Thursday 18 March 2010

HILTON ALGER HOTEL

Well, I am not sure whether it is me... but I am not having much luck lately in hotels.

The Hilton Alger is supposed to be a 5 star hotel... and probably can boast of the name and having those stars, but the true reality is different.

Reception was helpful, but that was up to where the staff were helpful. But veeeeery slow. People seem to walk in and out the back office, and you will be waiting for minutes until one comes and helps you. And doing the checking out was even slower. Extremely slow. And you wanted to pay with your remaining Dinars... and they charge you a fee for paying cash. They say it is country policy...

The Hotel was highly survailed, which was, of course, an advantage for ourself... but I very much doubt that whatever was being screened, was of any use. Going through the metal detector arch was useless. It peeped and nobody frisked you or asked you to get the metals out and go through it again.

The room is ok for North Africa, but far away from what 5 stars means. The hotel starts with a lack of maintainance in the room. Broken switches, lamps that don't work... There are very few plugs, so they use multiconnectors that are also completely used.

The bed (I always ask for king size) was comfortable and 4 pillows to use... if you needed them. One is enough for me. The Central Heating in the room did not work. You could put it on, with the terrible racket it created but no result. It was cold outside... and inside. Some colleagues of mine asked for a portable radiator. Is that typical of a 5 star hotel?

The bathroom was complete. Soaps, shampoos... which were refreshed everyday. But still, old furniture. Having a shower meant water would end up out of the bath, down on the floor.

The buffet breakfast was... ridiculous. No fresh fruit, no fresh juice, hardly any choice of breads and hot meals. Good omellet making (some times) and nice crepes. But I have to say that appart from that, everything was unappealing. And worst of all, expensive.

If you wanted to have dinner, it was somehow complicated. Restaurants were not open or were reserved (A whole restaurant!!!) and staff was not nice, helpful or professional. They were playing STRICKTLY by the book. I ended up having whatever was in the Restaurant carte in the Hall cafe, because it was there the only place I could eat, unless I wanted a buffet dinner, that, bearing in mind the breakfast experience, I decided it was not a good idea.

The hotel was far away from everywhere. They did have a club... but you can imagine its availability, can't you? Closed. So... unless you want to retreat to this extremely expensive hotel and watch TV, there is not much else to do. It is true that for the Exhibition, which is only a few steps away, it is very convenient, but of course, it could not be that easy. You needed a 10 minutes walk to get in the exhibition, as the door opposite the hotel was not open. Indeed, this is not a problem of the hotel... or is it? Apparently, it was said that the Exhibition director and the Hotel director had a quarrel and since, the main gate was closed. So still, the only benefit was not also available to the guests.

But the hotel has also some positive points. An hourly shuttle service to the airport is free of charge. Internet connection works... and it is free... and so is the minibar (pop only). Sauna is also available... free of charge... although I didn't use it.

Anyway, I feel that the Hilton Alger Hotel is extremely expensive and definitely not value for money. I was told to go to the Sheraton next time... and I think I may follow advise.

HILTON ALGER HOTEL
Pins Maritimes El Mohammadia,

16000 Alger,
Algeria
Tel: 213-21-219-696

Fax: 213-21-219-797

Tuesday 9 March 2010

THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL LONDON STANSTED AIRPORT

Whether your flight is early in the morning, or reaches Stansted late in the evening, the Radisson Blu hotel London Stansted Airport is ideal to forget about a place to sleep. It takes you more or less the same to catch a bus, a train or to go to the hotel. It is that close to the air terminal. But don't think that being so close to the airport will mean it is noisy. All the contrary. My room overlooked the boarding area of Ryanair... and no noise.

Receptionist were really helpful, nice and polite... And fast. check in was done really fast, and that is something good after a long day travelling.
The hall is impressive, and so is the wine Tower, with the acrobatic show to get the bottle. Gobsmacking!!!

The rooms may differ from visit to visit as they have 6 different styles. So far, I have tried the Urban and Ocean style, being the latter better (picture below). The Urban style is a bit... dull.
One of the things I really liked was that the room had european plugs as well as the British ones. So I could charge my mobile and my laptop. Also, as with all Radisson Hotels, I believe, Internet is free of charge, so it is another positive point.

I asked for a big bed, if possible, and it was. It was massive! And comfortable. The bathroom was nothing special. I would have preferred a shower... but... a Bath is still ok for having a shower.

I didn't get breakfast, as I tend to go for ready made Airport stuff... Still expensive, but less than whatever the hotel offers.

THE RADISSON BLU HOTEL LONDON STANSTED AIRPORT
Waltham Close
London Stansted Airport
Essex
CM24 1PP

Tel: +44 (0) 1279 66 1012
Fax: +44 (0) 1279 66 1013
Email