Athena Guest House

United Kingdom , Oxford
OXFORD, Cowley Road, 255
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50 reviews shown

2/10

Poor

07 Nov 2024

robert

Apart from the bathroom, which looks new, the property is run-down and dirty. The room was cluttered with unusable furniture and was dirty. The mirror was too low and not secured properly to the wall. The partially closed curtains would not open or close. The entrance area is overcrowded with junk. The walls are so thin I could hear people talking in other rooms.

Self

4/10

Poor

25 Oct 2024

Mandhir

A tiny room in a guest house with makeshift arrangements. Bed mattresses are not proper, and noise from the neighbouring rooms / street can be disturbing.
Tea/Coffee bags were available
Location has some dining options and bus stop just a road across

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

29 Sep 2024

Verified traveler

1. Door lock keep catching, struggling to turn the keys
2. Broken lamps
3. Unsafe socket, loose covers
4. Very old tv/dvd, looks like its going to fall off the bracket
5. Dirty windows sills & dated decors/curtains

2/10

Poor

23 Sep 2024

Kulbir

Hell Hole

Everything about this place was terrible. Wouldn't stay here again even if you paid me.

Business

4/10

Poor

10 Jul 2024

Richard

Poor but acceptable cheapie

This place is an acceptable cheapie. It's run down, nothing matches and thins are a bit crooked but it's ok. However, I got 5 insect bites there and one got infected and I was in a and e 2 days later

Business

8/10

Excellent

28 Jun 2024

Gregory

Decent, very affordable stay in Cowley

As advertised, inexpensive and functional. The host was accommodating and the location is good, on Cowley Road, with a bus stop right across the street. The house is not new or recently refurbished and the furnishings are haphasard, but wvebrything was clean and functional. A good place to stay on a budget.

2/10

Poor

25 Jun 2024

Jorge

Stay away from this place

Judging for the outside of the property we could have guessed that the inside was terrible. All the plants are dried, there was even an abandoned cooler. The hotel sign is half falling from the post where it is attached.
The front key doesn’t work well. The room key wasn’t working and neither was the door knob. We complaint to management. they removed the door knob and didn’t fix the keys. It was difficult to open and to lock the door with the key, and they didn’t fix that.
Towels were clean but very used, some of them had holes and stains on them. Pillows were flat and uncomfortable. The fridge was very dirty. No towels racks, etc. The only positive thing was the service crew, who brought us towels and were really helpful.

Partner

2/10

Poor

21 Jun 2024

Jorge

Stay away from this place

Judging for the outside of the property we could have guessed that the inside was terrible. All the plants are dried, there was even an abandoned cooler. The hotel sign is half falling from the post where it is attached.
The front key doesn’t work well. The room key wasn’t working and neither was the door knob. We complaint to Jack, the owner and he removed the door knob and didn’t fix the keys. It was difficult to open and to lock the door.
Towels were clean but very used, some of them had holes and stains on them. Pillows were flat as a magazine. Fridge was very dirty. No towels racks, etc. The only positive thing was the lovely Junita, who cleaned our room and was really helpful.

Partner

4/10

Poor

11 Jun 2024

Stephen

Shower didn't work, 2 TVs in room , neither would work

Self

6/10

Pleasant

31 May 2024

Jeffrey

The room was clean and the bathroom had been recently remodeled. Checking in was a bit difficult with the management not on premise. The owners are making efforts to upgrade the property and could spend some time tidying up the front parking area and entry which is not very inviting.

Leisure Family

2/10

Poor

17 May 2024

Sam

It wasn’t THAT bad, but 1 star is fair

Cheapest place to stay in Oxford, I only really needed a hotel to get ready in and sleep. The initial room they tried to give us was in a different building, and it was literally just a bedroom in someone’s grotty house - stank of smoke and not safe! Do not book the room with the shared bathroom.

The room we moved to was acceptable given the cost (albeit incredibly dated and dirty), but that is about it.

Partner

2/10

Poor

10 May 2024

Ellis

The propertys unsafe, run down, service or lack of is poor, only good thing was the price, everything else was terrible

Leisure Friends

4/10

Poor

19 Apr 2024

luke

Shower not working
People in and out till silly o clock in the morning
Very run down

Business

2/10

Poor

25 Mar 2024

Verified traveler

Only for the needy and despite.

The hotel is a mess, very cheap for a reason. Went to hear a concert at the O2. Should have known better and read previous reviews. Shame as the property is in a prime location to make a killing. Needs a good scrub

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

31 Jan 2024

Brian

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

Business Self

2/10

Poor

28 Jan 2024

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

4/10

Poor

14 Nov 2023

Sarah

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

Business

4/10

Poor

13 Nov 2023

Verified traveler

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.

Partner

4/10

Poor

27 Oct 2023

Joanne

Wouldn’t stay again

Good location, but not very clean.

Friends_and_family Family

2/10

Poor

19 Oct 2023

Jack

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.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

18 Oct 2023

Janet

Filthy dump. Asked for photographic proof of identity despite having paid in advance!

Business Self

2/10

Poor

08 Sep 2023

Rachel

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.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

24 Aug 2023

clive

The dirtiest hotel I have ever been in. It was that dirty we booked into an hotel. Avoid this place like the plague.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

11 Aug 2023

Titus

The security and door locks are very poor, with no deadlocks or door-chains.

