“Instructions about parking, unloading and key collection a bit confusing.”
More detail needed. Entrance hall and stairs dark until we spotted the light switches, a bit of a fusty smell. 1st impression of the apartment itself were very favourable. Unfortunately when it came to preparing the 1st nights meal and looking at all the table wear closely it was all greasy and dirty, still with dried on bits of food(looked like a pasta sauce). As we always choose properties with dishwashers this wasn’t a problem we had expected to find. So before we could cook we had to wash sufficient crockery which delayed our meal considerably. On the 2nd evening we discovered why the tableware was dirty, we couldn’t get the dishwasher to work. I phoned the contact number the next morning and spoke to a very understanding and sympathetic person. We were asked to leave the keys in the key safe while we were out during the day. We returned late afternoon to the very welcome sounds of the dishwasher. I had been dreading having to empty the dishwasher and hand wash all the pots again. Strangely though the dishwasher was working via the switch labelled - DO NOT USE rather than the 1 labelled dishwasher??? So we did have a very pleasant stay in the apartment but we had anxious moments about the issue with the dishwasher and worrying that we might end up washing all the pots by hand a 2nd time.
Another thing to mention is that Bondgate Without is a very busy road. Anyone familiar with Alnwick would know this but anyone who isn’t, like us, wouldn’t. You do hear the traffic noise from early morning. Strangely though, despite this not being something we are used to, it didn’t disturb us too much. Must be the lovely comfortable bed.
It is unacceptable that you found the crockery greasy and is of concern to myself and the excellent managed services team at NCCC, it is not a problem we have experienced before. I am pleased to hear the team were prompt and sympathetic in dealing with this issue and it was resolved to your satisfaction.
The “Do not use” label should be for the electrical connections to the boiler, which should be left on at all times. I’m not sure how this would affect the dishwasher but I will get the Managed Services Team to look into this.
The building is over 100 years old and should be cleaned weekly by the building’s property management team ( this is separate to NCCC). So I will report this to the Directors of Hotspur Court. Thank you for your useful feedback.
Property Owner
