Cheval Residences

This review is for Cheval Gloucester Park at Ashburn Place — or Gloucester Park Apartments as this is also known.
Having spent nearly a year in this apartment residence, I can tell you, if you’re American, this place may not be for you. I cannot recommend staying at this residence for any reason.
First, cigarette smoke is rampant throughout the building — from the staff to the residences who are allowed to smoke anywhere and everywhere. The problem is that cigarette smoke travels and we found it a health issue since clouds of smoke were in our bedroom, kitchen and living room at all hours. Smoking in the hallway, yes, smoking in the stairwell, yes too! The fact that this company does not divulge this aspect to relocation services companies is appalling. I spent many weeks in the hospital as a result. As someone who was 5* healthy when arriving in London, I left a very sick and health compromised person. My husband, who was also never ill, was sick non-​stop during this time period.
Second, a clear and distinct dismissive attitude to the American customer. This was obvious on our first day arriving in the lobby and the diminutive British-​French concierge announced, «Ugh, the Americans are here!». Needless to say the service by ²⁄₃ of this staff was the same antagonistic behavior.
Third, the service staff refused to clean according to the standards laid out in our contract. Additionally, one woman routinely damaged property that needed replacement, by the staff, but when it’s your personal property brought from America, there is not an equal replacement.
Fourth, the bed — two twins pushed together for a king — are made of hard horsehair and are tufted to an uncomfortable and allergen-​ridden piece of furniture. Not a nice night of sleep at any point.
Fifth, the Internet access, managed by a third party that has access to your online activity at all times and your passwords. No surprise that within 6 months my MacBook Pro was hacked! I’ve used a Mac all over the world for over 13 years and never had a breach of security.
Number Six, horribly mismatched/​missing kitchenware and holes in the curtains do not make for a 5* experience nor the exorbitant price tag.
Number 7, the long-​term contract for the hotel is not with the renting company but the actual apartment owner — this building has numerous apartments that are owned by Saudis, Malaysians and other non-​British entities (who else could own this expensive real estate). Remember this when you review trip advisor and see the one-​off reviews. Reviews that were actively recruited by the staff and promptly responded by Fiona Mullin I assume to counter the poor rating I provided.
#8, the lack of security that was often breached by it’s own concierge staff and maintenance department. During our stay the CCTV video that was touted as state-​of-​the-​art security (visible activity of all doors and lobby from our television) was promptly removed and we were told that it was due to a new law making CCTV video invasive to peoples privacy (I say BS!) Security doors left open at all hours, people entering our apartment unannounced and without appointments as mandated and legally obligated. Try to sleep when you want to.
Finally, communications to George Westwell, Anne Gledhill and Fiona Mullin gave the prerequisite «apologies» and «concerns» but never rectified the situations to our requested satisfaction nor that of the responsibility of a 5* facility.
Based on these experiences, I cannot recommend staying at this Cheval Gloucester Apartments or Gloucester Park Apartments (as it’s often referred).