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Reviews of Athena Guest House

3 out of 5
Athena Guest House
Cowley Road,255, Oxford, England

Reviews

4.4
Rating 10 - Excellent. 8 out of 136 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 136 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 22 out of 136 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 35 out of 136 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 54 out of 136 reviews" "

4.8/10

Cleanliness

5.2/10

Staff & service

5.0/10

Amenities

4.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

4.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

2/10 Terrible

Ellis

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The propertys unsafe, run down, service or lack of is poor, only good thing was the price, everything else was terrible
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Brian

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I would not reccomend this facility to anyone Apart from the dog barking all night in the adacent room the boiler came on and off all night and the bathrom extract did not time switch off This is over and above slamming and squeaky doors and floor boards it was awful
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Do not stay here!
We arrived at the agreed time, no-one there to meet us. Eventually we got the keys to our room but were met by the resident drunk on the stairs. The whole place stinks of cigarettes. The room was filthy! Toilet was broken. The resident came back to the room next door, shouting, screaming and swearing. Not pleasant. We only booked this guest house due to being walking distance to the O2 Academy, but we got back from the gig to shouting, loud music, doors slamming, people running up and down the stairs. This did not stop until gone 5am. Outside there is a poor dog tied up in the yard, that barks all night, and rattles his tin food bowls. The owners/staff are not interested in listening to any complaints or concerns. Please do not give this place your money, I would not return even if they paid me.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Justina

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

6/10 Okay

Ammar

Travelled with family
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

Sarah

Business traveller
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
It was ok for a solo business trip
Hotel room was as described but very dated and the light did not work. Ok for a basic trip not spending much time in the room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Only stay here if you're desperate
The place was so disappointing, we ended up leaving in the early hours of the morning, because we weren't able to sleep there anyway. The place is incredibly noisy, with people constantly coming and going throughout the night. The room, advertised as a double, actually contained three beds in a way that clearly violated all fire safety codes. All beds had thin and incredibly creaky mattresses, with every move you make causing yet more noise. Check-in was also terrible and took nearly an hour. The lady checking people in couldn't do anything without a live video call with her boss, and spent almost the entire time we were checking unsuccessfully trying to get a card machine to work.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2023

4/10 Poor

Joanne

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wouldn’t stay again
Good location, but not very clean.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jack

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I took a chance on this property due to the cheap rates, and assumed that the property couldn’t actually be as negative as the reviews made out. However, I was proved wrong. The ‘hotel’ was actually a HMO located near the advertised property, the front door or which seemed to be left permanently unlocked. I was taken to a room at the top of a staircase, making my way past racks of clothes in the corridor (presumably from short/long term lets) to a room with 3 single beds in it and a broken fridge. The whole room was exceptionally dirty, with a curtain that didn’t cover the window and multiple roach traps dotted around the room. The room stank of smoke, and the shared toilets and bathrooms had broken fixtures and fittings. I can easily imagine many people would’ve felt unsafe. Upon complaining I was ‘moved’ to a different property altogether a 10 minute walk away - for which the address was written on a piece of paper for me and then I was provided directions. How this property has a 3-star is completely beyond me, and I would strongly recommend you avoid staying here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Jack on Oct 20, 2023
This review should be removed because we already relocate and upgrade an ensuite room for the customer to make him happy, why complain again.

2/10 Terrible

Janet

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Filthy dump. Asked for photographic proof of identity despite having paid in advance!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

6/10 Okay

Nancy

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

4/10 Poor

James

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Rachel

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Upon arrival we thought we had come to a hostels, realising we had no choice but to stop here as other places in the area was fully booked. The pictures on the web site must of been taken sometime ago as it now resembles a horror movie. Me and my husband thought there was a possibility of us getting mugged or raped through the night. The kettel kept switching itself on and off and the shower got legionnaires writen all over it. We did survive the ordeal but never again will we make this mistake. If you do book after reading this GOOD LUCK XX.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2023

4/10 Poor

Jane

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

clive

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The dirtiest hotel I have ever been in. It was that dirty we booked into an hotel. Avoid this place like the plague.

2/10 Terrible

Austin

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Titus

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The security and door locks are very poor, with no deadlocks or door-chains.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Fernando

Business traveller, Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Property is well located in Cowley, surrounded by restaurants and walking distance to the center. The hotel is ill maintained, the room is not comfortable, the TV did not work, it was not very clean, in summary, we expected more for the price we paid. Would not return
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023

4/10 Poor

Tom

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Carl

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Valentina

Disliked: Cleanliness
It s really close to the city center
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

K.Coulson

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

2/10 Terrible

Valentina

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Central to some good dining options. Water did not drain from shower. Very tired hotel.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Rachel

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disappointing stay at location
Started by being met owner at the Guesthouse that we have paid for a room in. We went into the main area of this property which was very cluttered and looks extremely dirty. We was asked to fill in a couple of forms which we did and after doing this we were informed that we was staying at a different property that was a 5 minute walk away. We left this property and our car there and walked to this new location. Once arrived we ended up in to what I can only call a student property and we went to our room. Once in our room, we was treated with a small room that had an en suit which was as described however most of the furniture was dated/broken with many fittings needing updating. The bedding was clean and clean but old towels had been provided for us even though all towels was different. There was a tv provided in room however there was no remote to control this. The bathroom was small and had lots of clear repairs attempted however could do with more and completing correctly. The shower and sink had little water pressure and showing in the morning was frankly hard work. The location of this property was good for what we needed as it was 30 minutes from the city centre which is where we was spending the evening and had parking which was important to us. Overall whole experience was little bit disappointing and was glad only stayed for one night - clear to say we left quiet early in the morning. Positives - parking and locations Negatives - there are many…
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Rachael