Business Self

4/10

Poor

28 Jul 2023

Fernando

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

Business Partner

4/10

Poor

23 Jun 2023

Valentina

It s really close to the city center

2/10

Poor

18 Jun 2023

Valentina

Central to some good dining options. Water did not drain from shower. Very tired hotel.

Leisure Partner

4/10

Poor

15 Jun 2023

Rachel

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…

Partner

4/10

Poor

24 May 2023

Darren

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 .

Business

2/10

Poor

21 May 2023

Pamela

The toilet was so dirty, i couldnt even stay there i had to move out..

Business Friends

2/10

Poor

20 May 2023

Nicola

Dirty, noisy, unfriendly and uncomfortable. Room and bathroom were flithy. Broken radiator was on all night. Not safe or secure.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

19 May 2023

Rebecca

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 .

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

13 May 2023

Ashoka

Basic stay which fit my purpose

Responsive and helpful host/owner, average condition property. You get what you paid for.

Partner

4/10

Poor

06 May 2023

Robert

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.

Leisure Partner

2/10

Poor

22 Apr 2023

PAMELA

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.

Business_and_leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

27 Oct 2022

tracy

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

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

24 Oct 2022

Tim

Don't stay! Spend more and feel safe

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

13 Oct 2022

Alberto

Never again

Terrible place dirty room to small the worse place I've ever been.

Business

2/10

Poor

30 Sep 2022

John

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.

Business

4/10

Poor

09 Sep 2022

Verified traveler

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 !

Business Self

2/10

Poor

30 Aug 2022

Denise

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.

Friends_and_family Friends

4/10

Poor

29 Aug 2022

Lavinia

It was dirty
Too expensive for what they offer

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

18 Aug 2022

Festus

Hardly any customer service

The service was not as I anticipated would be from the details provided on the website. I was made to vacate my booked room twice due to the fact that I was informed another party required it due to the facilities within the room.

Business

2/10

Poor

10 Jul 2022

Verified traveler

Filthy over priced!

This property should not be on hotels.com

It’s dirty wholly overpriced.

Our room was not as advertised. A 3m x 4m room with three beds that took up any form of floor space.

Beds were extremely uncomfortable. Cheapest of the cheap!

We had cigarette butts in our room on the floor. When we spoke to ‘management’ they said “but the walls are freshly painted yesterday”. They kindly cleaned up the cigarette burns with a dirty mop.

The bathrooms are shared and utterly filthy.

Due to me complaining, we were offered another room in addition the the horror we already had. In this case it’s was a tiny room with two bed crammed in and a strong smell

When we checked out one of the rooms had What appeared to be 10 people in there.

I would never recommend this hotel and I may report it to the council.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Jul 2022

Robin

Seemed a bit run down could do with a clean and polish

Up grade on bedroom furniture at the same time

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

29 May 2022

Angelina

Disappointed

The bed was ok but the room is smell of cigarettes cause of the others room was smoking in their room plus toilets i can see the cigarette ashes on the floor.i have to buy air fresher for room and keep open the windows despite cold and the heater is off.the room is cold and smells of cigarettes

Partner

2/10

Poor

18 Apr 2022

Jeremy

Don't. Just don't.

This is a classic case of read the reviews before booking.

The greeting was at best luke warm, although more realistically it wasn't an actual greeting, more like I'd interrupted my host's favourite TV show. A few vague instructions to fill in some bits of paper and I was shown to my suite in the annex.

The condition of the annex (that makes it sound quite chic, eh?) was very much in the late 70's East Berlin style. Function over character. Lots of cheap laminate. Every expense spared. After the chap had fiddled with the room lock for ages (I had the same problem later) the door swung open and my cell, sorry, my bedroom was revealed.

The bed linen was very fresh and clean.

That's the good bit.

If I was able to turn down the heat from the radiator I reckon I'd reverse global warming overnight. But I couldn't. The TV was a screen propped up against the wall. The bed frames straight from a film set after making a series on National Service.

The shared bathroom (I didn't book en suite) was grim. There was clearly long-term residents at the place and were probably getting their stay paid for by the authorities and so had the room full of their toiletries; the shower alone had around a dozen bottles in it. The toilet - no, I can't write about it. Suffice to say someone probably had a bad curry.

The point of me booking was to go to a gig, have a few beers and not worry about the drive home. I stayed dry and was gone before midnight. Basically I spent £63 for parking.

Self

8/10

Excellent

05 Nov 2021

Verified traveler

It’s great for short-stays :)

The stay was nice, we had an en-suite room which good handy. Unfortunately one of the towels that were left for us was dirty. But I brought my own which came in useful. On the bright side the comfort was really nice, I had a pleasing night, the bed was comfortable so both me and my partner had a good night. The location was really good too!

Partner

4/10

Poor

19 Oct 2021

Nicholas

Friendly staff, but the place wasn't great - Not v clean, old dishes left around, dirty, just generally not well kept.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

04 Oct 2021

Tom

Nice enough room in a shared property with a shared bathroom and locks on the doors.

Arranged to meet the property to manager by phone, but that was simple enough.

A nice location on Cowley road, next to a bus stop, and near various pubs, cafes and restaurants. .

Leisure Self