The Cranley Hotel Lodging Business in London, South Kensington

Reviews

1. Tobi K. (Flap) ★☆☆☆☆

   We were staying in this hotel in 2022, but I never wrote a review for it for some reason. Maybe I tried to suppress the memories of our absolutely atrocious stay at this place and wanted to forget about it as soon as possible. It was, by far, the worst hotel we ever stayed in, hands down. And I already stayed in 2-star hotels in Eastern Europe during the early 90s - let me tell you, those were great in comparison. But back to this joke of a hotel: The room was in an absolutely abysmal condition. Dirty, with stained headrests and pillows. Mattress looked like someone was murdered on it 15 years ago. Curtains were torn and had mould stains from moisture. Furniture was in absolute disrepair, TV and phone weren't working at all. Breakfast was laughable. When we tried to complain about the situation and ask about another room, the manager said we shouldn't complain, as we already got a better room free of charge to begin with (I think he called it executive room)... so there are rooms worse than that?! The only upside was the location, with a subway station and a supermarket close by. But this was definitely not worth it. Seriously, this is supposed to be a 4 star hotel in London?! What a joke. Avoid at all costs. Please take this review and the other negative ones seriously, we dont exaggerate.

   almost 8 months ago
2. Melanie Winters ★☆☆☆☆

   This is the worst review I’ve ever left for a place. In fact. I hardly ever even leave bad reviews. Our experience was so bad I’ve waited over a year to post this review because every time I thought about it I would get angry. Our first room had stains everywhere. Dirty tissues. And worst of all. We had ants all over our bed and got into our suitcases and clothes. I have attached videos and photos. We spent that one night and asked to check out and leave. We could but they would not be refunding the additional 3 nights we had paid for. We asked to speak to a manager and were only given an email. When I asked the associate at the front desk if I would actually get a response he told me No. I told him I would not leave a bad review if he gave us the refund and we left. They still said no. We couldn’t afford to get another hotel. They did put us in another room and while it didn’t have ants. It’s was not clean. We felt a little held hostage because of the money. Do not stay here. It is not worth it. We learned our lesson. Learn from ours. Do not stay here. They are thieves and their whole place is disgusting.

   1 year ago
3. N.N ★☆☆☆☆

   Upon our arrival at the hotel, we were informed by the receptionist rudely that the check-in time had not yet arrived. We kindly requested to leave our suitcase at the hotel until the check-in time. The room provided was of an adequate size. However, the decor and furnishings were outdated and in need of refurbishment. The chairs and sofa were visibly soiled, raising concerns about their cleanliness and potential for bedbugs. The curtains and rug were also in a state of disrepair. The water pressure in the bathroom was satisfactory, but the provision of toiletries was insufficient, with only a single small shampoo provided for two guests. Regarding the breakfast service, despite having paid for it, we encountered several issues. On the first day, we arrived to find that all the food had been consumed. On the second day, breakfast was not available, and we were advised to email the hotel to request a refund for the breakfast. However, despite sending three follow-up emails, we have not received any response. All in all, I never back again and never recommend it to anyone!

   almost 2 years ago

1. suzan ★★★☆☆

   So I booked this hotel for my 4 day stay without reading the reviews first. Before my arrival I was truly dreading to go there and brought two towels with me so that I could put them on the bed. I was positively surprised though. Is it a 4 star hotel? Definitely not. But it is also not as bad as people in the reviews made it out to be. I was on the 2nd floor and the room was simply very, very old and the curtains were dirty BUT other than that it was fine for the cheap price I paid. I had to pay 50 pounds security deposit additionally, but I just saw that I got them back without any issues. The bed was clean, bathroom was fairly clean as well and I just made sure to always have my slippers on and used my own towels regardless. The location is amazing and I thought the staff was friendly as well. Wifi is also available and worked just fine. Overall I'd say it's more of a 2 star hotel, but definitely fine if you are staying for a few days only, and want to save some money.

