Park House Residence

Given some of the mixed reviews I was quite apprehensive before my stay at Park House Residence, however there was nothing to worry about! The reception team were always quite nice, the kitchen and bathroom were cleaned to a good standard once a week, I never had any trouble from any other residents, I always slept soundly because it was never noisy, the one time I had a maintenance issue (the toaster was broken) the issue was sorted promptly and I had a new one the next day. The location is fantastic! It sometimes feels a bit rough at night but never dangerous and I as a young woman never felt scared walking back from the underground late at night but did keep my wits about me as the vibe does change when it's late. However the proximity to the underground, supermarkets and restaurants made it very good value for money. It probably varies by person but I stayed for 62 nights in an apartment with one other bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen and a lounge shared with another apartment next door. Throughout my whole stay the other bedroom was only occupied twice - once for two nights, the other time one - so I essentially had a private space which was fantastic. The lounge I shared with the other apartment was almost always occupied by a cranky older lady who watched TV all the time and when I moved in it was full of the previous occupants stuff so wasn't really usable. I personally didn't mind because despite my room sharing a wall with the lounge I couldn't hear the TV in there (only in the hall) so I wasn't bothered and I mostly just slept and ate there as I was interning full time in the city and out most evenings. I guess it would've been annoying if I had wanted to use it.. Also the communal/social/work space was out of use all summer so it definitely doesn't have the social vibe that people expect in some hostels but again I was so busy it didn't bother me. Overall, don't be put off by any of the horror reviews. The place is somewhat basic but comfortable, the communal areas - hallways, by the lift etc. - are a little dirty and there are dead insects but my room was spotless, the laundry facilities are pricey but very convenient and work well. It was good, beyond the expectations I had from other reviews and everything I'd wanted. I would recommend Park House Residence