Duchess Apartments Modern 3Bedroom Apartment in Colchester Ideal for Long Stays, Relocations, Contractors, Secure Parking, WIFI

Everything!

Nothing

The property itself has potential, but the experience was far from smooth. Positives: - Very clean and spacious. - Comfortable beds. - Great central location. - Strong WiFi signal. - Quick responses from the host and prompt help with the external lock when requested.

Negatives: - Despite the listing stating the deposit would be taken on arrival, we were pressured to share card details via an external platform before check-in, which felt insecure and unnecessary. - A long list of extra rules and potential fines created unnecessary tension, even though we were extremely careful and left the property in perfect condition. - Noisy due to the central location — be prepared for little peace and quiet. - No dishwasher, which is surprising for such a large house. - One of the toilets on the third floor was out of order for the entire stay, meaning only one toilet was available for a large group. Children had to navigate stairs without a handrail at night, which didn’t feel safe. - The shower pressure was extremely weak, couldn't use it; the bath took over 30 minutes to fill, and hot water heated up very slowly. - The wooden floors are very creaky, which disturbed the children during the night.

Good location to town and train station

No blinds on velux windows in two bedrooms upstairs which made sleeping difficult. We were not aware at time of booking that we had to pay an additional deposit of £250 to gain access to the property. This would be refunded once the endless list of rules were adhered to. Shared parking but very difficult to park as had to keep asking neighbour to move so we could park and move our car to allow them to park. This should have been made clear from start . Uneasy feeling about security as key remained in box outside front door so anyone with code could access properly while we were out.

Everything was amazing. Location ambience service.

Spacious and well appointed and very conveniently located, close to shops and supermarkets

Didn’t like underhand ‘additional’ charging for cleaning fees. In my experience, cleaning fees have always been included in the overall cost. I have never previously been contacted, once in the property, with demands to pay a separate cleaning fee of £100 (for a four night stay). This felt like a hidden charge. Despite providing many arguments as to why l thought this inappropriate and unprofessional, l felt l had little choice but to pay or risk having this taken from my credit card, details which l had already provided as part of the deposit agreement. The cleaning fees need to be incorporated in with the overall charge, so the customer can see at the time of booking, what the overall cost should be. This is poor, devious business practice.

It was clean. There were problems with my stay you will see down below but I did like the overall tidyness and facilities provided in the kitchen etc spray bottles, washing up liquid, coffee etc. Would be a lovely place for adults but I don't think it is appropriate otherwise, glass coffee tables dangerous, I banged my knee on the corner and old stairs with no hand rail etc. But it was spacious and fair for the money.

*Parking was difficult, too many people park outside the gates to be able to swing your car in and out. *The TV didn't work, couldn't connect to the Internet. *There was a single male living in the cabin in the garden which I was not made aware of who knew the key code for my apartment...he tried to let himself in. The owner tried to make up excuses as to why he knew the code... No one should know it, it's not safe, especially for a female on their own. *The owner also sent an electrician round at 10pm (a very unsociable hour) it was pitch black, he also knew my code and tried to let himself in without knocking. (There was an issue with the electric for the single male in the cabin, apparently the only way to fix it was entering my apartment where the switch board was) I thought maybe this would be a one off but the single male told me this electrical problem is happening often. *Also noisy dogs barking at night and early morning in nearby houses, but I didn't notice it throughout the day.

Nicely furnished and decorated property with character. Ideal for us visiting Colchester with older children.

Could have done with velux blinds upstairs.