immediately after our stay, but the only response I received was a bot reply asking me about my stay.

Guest review

8.0

Good value for money. Good location

− Worn out towels and bedding, and carpets.

Guest review

10.0

Very clean, all amenties were available. Cosy setting in great location. Perfect for our family of 6

Excellent place!!

10.0

Location near to amenities and metro/buses starios. The place is clean and organized, its fully furnished and everything works very good, specially the heating system. Holst was always available.

Exceptional

10.0