For my business assignment, I signed up serviced apartment six months lease with The Capitol Apartments (found it on the Internet). My conversation with staff on the phone was nice and friendly and I trusted I will be served well, as I was on many other occasions around Australia.

However, my stay in this serviced apartment started and ended with nasty surprises.

The room quality was much below my expectations for the price I payed, however I have some responsibility since I did not inspect it before signing the lease. So, this is not what I am complaining about. What I am complaining about is below.

When I arrived, the room was bare-bones - nothing that you would expect from a serviced apartment. There were no pillows, no linen on the bed, the carpet was smelly and soaking wet, etc. It took me quite a bit of effort to convince the management to set up my room to be usable. Only when I threatened that I will leave and will complain about the service, they agreed. (Apparently they do not understand the business they run.)

Despite very poor first impression, I tried to keep positive and wanted to move on. However, after two-three weeks of staying there, I noticed that my clothes were getting damaged but was unable to explain why. Eventually I discovered that the washing machine was faulty and was tearing my clothes. I explained that to the management and showed them my damaged shirts. They decided to replace the washing machine but refused to reimburse me anything for damaged clothes - I did not have receipts they said!? I quietly moved on again.

I was paying rent on weekly basis, kept my room in a good condition and had minimal interaction with the management. One month before leaving the place I asked whether there is anything that I need to do before vacating the room. They said all is good and they were happy with everything. Until I received my bond back reduced for $660 I thought I will be leaving on a good terms. They invented all sort of things to charge me $660, including overstaying for two days, replacing missing items, excessive cleaning, etc. None of this is true.

This was the last straw that pushed me to write this review and warn other people of dangers that they can face if they choose to stay at The Capitol Apartments.