I am still chocked that there are still some towns so close
to London that have such a small villagy feel to them. That is how I felt landing
in Old Harlow.
As my train arrived at the station called Harrow Mill, it
was so deserted that I am sure I heard tumbleweeds rolling from afar… having worked
out where the exit was, I walked upward towards what looked like a main road
where there seem to be no soul to ask where the nearest taxi rank was.
To my left was a “hotel”, that I would call it a shelter. But
what was written on the wall was Oasis Hotel… well, I walked in and asked if
could get a cab number so I could go to another hotel about 10 minutes ride
away.
As we rode through some zigzagging, deserted roads, I noted
that some are of the road did not even have sidewalks… where am I?
As arrived to the hotel, it seem to be the only one in town
and I also noted that there was a lot of movement. It is then that I worked out
that some locals used the hotel as a restaurant, gym club, swimming pool and
pub.
The entrance of the hotel was really well decorated and the
reception area had a home living room feel to it.
As I collected my keys and walked to my room, I noted that
the “good Impression” was limited to the reception area.
The walk from the reception to my room was unimpressive and
things looked really old from the carpet on the floor to the rusty door
handles.
My room looked really old too and desperately needs
refreshing. The curtain reminded me of a granny front rooms curtain and the TV
looked like what the same granny would have in her bedroom with 6-7 channels.
One good thing about the bedroom is that the bathroom was
really clean, but I noted that the bath taps were really really rusty and also need
changing. The hair dryer which seem to come from the 80s was the same colour as
the floor.
As there was nowhere else nearby to have dinner, my only
choice was to have dinner in the hotel restaurant; the menu card wasn’t inspiring
and given how empty the restaurant was on this evening, I doubtfully ordered a
safe dish for main… a Mediterranean salad with Halloumi cheese. I skipped the
starter and to finish, I had a cheese platter that came with grapes… having
taken a look at those grapes I became really suspicious of the rest on the
content of my plate. The grapes where not presented as a bunch or still
attached to their peduncles… closer examination told me that they had started to
spoil. Needless to say that I left them and the softer cheeses untouched and didn’t
ask for coffee.I went to my room to make the coffee, and notice that the coffee making area must have not been cleaned for a while. I had to clean the cup and spoon with boiling water before using them.
I usually also look forward to the full English the next
morning, but decided to skip it all together in this hotel… I couldn’t afford
to be sick as I still have to put in a full day’s work.
I did have a good night sleep though and the shower jet was
great too… Really appreciated that. Both were greatly needed.
If you are going to stay here I recommend you make some
prior arrangements for food and drinks have minimum interaction with the staff
and be ready to clean before using the following: remote, kettle, mug & toilet
seat…
Up on speaking to the some locals, I was told that the hotel
does change hand quiet often… this explains that!
1 out of 5 for this hotel. I don’t think I will willingly
use it in the future. £75.00 for a single room with dinner, I think they should
review their prices.
Don’t take my word for it, try it and let me know what you
think!Fancy checking it out visit the website here
The Wifi in the area isn't the best and I also lost the use of my cam-phone. Hence no pics taken. Sorry.
The Reviewer.
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