Review of The Antigallican Hotel 2*

It's true what they say, you only get what you pay for! I wish I had paid double the amount for the Holiday Inn Express just up the road. As soon as you walk into the reception area, you get the feeling that this isn't going to be a pleasant stay, a concern voiced by my wife even at that point. First of all, in order to get your room key, either a £20 deposit (in cash! ), or something showing your identity has to be passed over. As for the room itself? Let's just say that my wife threatened me with a divorce! The wallpaper was bubbling due to what I can only assume was mould growing underneath. Upon entering the room, we were met by a strong mouldy smell. For some reason, we had what looked like an air duct running from the ceiling up to a roof window full of dust and cobwebs, although if you want to wake up at the very dawn of the day, then the light will certainly help you wake up! I thought that nothing else could let down our stay, but so be it, there was no hot water for the shower. Bummer! Luckily we met up with some friends for a few hours so didn't have to stay in the room for a minute longer than we had to, however, if you want an early night, then you best invest in some earplugs as the pub is open until the early hours of the morning. We returned just after midnight and luckily the music had been turned off, but even in the afternoon it was certainly loud enough for us to hear in our room. I guess the only positive I can take away from this is that we now know where to avoid for future London visits. I certainly will be sticking to better known hotels from now on, where I don't get home to find that my clothes still reek of the smell of mould.