Apple Apartments Belfast

This accommodation is primarily noted for its central location in Belfast, offering stunning river views and convenient access to major attractions like the Waterfront Hall and the Titanic Quarter. Its spacious apartment layout initially appeals to professionals seeking a self-contained, home-away-from-home experience and couples desiring a private base for exploring the city. However, guest experiences are sharply divided, with many reporting significant discrepancies between advertised conditions and the reality of their stay. While some guests found the apartments functional and comfortable, a predominant theme across reviews highlights severe issues with cleanliness, maintenance, and customer service. Prospective guests should be prepared for a potentially challenging stay, particularly regarding the return of security deposits and the actual condition of the rooms upon arrival, which often falls short of expectations set by online images.

Facilities & Amenities
Feedback on the provided facilities and amenities is largely negative, with many guests expressing disappointment over the disparity between online representations and actual offerings. While apartments are generally described as spacious and equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, and dishwasher, guests frequently report a lack of essential items such as cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, and sufficient kitchenware. Many found appliances like the oven, fridge/freezer, and even the provided sponge to be unclean or in poor condition. Issues extend to basic room features, including broken light bulbs, a non-functional shower head in some bathrooms, and hot water systems requiring an hour to heat up. The blinds are often noted as stained, broken, or insufficient for privacy and light blocking, contrasting sharply with advertised images that suggest a higher standard of comfort and functionality.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most pervasive and concerning feedback revolves around the cleanliness and overall room comfort. Guests consistently describe apartments as dusty, dirty, and often emitting unpleasant smells, ranging from stale oil and sewage to heavily fragranced corridors attempting to mask underlying odors. Many report sticky floors, stained carpets, and unclean kitchenware with food debris, leading some to purchase their own cleaning supplies or even new pillowcases. Bathrooms are frequently cited as particularly problematic, with reports of previous guests' toothpaste, hair, and general grime. The bedding is often described as soiled or insufficient, and mattresses are sometimes noted as dirty. Furthermore, noise levels are a significant issue, with thin walls allowing sounds from neighbors and constant traffic noise from nearby roads, making it difficult for light sleepers to rest. The general state of disrepair, including worn furniture and broken fixtures, contributes to a widespread sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction.

Location & Accessibility
The central location is consistently highlighted as the primary positive aspect, placing guests within easy walking distance of key city attractions such as the Waterfront Hall, the Titanic Quarter, and various pubs and restaurants. Many guests appreciate the river views and the convenience of being in the heart of Belfast. However, this prime location comes with significant drawbacks, particularly concerning noise from traffic due to proximity to a dual carriageway, which can disturb light sleepers. The car park also receives considerable negative feedback; it is described as dark, dirty, and filled with rubbish, and its access system, requiring a fob to be collected from reception for each entry and exit, is widely criticized as inconvenient and inefficient.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are overwhelmingly negative, frequently described as unprofessional and unhelpful. Many guests report unresponsive reception and extreme difficulty reaching staff by phone or email, leading to long queues and unresolved issues. Staff are often perceived as rude, laughing at requests for early check-in, talking over guests, or displaying a general lack of care. There are numerous accounts of unprofessional conduct, including management entering rooms without permission, using inappropriate language, and failing to address complaints or provide promised refunds. While a few guests mentioned polite or helpful individuals, these instances appear to be exceptions. The pervasive issues with communication, check-in/out processes, and the handling of guest concerns contribute significantly to a frustrating and unsatisfactory stay for most visitors.

Additional Information
A major recurring issue is the security deposit, which guests are often required to pay upfront via cash or bank transfer, with many reporting significant delays or complete failure to receive refunds, despite assurances. This lack of transparency and the difficulty in reclaiming funds are a source of widespread frustration. Another frequent problem is booking cancellations and double bookings, often occurring last minute without prior notification, leaving guests stranded or relocated to less desirable apartments without compensation. The hotel's check-in/check-out policies are also criticized, with early check-in and late check-out incurring substantial hourly fees. Furthermore, guests consistently highlight advertising misrepresentation, noting that the actual apartments rarely resemble the clean, modern images displayed online. Concerns about safety and security are also raised, including incidents of unauthorized entry into rooms and a perceived lack of 24/7 concierge presence despite advertising.