I chose this apartment due to its location and the two minute walk to Aldgate East. It really is that close... However, Leman Locke - B St Apartments are right next door to this, and they have a receptionist, at the same daily rate. Go with a location where they actually GREET YOU when you arrive.
That is main reason I gave this place 4 stars and not 5, however, there are two other reasons for 4 stars.
1. Nothing on the walls... and I mean NOTHING. This place is not lived in, it is rented to Vrbo. No one has ever really lived in this apartment for more than a stay. Why,? not 1 painting on the walls, nothing absorbing the sound that echo's out of the kitchen and into the foyer... It is not a really bad echo, and the building really is quiet inside, but no style, nothing.
2. Furnishings - there are enough places for three to sit. 3. not four, 3. They do have a cot in the closet, so you can convert the living room into a cot room, then where do you sit? in the Folding chair at the dining table that is just barely big enough for 3 people... more like 2. Also, I had to work a couple afternoons and there is no real chair with back support, like an office chair, however, I am not holding that against them for 4 stars since the images never offered that. would be nice though.
Positives:
-Lots of pots, pans and a coffee press with a hot pot.
-Full fridge/freezer so you can save some money cooking in.
-Enough plates and silverware for two meals per day (all mix and match from a thrift store which cracks me up).
-Dishwasher - worked well, not too loud, we started then went out for the day or evening.
-Bed in a bag - if you like that... there is a blanket in the closet that I used. Need more sheet/blanket options.
-Lighting is pretty good - only light out was stove top light with fan, but area lights made up for it.
-Windows and fan - you will need these, figure out how to open the windows and let the air in... I am not a fragrance person, and the detergent used needed to be aired out twice a day. some might like that... but not me. Had the sewage smell one afternoon that someone else mentioned.
Final word-
The entry process makes this location a 'never stay here again'. Having to tailgate into the mailroom... then have me stick my hand in a letter box to fish out the key is NOT a secure way to hand off occupancy, let alone being asked to use WhatsApp for messages over Vrbo.
In the end, I did not feel welcomed, only allowed.