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

4/10 Poor

Darren

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awful place
The location wasnt to bad . The rooms security was dreadful as i had to put the bed against the door so i could sleep . Ensuite was falling apart and filthy even food waste in the sink. £66 was dreadful its more like a £25 per night guesthouse . Avoid if possible. Surely there are standards and authorities that govern this .
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Pamela

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The toilet was so dirty, i couldnt even stay there i had to move out..
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nicola

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Dirty, noisy, unfriendly and uncomfortable. Room and bathroom were flithy. Broken radiator was on all night. Not safe or secure.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Rebecca, Laconia

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
I did not read enough of the previous guest reviews before booking. There were multiple issues that caused me to give it the low rating. Broken and missing pieces of the shower door, toilet flush button, curtains coming off the gods, burn holes in fabric dresser cloths, dirty dead plant displays on interior reception and outside at entrance, threadbare rugs through t property, dirty mini fridge, inoperable tv covered in dust, pillows that could not be fluffed, a dog barking during the night in the room next to mine. and. Someone kept putting the dog outside and bringing its back inside from the enclosed area outside which was just outside my bedroom windows. I had arrived early after a very tough travel day and night. I was allowed to check in. The attendant asked for my payment and when I reminded and gave me a receipt because the room was already paid for. I suspected I was nearly double charged for a room that was well below all standards. I should not have stayed after seeing the conditions but had no other options. I messaged Expedia shortly about my concerns and listed the concerns at the beginning of my stay but did not get a response. It was just the worst place I have ever stayed and I have concerns about the accuracy of the rating etc .
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

8/10 Good

Ashoka

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Basic stay which fit my purpose
Responsive and helpful host/owner, average condition property. You get what you paid for.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

4/10 Poor

Robert

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Disliked: Cleanliness
For .. It was warm, had an ensuite bathroom plus plenty of Tea and Coffee. There was a great pub oppossite with cocktails for £3.50 Angainst ..The whole place was scruffy, the room smelt strongly of smoke, the matress was cheap and uncomfy the pillows were barely an inch thick. The door key was a bad cut and took a lot of fiddling to lock the door. And a lot of money for what it was.
Stayed 1 night in May 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jade

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Emma

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

PAMELA

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The dog barking outside our window and throwing himself at our window was upsetting. The listing said 15 minute walk to center, it’s more like 35-45. Although it’s says room service and housekeeping there isn’t any. Rooms were extremely small and closet was unusable. Fan in the bathroom never shut off even though I requested it be fixed on our first day.

2/10 Terrible

thiha

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2023

2/10 Terrible

Richard

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

2/10 Terrible

Jerry

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

2/10 Terrible

Nafees

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2022

2/10 Terrible

Marcelo

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

2/10 Terrible

MARK

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

6/10 Okay

Claire

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

tracy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I was contacted in a friendly and welcoming manner. I was given a seat in the office to check in. The shower was clean. The other guests lovely. What great customer service. Oh I need more room to write. The bed and linen was hygienic. This man has his priorities in order. In fact I told a lie to myself. The outside is excellent too. We are spoilt for choice, you can use the kitchen for breakfast and you can have a cup of tea/ hot chocolate/ coffee in your room at your desk. Telly in your room. Pvc window opens out onto a view of trees and small back gardens/green area. Your key is given to you and other people checking in at the same time. Your brought upstairs and shown around. You can come in any time As you have your own key. It is 100 Per cent from me. Amigos... Tracy
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

Tim

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Don't stay! Spend more and feel safe
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

Alberto

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Never again
Terrible place dirty room to small the worse place I've ever been.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

John

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Avoid at all costs!
What a hovel. Obviously the health and safety inspectors have never visited this place. We have had to apologise profusely to our sub-contractor who we put up there for a couple of nights. Moved him out as soon as we could find another hotel.
Filthy light switch
Bathroom flooring
Bedside tabletop
Powerpoints in room :(
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Very Dusty
The apartment was very poorly maintained and in a very old condition with rust and dust everywhere ! The whole place needs a lot maintenance and cleaning! The bathroom was not very clean either, the base of the shower was rusting! I wouldn’t recommend it if you have more than a night to stay and are desperate !
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

2/10 Terrible

Denise

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
What a hovel
I was travelling with an 82 year old. THis guest house should not be on anyones books let alone yours i’m shocked,upset and embarrassed to have taken my friend to this house. It was a health and fire risk . You were supposed to sort it out on Saturday but failed to ring me. Someone from your company needs to check this accommodation . I’m waiting now for an E. mail from you since talking to Joy on chat. THe pictures are nothing like the place we stayed in but I think he had three properties and they must have been from one of the others. We never showered or unpacked . We left the premises in the morning as soon as we got up 8 ish and didn’t get back till 8 and went straight to bed . He bed was he only thing clean thank god .It was a total nightmare . The kettle was filthy also all the wooden furniture ,ripped curtains it was an absolute hovel. I’ve been using you for many many years and have never stayed n a place as disgusting as this . Wat a waste of our train fare and visit to Oxford totally ruined.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022