We recently stayed at this hotel as a couple. The location is very convenient — around a five-minute walk from East Croydon train station, which makes it ideal for transport links. However, the hotel is slightly tucked away, and getting there involves walking past some less pleasant parts of the area, including rubbish, uncleaned streets, and general noise. If you’re looking for a peaceful or romantic getaway, the surrounding environment may not feel particularly relaxing.
The positives:
The room itself was clean, with fresh sheets and a well-maintained bathroom and toilet. The bed was comfortable, and we appreciated having tea and coffee facilities in the room. The hotel also offers laundry services, which is convenient.
The breakfast buffet at the restaurant was enjoyable. The breakfast staff were outstanding and truly made a difference to our stay. One staff member in particular went above and beyond — offering to make fresh waffles for us and regularly checking whether we needed anything else, such as juice, coffee, or tea. Their attentiveness and warmth were genuinely appreciated.
The negatives:
Unfortunately, our experience with reception staff was disappointing. We did not receive a warm or welcoming check-in, which set an unfortunate tone for the stay. The interaction felt abrupt and uninviting, which was disappointing as we had been looking forward to our visit.
The restaurant layout is awkward, with guests constantly walking in and out, which made it feel chaotic at times. It became overcrowded during breakfast, and although reception staff appeared available, they did not assist. The restaurant team were left to manage everything on their own despite clearly doing their best. Tables were left uncleared for some time, with plates and cups remaining on them, limiting available seating for guests.
The general atmosphere also detracted from the experience. Some guests walked around in nightwear, and there was noticeable noise and a lack of consideration for others. Staff did not intervene, which created a sense that guests were left to behave as they pleased. The average demographic appeared to be younger adults and families. Interestingly, the children were often more mindful than some of the adults.
Noise was a significant issue during our stay. We could hear running, shouting, and even what sounded like fighting on the fourth floor. There did not appear to be any staff intervention, which made the hotel feel potentially unsafe — particularly for families or guests returning late at night. Management may wish to consider increased security if this is a recurring issue.
Finally, when we went down for breakfast or checked out, no one asked how our stay had been. A simple follow-up would have shown care and professionalism.
Overall, while the hotel benefits from a convenient location and excellent breakfast staff, the lack of welcoming service, overcrowding, noise, and overall atmosphere meant our stay was not as relaxing as we had hoped.
