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The Collective Canary Wharf

in London, the UKโ€‰๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง and 1 other location ย  ย โœ‰๏ธ

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Reviews ย we don't rate spacesโ€”please interpret other's opinions per your own values

After spending 1.5 years in this co-living space now, I am more than disappointed with my experience. Despite the appealing concept and photos, the reality falls short in many aspects. The building and its facilities feel cheap, leading to constant issues. Just to name a few: The spa area, a highlighted feature, is hardly ever operational; Waiting for the lifts can be incredibly frustrating due to their frequent malfunctions and the washing machines are most of the time dirty or out of order. The rooms themselves are cramped, further diminishing the living experience. Internet connectivity is unreliable, disrupting both work and freetime. Even basic necessities like water pressure and plumbing cause regular inconveniences, with the flush being broken or bad smells coming from the pipe systems into the room. What exacerbates these issues is the management's response to them. Despite numerous promises of action, there has been no real improvement or resolution to the myriad of problems made. This lack of accountability and failure to address concerns has made my time here far less enjoyable than anticipated. It's sad to see such potential wasted by poor management and cheap construction. I had hoped for a better experience but, unfortunately, cannot recommend this place.
I had the misfortune of booking a long-term stay at ARK Canary Wharf, and it's been nothing short of a nightmare. From the moment I moved in, it was clear that this place was a disaster waiting to happen. First off, the faults in the room were impossible to ignore. The paint was chipping off the walls, the plumbing was dodgy at best, and the appliances were outdated and barely functional. It's like they haven't renovated the place since the turn of the century. To make matters worse, the facilities were constantly out of order. The gym equipment was perpetually broken, the pool was more of a cesspool, and don't even get me started on the laundry room. The washing machines were so old and faulty that I ended up having to hand-wash my clothes most of the time. And let's talk about cleanliness, or the lack thereof. The communal areas were always filthy, with trash piling up in every corner and a distinct odor that lingered in the air. As for the room cleaning standards, well, let's just say I wouldn't trust them to clean up after a party of preschoolers, let alone paying guests. To add insult to injury, despite the abysmal service and conditions, they had the gall to increase the rates. It's like they're actively trying to drive away what little business they have left. In conclusion, if you value your sanity and hygiene, steer clear of ARK Canary Wharf for any long-term stay. It's a cesspool of incompetence, neglect, and greed, and I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemy.
Ultimately depends on your personal preferences and requirements โ€“ decide for yourself. I resided in a classic studio for 4.5 months and found it to be adequate for one person, although the room and bathroom were relatively small. It's important to note that the space may feel confined, particularly if you plan to book without physically viewing it. However, I was impressed by the clever design, which offered ample storage space beyond what initially met the eye. My room was situated on the opposite side of the DLR, which resulted in a quiet living environment with no noise disturbances. During the winter months, the studio retained warmth without the need for heating, but the window only opens slightly, which may lead to overheating during the summer as there is no air conditioning. Regarding facilities, I concur with other reviews that the washing machines are prone to malfunctions and have been known to damage clothing. Also not sufficient to serve the number of tenants. Additionally, the ongoing refurbishment works throughout the whole building made the facilities unavailable, including the lifts, often rendered them inoperable and insufficient for the number of tenants. I was unable to utilize the spa facilities during my tenancy, despite being assured that the refurbishment would be completed one month into my stay. I decided to book the accommodation with the relatively high price primarily due to the spa facilities, which were crucial for addressing my health concerns. While a gym pass with access to a dark underground pool and steam room was provided, it did not compare to the building's advertised features. It is important to note that the main selling point of the building is its facilities and not the small studios. Their unavailability - which I wasnโ€™t aware of at the time of signing the lease - during my stay was not reflected in the price. I must express my disappointment with the management team. When I brought a health-related concern to their attention, they failed to respond even after my follow-up attempts. This lack of response is a major red flag in my eyes that raises concerns about their attentiveness to the well-being of their tenants. On a positive note, I found the staff to be extremely helpful and supportive, particularly Aida, who went above and beyond to assist me during a challenging period along with Jordan, Jason, and Dean. Also had no issues with getting my deposit back, Jose was responsive and accommodating. I am grateful for their efforts in making me feel welcome and at home. Lastly, the building boasts a strong community, making it an ideal choice for those new to London or seeking a secure environment to socialise and build connections.
I have just left Ark Canary Wharf after living here for 3 years. I enjoyed the tree years I spent here with lots of social events organised by Esra and the ambassadors. Any maintenance issues I had in my room during my stay were quickly rectified by management, including the room being repainted, a new mattress and when my fridge broke, they installed a new fridge the next morning. My room was regularly cleaned and I had positive experiences with the cleaning of my room. When booking in 2021, I viewed the studios in person first and requested a specific style of Cosy Studio, so I knew what I was signing and agreeing to live in. The cosy studio was small but the storage within the specific style that I had was put to good use. I have recommended family and friends to stay here as hotel guests, but again would recommend Ark to anyone looking for somewhere to live in London. I would happily return myself. Finally, thank you to Dominic and all the team at Ark Canary Wharf who made my 3 year stay here a memorable experience, which helped me find my feet in London.
Me and my partner stayed at the ARK Canary Wharf for a night over the weekend. And we throughly enjoyed our stay. Yes the bedroom was on the smaller side but perfectly fine for us to cope with. The view we got was beautiful and the actually bed itself was very comfortable. We found our stay to be very lovely and would stay again.
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๐Ÿ‘โ€๐Ÿ—จThis listing was submitted by Jacob. It may include unverified public content from both official and user social media, as linked for attribution. Details may not be entirely accurate. Give feedback.