   almost 2 years ago
2. El ★☆☆☆☆

   Truly, truly, truly do not book here. When we arrived they were having the flooring redone, which wasn’t a great impression, but I thought “hey, it has to be done at some point!” There was a small desk set up which served as check in where the hotel took a £50 deposit which was not something I was informed of when booking (and later had to quibble with my bank to get back) and we were given a key to a room. We got up to it to discover it was still dirty from the last guest. They gave us a new room which was really quite disgusting. The bathroom was dirty, the shower was cold, the room had a portable air con unit which meant the window couldn’t close (and being November in London, you want it closed!) the mattress and carpet were both heavily stained, and none of the listed amenities were available. No hairdryer, minibar or room service. My bed side lamp was missing a bulb and shade, and the one on the other side of the bed just didn’t work. The light switch was broken so there was just a small black piece of plastic to use for the lights. The furniture was all chipped and decrepit. This hotel was probably nice in the 90s and got a 4-star rating, at which point it was never touched again. I honestly think this hotel would be a 1/2 star rating now, given the filth and general condition, not to mention in inhospitable staff (we heard a manager shouting at employees). The location is okay, but honestly, there are better located hotels in Kensington. Avoid this hotel like the plague, because you may catch it there.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Joanne Hankin ★☆☆☆☆

   Location was great. Bed was big, that’s the only good part of this hotel. It is old, and isn’t maintained. The baths side was rotting in our room. Carpets looked about 20 years old. Windows rotten. Headboard was stained. It was a quiet room so we had a good nights sleep. The staff were rude and unwelcoming. Didn’t give us any information for breakfast or check out. Breakfast was diabolical, a toast machine and some juices. The staff would interrupt you when you were talking and generally something felt off with them, when we checked out we just handed our key back and the man behind the desk couldn’t be bothered to finish a chat on the phone with someone. Wouldn’t recommend if you are looking for something to treat a partner or friend.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Juan Buchelli ★★★★☆

   It’s not bad. I’m glad I read all the reviews before because my expectations were zero, we even tried to cancel. This is an old house, it’s not a 5 stars hotel. It’s more a boutique hotel, with hostel vibes. In my experience, it was not dirty. We had the room made every day, with clean towels. It’s just an old house, More like a small family business hotel. We got a superior room, which was big and comfortable. Yes, it’s an old house, I think it needs some love ($) but we enjoyed our stay. We paid less than $400 for 3 nights. You can find anther options for the double almost. Breakfast is basic (some ham, cheese and toasts) but is something considering the price. It’s not for you if you’re used to modern hotels, with automatic lights and digital mirrors. I liked it, the place has its own personality.

   almost 3 years ago
2. Esther D ★★★★☆

   I don't get all the whining from people these days. Some people just feel spoiled to me. Go and pay for a more luxurious and expensive stay. Yes, the hotel is old, but it is NOT dirty. The people working here are extremely sweet and helpful. Room was big and bed was soft. Shower wasn't the greatest, just make sure you take a shower in the late evening, then it's fine. Location is great and I enjoyed the simple breakfast. Two kinds of (warm) toast, cheese, meat, jam and butter. Coffee, tea, juice and milk. I did enjoy my time here and would not mind it at all to come back!

   almost 3 years ago
3. nigel govan ★☆☆☆☆

   Very run down, stains on curtains, headboard and chair in the room. One armchair in the room was even missing chunks out of the material. Paint was also coming off the walls and furniture. Extremely overpriced given there were no facilities in room to make a tea or coffee. In addition to this I was told I had to pay a £50 deposit to get my room key, something that was not mentioned upon booking at all. The breakfast that I paid for had extremely little selection and the only thing on offer that was warm was instant coffee or tea. I also overheard several guests complaining about their rooms and the staff not seeming to even care. On the first evening I stayed I waited down in reception for a food delivery to arrive and heard the manager screaming at one of the employees. Clearly a very badly run establishment. Lastly, when I arrived into my room I noticed that there were a lot of flies due to the window, with a cracked glasspane, having been left open since the previous unfortunate guest. I would recommend staying literally anywhere else!

   almost 3 years ago

1. michelle caldwell ★☆☆☆☆

   This was booked as a surprise anniversary present. Most definitely the worst hotel I have stayed at. Dirty, broken furniture, stains on all surfaces and furniture. I didn’t remove my shoes. No hand soap one towel between two of us. Certainly no luxury hotel. This is definitely not a 4 star establishment. The only positive from our stay was the location. This establishment needs to have a major refurbishment. DO NOT STAY HERE

   almost 3 years ago

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