Two days before arrival I was asked for 200GBP "Security deposit" in cash. This was returned on the day I left. The apartment is being illegally let for short bookings such as this one and Airbnb. I took a photo of a notice to tenants saying this. I was terrified of being evicted. Hob did not work and dishwasher and washing machine needed maintenance to avoid being dangerous. Every mug was chipped and all the crockery, glasses and cutlery were odd. I felt embarrassed I had asked my family to stay.

Location very handy for East Croydon station and therefore getting into central London. Wouldn’t describe apartment as “luxury” though - fixtures and fittings are pretty standard - and a bit overpriced. Main problem was that we lost electricity to the apartment overnight on the last day. Informed owner first thing in the morning but he seemed reluctant to pay to fix. First tried to get us to fix ourselves - we couldn’t. Then, after few more hours, sent caretaker round. She said, not unreasonably, “I’m not an electrician!”. Owner finally got electricians round in the evening to fix after 9pm. So had whole day without broadband (therefore lost work) and heating on one of coldest days of the year. Particularly annoying, as he was clearly already aware of the issue but hadn’t fixed it.

Well looked after premises and very comfortable.