Battery House, Portsmouth

Battery House has excellent views and a great location, but unfortunately the property itself leaves a lot to be desired and was very disappointing. The overall condition was poor and in great need of maintenance. On Sykes website, Battery House has 4 ticks/stars (Excellent condition throughout ) however, this was definitely not the case. There was a lot of damp throughout the property, particularly in both main bedrooms on floors 1 and 2, leading to large areas of flaking plaster and paint. The floor tiles in the main ensuite on level 2 were broken and taped up with grey tape. The wind whistled through the windows even when they were fully closed. The roof terrace looked beautiful in the photos on the website, but in reality, consisted of shabby furniture and lots of dead pot plants. Some of the furniture in the lounge was frayed and shabby and even the dining table only seated 6 people, even though Battery House accommodated 8, which meant we could not eat together as a family. Early in the holiday, we were without water and electricity for several hours. I made numerous calls to the owner which were unanswered and in desperation phoned Sykes. They also tried to contact the owner and the Housekeeper but were unsuccessful initially. We searched the house for a Fuse Box/Consumer Unit but couldn’t find anything. Eventually, Sykes were successful in contacting the owner and we were told a handyman would come to sort out the problem. When he eventually arrived, he went into a cellar, situated in a locked room on the ground floor and informed us that the dishwasher had tripped the fuse and we should not use it for the rest of the holiday, which was very inconvenient and annoying! I did not expect to spend my holiday washing dishes for 8 people, after every meal time. I didn’t hear from the owner while all this was happening, but she eventually rang on the morning of our departure and did finally apologise and inform us that a new dishwasher would be fitted the following week. I was offered a drinks coaster for the inconvenience. This was in no way adequate compensation for such an imposition on holiday. I booked this property so that my family could be together, beside the sea, to celebrate my husband’s 70th birthday. It was very disappointing and definitely not worth the exorbitant cost. I have since read the reviews posted in July and know that the owner and Sykes must have been aware of these issues. We have stayed in Sykes properties for many years and always been very happy with the quality and standard of them, however Battery House fell woefully short. I am unable to recommend this property and find it very disappointing and misleading that Sykes continue to classify Battery House as 4 Star/Ticks. I took a lot of photos of all the issues before we left the property and have forwarded them to Sykes. Sykes have told me they have tried repeatedly to contact the owner and have failed to get a response and that they are no longer able to assist in the matter. I am appalled at their response as I booked with Sykes because I thought they were a reliable company that I could trust.. I would upload my photos, but unfortunately there isn't an option to do that.

The most fantastic place to stay.Superbly positioned for all the historical attractions that Portsmouth has to offer.5 minute walk to the Hovercraft to IOW....Fantadtic roof terrace Quite happy to sit and watch the shipping traffic,passing by.So very interesting .Loved the 5 storey house So so comfortable .Didnt move the car ,for a week .Historic and quirky pubs ,a plenty,on the doorstep.Loved everything about this house.