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Review 4117: GK Lets, Framery 3

www.gklets.co.uk

Recommended. Review by Joy W from MD

Studio apartment in Hoxton, London

When

May 2009, 3 nights

Location

The flat was located in Hackney/Hoxton in the northern part of London. There are three holiday flats located on the lower ground floor of what used to be a commercial building (there are also a few more holiday flats on the other floors). Framery 3 was located at the front of the building so the ceiling-level windows faced directly onto the street. The street was a dead-end so most of the noise was not from cars but from people. During the time we stayed there a construction skid was on the sidewalk in front of the windows so that probably deterred pedestrians from strolling past closely. The area was okay but we have probably been somewhat spoiled from having stayed in more central locations. Rather than thinking "let's stop by the flat to drop this off" it was more like "I'd rather carry this stuff around than have to go all the way back there."

Nearby Amenities

We walked to both an Iceland (north of the flat) and Somerfields grocery store (closer to Old Street Tube station). The Somerfields had a much more extensive range of goods. Just around the corner from the flat were several liquor stores, one which had a very large sign at the top of the building that (no lie) said "Cheap Booze." There were several newsagents on the road leading from the Tube stop to the flat. The owner recommended several local Vietnamese restaurants that we did not have time to try.

The House/Apartment

The building was a framery workshop in a former life. The flat is in a quiet area but one problem we did have was that the flat is partially located under the shared entry steps to the lower ground floor. We had some inconsiderate neighbors staying in the rear flats who stomped up and down the steps several times talking loudly after midnight (not conducive to sleep).

The flat was very well-organized with a large closet directly off the entry. The bed was at the rear of the flat with a partial wall giving a semblance of separation from the rest of the room. There was a small dining table with two chairs, leather couch facing the kitchen which was located all along one wall. The bathroom was just off of the kitchen.

Garden

There is no outside sitting area.

Furnishings/Cleanliness/Living Areas

We were only the second tenants to stay at this flat. Everything was brand new and looked to have all come from IKEA. This wasn't a problem as I like the modern and clean look of IKEA furnishings. The kitchen and bathroom were very modern and fresh. It was so new when we swept we had a small pile of drywall dust. The flat was clean although the floor could have used a better mopping.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms

The bed was very firm which may not be to everyone's liking. The linens were of very good quality and white. The bathroom was quite clever in how it was fitted into the space. The shower was much larger than some I have encountered in the UK. Did I mention it is really red? There was a clear glass door to the bathroom which may raise the eyebrows of more modest tenants.

Kitchen

The kitchen was great except for a portable double-burner hot plate. I could not understand why a portable burner and not something permanently installed but thought it must have something to do with fire codes or perhaps this was temporary. We never could figure out how to use it; it made lights and noise but never heated up. Of course, it was the only appliance where an instruction manual had gone astray. We never specifically asked how to use it as we were more concerned with how to operate other more important things like the washer/dryer (which was located in the shared hallway and available for use by all three holiday flats). There were plenty of pots and pans (which we did not use). The dishes were all new and sparkly and were used extensively in the microwave/convection oven (which we did use a lot).

Problems or Bonuses

Obviously, the owner has no control over rude tenants making a ruckus at some ungodly hour. It wasn't as if we were going to call them after midnight and complain about the noise, and in any event, we did not have a UK cell phone. One annoyance we did experience that was not resolved was with the television. On arrival one of the owners discovered there was a problem with the digital cable not coming in clearly (on every channel) and promised someone would be round to fix it. I don't know if anyone did come round but it was never fixed. I presume this was a new digital connection, and having some annoyance with digital systems at home, hope that it was just a temporary glitch.

Agency and Representatives (and price)

We communicated directly with the owners by e-mail and ultimately completed our booking on-line. We sent a deposit through Paypal and paid the remainder in cash on arrival. The on site person was lovely; although this flat was completely new she went through everything (well except for that blasted hot plate). The website is completely accurate with floor plans, pictures and even a 360 degree video. We paid £85 per night.

Do you recommend this vacation rental to others?

Although I was very impressed with the new and modern vibe, I am a bit ambivalent about this particular flat. I think I would consider staying here again but just not in this flat unless it were sound-proofed somewhat (or the other flats were vacant). Additionally, it was in a new area for us and far from most of the places we frequent while in London. It may also be a bit far from the Tube stop for those who are less mobile (I suffered an Achilles injury during our trip so this definitely colors my opinion).

Things to do in this area

We did get around to the Geffrye Museum which is nearby. Had we stayed another night I would have liked to browse the Columbia Road Flower Market which is also nearby.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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