This is my second stay. First trip three of us shared a room. We were put into a large single room with a half wall (vertical) dividing the space. On one side was a double bed, on the other a desk and a couch that folded down into a bed, with a partition that allowed the third person privacy. There was also a small reading nook with books over the couch/bed. Staff turned the sofa into a bed while we were out. The room was decorated in gold and red and had a nice, comfortable feel.
On our second visit we rented two rooms 'with views' for a total of 4 people. On the 6th floor, you could see over the city from the one window in the corner of the room. Not sure next time I would pay extra for said view. They were decorated in shades of orange with cloth wall coverings and wood floors. These rooms feel 'older' and could use some TLC such as trimming fibers that have come loose from the wall coverings and giving the bathroom grout a scrub, but otherwise they were quite clean and neat with fluffy towels and study sheets. Soaps, shampoo and other personal care items were in a little basket in the bathroom, and two bottle of complimentary water are left on the desk. There is a mini-bar fridge (items for a fee) under the desk, a small TV above the desk, a suitcase rack and closet. Coat hooks are conveniently located behind the door.
On our last visit some remodeling was underway and there is now a restaurant on the street side of the hotel. We tried to stop in for dessert at the end of day one and were told, in a rather gruff manner, to go to the bar. When we got to the bar we were told to go to the restaurant. We explained the situation and the barkeep graciously accommodated us. Several other people filtered in while we were there. A couple of tables had previously been occupied and no attempt to remove the dirty glassware was made while we were there. We ordered two desserts and received three. Not sure how that happened but the waiter seemed determined so we accepted the third.
The reception area has a new seating area that looks quite comfortable and there were several people using the space during our visit. The breakfast room, just past the bar, remains the same as on our first visit with some updated furnishings in the second room which is comfortable and quite lovely. The breakfast buffet includes yogurts, cereals, juices, pastry, breads, eggs, hot and cold meats, cheese and salad items. The staff bring your coffee of choice or hot tea. Be sure to specify if you want milk with your american coffee or tea, or order a cappuccino or caffe latte. Wait to be seated at the doorway (stay to your left not to block staff trying to get to the coffee bar) and give the hostess your room number.
There is one large elevator to the left of reception to bring your bags up and down and two smaller elevators just before reception that fit about 4 people without bags. The reception staff were all quite helpful and friendly. We paid to park a car at the hotel and they registered the vehicle with the ZTL so we would not be fined (ticketed) for driving in the restricted area of the city to reach the hotel. Tourist maps are available on request.
There is a 'relaxation' pod available to guests at no cost, just past the small gym. We all tried it with different results. Some liked it, others not so much. You sit in the pod, press the 'close curtain' button and choose your preference of 'relax', 'energize', 'balance' or 'dream'. Music plays from speakers on either side of you hear and a video plays on a screen in front. Change the volume on the control panel. I found it uncomfortable but that 'energize' setting really did get me going.
Easily reached from the train station and close to major sights, the hotel is clean and (most of) the staff were quite friendly. read more
