Overview
First Impressions
The Sophisticated 1BR, 1 BA Chigwell Designer Flat CHCL F2 sits quietly on Manor Road, and honestly, you might walk past it without realizing what’s inside. This three-star property doesn’t scream for attention from the street, but once you’re through the door, the designer touches become obvious pretty quickly. The clean lines and contemporary furnishings feel deliberate — someone actually thought about how travelers would use this space.
Location & Getting Around
You’re in Chigwell here, which means you’re far enough from central London to breathe a bit but still connected when you need to be. The area has this quiet residential feel that I actually found refreshing after days of tourist crowds. There’s a decent selection of local pubs and shops within walking distance, and if you need to get into the city, the transport links work well enough. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re staying somewhere real people live, not just another hotel district.
The Apartment Experience
The apartment layout makes sense for anyone staying more than a night or two. The bedroom feels properly sized — not cramped like some London places I’ve been in — and the bathroom actually has decent water pressure, which you know matters more than you think it will. What struck me was the kitchen setup; it’s compact but functional, with everything you’d need if you want to skip restaurant meals occasionally. The living area works well for spreading out, and there’s enough natural light that you don’t feel like you’re in a cave.
Practical Details
The design elements aren’t just for show — they make the space work better. Storage is thoughtfully placed, and the furniture serves multiple purposes without feeling like you’re in an IKEA showroom. I mean, when you’re dealing with a one-bedroom setup, every square foot has to earn its keep. The Wi-Fi held up fine for work calls, and the heating system actually responds when you adjust it, which isn’t always a given in older London properties.
Why Guests Appreciate It
This place works because it doesn’t try to be something it’s not. You’re getting a well-designed room in a residential area that feels more like staying at a friend’s place than a standard hotel experience. The 7.6 rating makes sense — it delivers what it promises without any major surprises. For travelers who want their own space and don’t need daily housekeeping, it’s actually a pretty solid choice. The designer touches elevate it above basic accommodation, but the pricing stays reasonable for what you get.
Guest reviews
"Comfortable stay"
Privacy
What could be improved: Parking
24 April 2025
"Amazing, clean, high spec apartment"
High Quality throughout, couldn't of asked for better. Booked through independent agent, and they secured me a romantic stay, so I could propose.
What could be improved: The only issue I had, was that the security deposit for two people was very steep at £500 for just two nights, thankfully the agent got it reduced to a more reasonable amount.
7 July 2024
"Beautiful, clean, recommend"
Very clean and nicely maintained
What could be improved: The bed was so small it was uncomfortable for two people. There is room for a bigger bed which really would have made the stay much more enjoyable.
14 December 2023
"Very good"
Very nice
21 January 2025
"Would definitely recommend this place and come again"
The layout , facilities and the hosts were amazing
What could be improved: N/A
5 August 2025
"Beautiful property, pristine quality interior. Lovely location, close to London."
Wonderful location, Easy Access. Beautiful interior.
Hosts were very informative, with in-depth communication both before and after check in.
No complaints
What could be improved: Can be a little less strict, however due to the quality of interior and overall building, it is understandable to maintain the standards.
25 March 2025
"Clean and modern, but lots of issues."
The property was very nicely decorated, and very clean which we cannot fault. We had a few issues with our stay and the communication was quite prompt. Although we were unable to call and had to rely on messaging service. Tea and coffee sachets were provided.
What could be improved: Unfortunately, despite arriving after the check-in time. We faced a lot of difficulties with this booking. We were told we would recieve check-in information at 12pm. Nothing was provided until after 3pm with 3pm being the actual check-in time. Firstly on arrival, the key was not in the lock box, thankfully we ran into the cleaner who provided us with a key and let us in (although security wise we could have been anyone). Although we were a group booking of 4, the sofa bed was not set up on arrival and only towels for 2 guests were provided. When querying this we were then told to set this up ourselves, and informed that an air mattress and linens were in the wardrobe, however the facilities were not in the flat. As a result, we had to give permission to allow housekeeping to reenter the property whilst we were out. Which they did, but It turns out the sofa bed is actually an air bed. Had we known this in advance this would have influenced our decision making. A sofa bed and air bed feel very different. What was most disappointing, is that housekeeping had left the door ajar when they left. We were out all day and did not return to the property until after 11 pm, so sadly who knows who had access to the property and our valuables whilst we were out. Lastly, there was only one half toilet roll provided in the bathroom with no extras left. Being a group of 4 women, we quickly ran out. The double bed in the bedroom is also a small double bed for reference and I feel this should be pointed out in the property description. Overall, although the flat was very clean and modern, the negative issues experienced outweighed us being able to say that this was a positive experience.
1 July 2024
"Very disappointing!"
Good location , clean, nicely decorated
What could be improved: Apart from the quick response to replace a smoke alarm detector on the second day of our stay, there was a major issue that needed to be addressed, and the response was appalling to say the least.
There is a gaping hole in the bedroom ceiling above the bed, that is covered by a makeshift paper covering, which was dropping down. Above this hole there is a skylight.The first morning of our stay, we were awakened by bright sunlight streaming through the sides of this flimsy covering. We informed the maintenance man , who was fixing the smoke alarm detector, that the hole needed to be properly covered. He said it would be taken care of.
For the remainder of our stay, we kept getting promises via email that it would be fixed. Every day there were silly excuses for the delays, until it was time to leave, and nothing was done.
Every morning until we left, our sleep was interrupted by bright sunlight streaming down on our faces.
Shame on them!
Also the supposedly pull out bed in the living room turned out to be a very uncomfortable air mattress.
False advertising!
Would not return or recommend this placee to anyone.
9 March 2025
"Poor"
The code was sent prior to arrival so we knew what we had to do.
What could be improved: On arrival, there was no parking. We tried to contact the hosts via the phone, but there was no answer and we had to find alternative street parking. They did come back to us later on saying we could use the underground parking, but we had already parked and gone out at this point.
The apartment itself did not meet expectations due to how unclean it was. For the price and £500 deposit that had to be paid, we were not satisfied. I sent photos over to the hosts, but there was no apology for this. As well as this, the bedding was dirty with hairs and dirt on it.
6 July 2024
"Comfortable"
Beautifully furnished, loved how there was a clothes dryer and hoover provided as we stayed a while and I like to do cleaning myself, I would have just liked that there was more kitchen cleaning products (if possible). The hosts were attentive and the property itself was very clean and comfortable.
18 February 2024
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