4/10 Fair
Be aware there is a SECURITY DEPOSIT which Bloomfields requires prior to check-in. It is stated within the house rules for the accomodation, which I did not read as I am travelling on business and treated the accomodation as a hotel. The security deposit is more in total than a 2-day stay. The deposit can be paid via an app called "Paymob", or a bank transfer, or cash. Use of the app led to my bank (a North American bank) freezing my credit card due to suspect activity. I had to resort to withdrawing cash, with the associated bank fees for doing so. I was told they could return the cash if I waited unti 12 on the day of my check-out, as their operational staff did not work until then. Unfortunately I had to leave at 8:00 AM. The money is going to be returned via bank transfer, again with associated fees.
I did request the security deposit be waved, and was told it was "company policy". The entire episode cost me 2 and half hours on a day when I was preparing for a business conference. A colleague stayed in a similar apartment run by a different company, and had no security deposit and no hassle.
Hotels.com has indicated the process is legitimate and I will get my deposit returned, but I feel it is important for travellers like myself to understand the potential hassle that awaits if you make this booking.
Vincent
Vincent, 2-night trip