The Recharge Loft | Executive Stay | Parking & EV

Way beyond my expectation and super value for money Positive: Super clean & new equipments. The kitchen, washer, drier & heater work well. Confy bed Negative: The staircase is quite high but it is still okay if you don’t have XL luggages

Do NOT book this place unless you have no other choice. Negative: First of all, I don't think they could use the word "executive". The cleanliness of the apartment is really really way below standard. One reason I booked this place is that it says it has a washing machine as you can see from the photo I uploaded, the washing machine is extremely dirty that you wouldn't dare to touch it, not to mention you would use it. They gave false information about the parking. They said parking is free and it's right outside the place but actually there are some limitations. You cannot park there the whole day actually.(see the photo). They need you to pay a £100 deposit when doing the online check-in, as well as uploading your driving license or passport. I can understand why a deposit was required, but one thing I really hate was that they gave you an option for paying £25 nonrefundable so that you will be peace of mine and you don't have to think about whether the £100 deposit would be deducted by them. Who would pay extra £25 for this apartment? This apartment is above an Italian restaurant. Located on the second floor, you have to walk up with very narrow staircase, which you will pass by the restaurant and the storeroom, which is very dirty. The flush of the toilet was extremely noisy. That would scare yourself if you use it in a middle of the night. There is no single hook to hang your towel or clothes in the toilet. The sofa is very dirty and not comfortable. The apartment is managed by a management company or something. After checkout, I was kept being asked to give a rating of 10 via messages on Booking.com. At first, I didn't want to give ratings or comments because I know if I give it must be very bad. However, yesterday they even sent me a WhatsApp message to my personal mobile phone number asking me to give a rating of 10 this is really ridiculous and that is why I'm leaving my comments here now it's really annoying.

Positive: The bedroom was well presented, the kitchen was mostly well equipped but there is no freezer or ice compartment in the fridge. There is parking but during the day there's a 3 hour limit and a no return policy. Durham centre is expensive and this flat is affordable - there's a reason for that. We didn't want to stay the 2nd night so messaged the property management company explaining why - the way they dealt with our complaints was brilliant and the employee who called me was exceptional. He apologised, took on our concerns and feedback and then managed to get us a partial refund. Negative: Be advised - this flat is above a restaurant next to a very busy main road. We felt uncomfortable the moment we arrived. The flat is in a building that has a restaurant on the 1st floor and 2 flats on the 2nd floor. To get to the flat you need to go up a shabby staircase, pass the restaurant and continue up. Getting to the flat wasn't pleasant, it's not well maintained and doesn't feel secure. The flat is a drive from Durham centre, the location isn't favourable and parking restrictions mean you can't leave the car for the day because you have to move it. The bathroom is separated from the bedroom by a sliding door, which would be fine but for the smell and the noise when you flush the toilet.

Positive: Nice cozy apartment with everything you need with lovely restaurant right on your doorstep

Unable to access property no refund. Avoid both booking.com and recharge loft Negative: Unable to access property owner ignored phone for several hours. Eventually gave a code that did not work and ignored phone.