London Continental Hotel

At the minimum rate of £30 per day for a single room this hotel does its job pretty well. It is a place to sleep, not for work or romance. Of course you can feel the hotel's age, see some things that needs repair (e.g. missing the mirror lamp at the bathroom) and space is limited - I was in a single room - but for this price you also get a breakfast. Toast, cereal, juice and coffee/tea - the only thing you choose is your jam flavour. I must say that given the points mentioned I was satisfied with my stay.

A few weeks ago my friends and I came to London on a tourist visit wanting to explore the city. The trip was all about the sights of London and we did not need a fancy hotel as we understood that a budget hotel would do just to sleep in. We booked this hotel as it is described on various websites as a nice budget hotel in a good central location.

Only one of these statements is correct, there is budget and there is the London Continental. What a joke!

Granted it is in a perfect location but it is not the only budget hotel to be located in a good location. On first appearance the hotel looks like it is well maintained, nice reception, bright interior, friendly staff etc. In fact all these improvements are to cover up the decaying condition of the rooms which i will not wish upon anyone.

The rooms were poorly maintained with our shower looking like it was fitted by a DIY enthusiast. There was mold and limescale in the shower and the corners, the room had a funky smell and my friend developed a rash from sleeping on the bed.

I understand that European budget hotels have a different style and way to the American hotels, however I'm pretty sure there are regulations that need to be met in order to run a hotel.

This is not another American rant, as I have been backpacking to other destinations in Europe with friends and we have always stayed in budget hotels but none as poorly maintained as the London Continental.

I would advise anyone looking for a budget hotel to keep looking.