Review of Pearl Hotel London 2*

My partner and I booked a "double room" and what we were given looked absolutely nothing like some of the pictures. The room was filthy and cramped. There were two cheap, two-part divan "beds" with equally cheap mattresses that bore painful springs. A radiator featured under the window, meaning neither of the beds (which obviously had no head board, unlike some of the photos) could not reach the wall, making them uncomfortable to relax in. A poorly assembled Ikea wardrobe, filled with misshapen and odd coat-hangers, was sloping into the middle of the room. The carpets were worn and covered in old stains and marks. The bathroom was even smaller, and the toilet so poorly positioned that in order to use it you had to sit sideways. Interesting. The shower was a good size but absolutely filled with that pleasant black mould — it literally covered the ceiling. Definitely in need of better ventilation. It had a very "Carry On" vibe to the whole thing; it was so bad it gave it that awful 70s characteristic. Initially I didn't mind it, but then came the time to try and sleep… The room was incredibly hot (with no heating on), forcing us to open the window and expose ourselves to the noise below, and it also offered nothing in the way of sound insulation. The pillows were incredibly uncomfortable, as well. It was a good job there were two made beds in there, as we needed the two pillows off of the second to subsidise the thin, useless ones provided. We barely slept. I must admit I am a light sleeper but I got less than an hour's worth. Exhausted, I dragged my tired body downstairs in the morning for the complementary breakfast. The seating area was 'cozy' and part of the open plan kitchen facility, and the fact this was not designed well was made apparent. That being said, the staff were friendly and the breakfast was ample. Croissants, tea/coffee, OJ, yogurts and a choice of eggs/beans. I'm very glad meat was not on offer, understandably, as the small confined space would have quickly become filled with the smell. The staff were pretty accommodating to a couple of minor requests, but that does not negate the poor offerings this hotel has. We paid £70 for the night and I honestly doubt it is worth that. Just because it's London, eh? Unfortunately I would really not recommend staying here unless you have no other options. It really was that bad.