Review of London Continental Hotel 2*

I made the booking late on the evening of the 4th of August 2018. Upon arriving at the hotel the door was locked with a sign asking guests requiring access after midnight to call 1 of 3 numbers. The first number was switched off and the second number was answered by a gentleman who was quite rude (check-in time was stated as from 2pm with no limit and an apparent 24 hour reception).   In a hostile manner, I was told that I would need to pay a late check-in charge. I explain that this was not stated in my confirmation email nor on the Agoda website (Agoda also confirmed this). I then was told to ring the manager by pressing the doorbell.   When the manager answered, he again reiterated that I would need to pay a late check-in charge and stated that the amount was either £30 in cash or £36 by card. Again, I explained to him that this was not stated in either my confirmation nor when I booked the room. He refused to come to the door to discuss it and said that he would not grant access even to discuss the issue unless I agreed to pay the charge. This felt malicious and a form of extortion as it was clear that if I did not have the funds, I would not be granted access to a room that I already paid for.   In summary the manager is rude and unprofessional. The room and hallway leading to the lower ground floor smelt of sewage and my room was also not sufficiently cleaned when I checked in. There was no breakfast available even though it was stated that it was included in the price. The day staff were generally helpful and friendly but the manager ruined the overall experience. For location 10/10 Room 6/10 Staff 6/10 Management 0/10 Not likely to book here again.