I am currently living at London Road…
I am currently living at London Road Apartments and, unfortunately, my experience has been extremely disappointing.
The location is excellent and is probably the only major positive aspect of this accommodation. Beyond that, the quality of the accommodation, the handling of resident concerns and the overall value for money leave a lot to be desired.
I moved into Room 18 in April and reported problems almost immediately. On arrival, there was visible white dust and debris throughout the room, including on the mattress, inside the wardrobe and around the apartment. Even the complimentary tumbler provided in the room was dusty. Despite this, I was informed that the room had been professionally cleaned, sparkle cleaned and signed off by management before my arrival.
The most serious issue has been the lack of effective ventilation and the extreme heat inside the room. My room receives direct afternoon and evening sunlight and becomes unbearably hot during warm weather. The windows only open a limited amount, meaning there is very little airflow. The building does not have air conditioning and relies on a ceiling ventilation system which management insists is operating correctly.
The reality experienced inside the room is very different. The room frequently becomes so hot that sleeping, studying and concentrating become difficult. I came to Southampton specifically to prepare for professional maritime examinations and have repeatedly explained the impact these conditions are having on my ability to study and rest. During warmer periods, the room becomes uncomfortable to the point that multiple fans are required simply to make it bearable.
Opening the windows to improve ventilation creates another problem: insects. Throughout my stay I have experienced flies, beetles and spiders entering the room. Residents are effectively left choosing between excessive heat with the windows closed or insects entering with the windows open.
Shortly after moving in, I also experienced problems with the shower, including issues with hot water and the shower mixer. These were additional defects that had to be reported immediately after arrival, despite the room having supposedly been checked and signed off before occupation.
Another disappointing aspect has been the cleaning standards and housekeeping arrangements. The accommodation advertises regular cleaning of communal areas; however, in my experience, cleaning has been inconsistent and at times appears not to have taken place for extended periods. On multiple occasions, residents were informed that cleaning could not be completed because the housekeeper was unwell, on annual leave or otherwise unavailable.
What has frustrated me most is the apparent lack of genuine engagement with residents’ concerns. Every issue seems to be met with an explanation, a policy reference or a statement that everything has already been checked and signed off.
Despite numerous emails over several months regarding overheating, ventilation, cleaning and maintenance concerns, not once has the multi-site manager, area manager or any senior member of staff visited my room to personally assess the issues being reported. Not once has anyone come to experience the heat inside the room, inspect the ventilation performance firsthand or understand the severity of the conditions being described.
I even requested that a member of the night staff come and see the room because of how hot it had become. The staff member acknowledged how warm the room was and advised that the concern would be passed on. The following day I was effectively informed that everything was operating normally.
What stands out most is that there always seems to be an explanation for why a problem exists, but very rarely a practical solution that addresses the underlying issue. Whether the concern relates to cleaning, maintenance, ventilation, overheating or resident wellbeing, the response has consistently been procedural rather than proactive.
I would strongly encourage anyone considering London Road Apartments, particularly those staying through the summer months, to think carefully before booking. The location is excellent, but in my experience the accommodation itself has fallen far short of the standard that the price would lead you to expect.