WYNDHAM GRAND REGENCY DOHA

This 5 star hotel was not my selected hotel. However, due to overbooking in the Mövenpick, I got transferred together with some of my colleagues to this other hotel, which is from the same chain. It was not a good start, but... these things can happen.

First thing we noticed about the second hotel was that it was way out of everything. It’s true that in Doha, you need to get around in taxi, however, whereas the Mövenpick Suites and Towers was in the Corniche, near restaurants, hotels and shopping centre… this one was facing… the desert.

Staff were friendly upon arrival… offering us a glass of water as compensation for the inconvenience. It

I was in room 314… a real suite. Big living room with couch, dining table and work table… a big bed in a nice bedroom and a relatively small bathroom with a bathtub. Very comfortable, quiet… slept really well. The hotel was classical, but fine.

Staff was different. Whereas the breakfast people were extremely nice and remembered my likes for the following day, the reception and concierge made my life a misery… but for little details not proper of a 5 star hotel.

1) Lack of compensation from management for inconvenience.

2) Trying to deceive with the cost of renting a hotel car for a day. Negotiated price: 50 Riyals. Requested by Staff: 80... And as a favour, 60. Rest of my colleagues got it for 50 and I refused to pay more. Second day, was the same story, even having just paid for 50, for the day... I got told the same story for the following day. Everything was difficult in this hotel.

3) Treated me like a thief because they did not do their job and expected me to pay upfront AND cash all services. They forgot to request my VISA for preauthorization. Was it my problem? I refused. Having ordered room service, I was asked to come down to reception to pay. I was really furious.

4) Paying with credit card was extremely complicated. Maybe their normal visitors have a suitcase with money they can pay for excessively expensive services. They seemed obsessed with the matter. Is the Mövenpick short of cash that they have to get it before the service is offered from their guests?

Internet was free in the Lobby and 100 Riyals (around 20 Euro) for 24 hour use in the room. I also complained about this when suggested I could have free internet in the lobby. Bearing in mind that Arabs do their gatherings in the lobby, seats were not that easy to find, smoke and noise was all over… Do I pay a 5 star hotel to be subject to this treatment? I really feel bad about hotels that have this "free-in-the-lobby-internet-and-really-expensive-in-room" service. It shows what they think of giving service and comfort to the customers. Radisson has a worldwide policy that offers free internet in all hotels. A good reason to choose that chain.

My last day in the hotel, I had to check out in the morning, do my work, and returned to the hotel and asked for a room to get changed. They directed me to the bathroom… that was in use at the time and a queue! I returned to the concierge and got an answer… don’t get in the cubicles... get changed in the general area of the bathroom. Well… not that I have anything to hide, but… Did they get training on how to treat customers in the back of a Yogurt cover? Of course, I refused to do that… and eventually, was allowed to change in the luggage room. At least it was big enough to open my luggage and get changed in privacy…

Travelling as much as I do, visiting hotels worldwide… I have to say that if Mövenpick group treats customers like this… there is no way I am returning to one. In fact, I got offered for my next trip, and rejected it. No way. And of course, in Doha, their partner Wyndham, makes it impossible for me to return.

 I said it before. The people at the breakfast room and in the lobby bar were extremely professional, nice and helpful, but concierge, reception and management... fail dramatically.

THE CHAM PALACE DAMASCUS

We needed a hotel in the centre. The Cham Palace was very conveniently located. It has a huge reception, decorated in a style that goes over the limit of what you would understand as Arabic decoration... but it is nice.

Check-in was complicated… very slow and as in many Arabic countries, staff extremely rude and not helpful at all. When asked a question, they pull one of those faces as if you were disturbing their tranquility…

I got a room on the 5^th floor, 507, which was… a total let down. The room was small. The bed was against the wall. TV was flat... but it was the only thing that was new in the room. It was extremely sad looking. Even the lighting was really bad.

Internet was expensive, slow and also, complicated to get. Fortunately, it could be charged to the room.

The bathroom had a bath and toilet, as well as sink. Toiletries were available too. The hand towels were really thin, so got easily wet…

Buffet breakfast was very reduced for a 5-star hotel and really, poor quality. Even the fruit was out of a tin. Coffee… horrendous. Some Arabic food which you either liked or not… Good Yogurt.

Checking out was also a bit slow.

In this hotel, you get a big wow! at reception, but the rooms and services, are not really those of a 5 star hotel. I think it has one-too-many starts.

GRAND HOTEL SOFIA

It's one of the 5-star hotels in the Bulgarian capital city. It's located in the city centre, next to the National Theatre, and within a short distance from the beautiful cathedral, museums and ministries.

The hotel itself is recently renovated. Accessibility is a bit limited as there are no ramps and some steps that makes it s bit uncomfortable to travel with luggage.

Reception staff is nice... If you don't have a problem. If there is a problem of overbooking, which seems to happen, you are relocated in another hotel, on the other side of the city which is only a 4 star hotel. That is unacceptable. But it happens.

The rooms are very classically decorated. But, they are huge. We are talking that they could easily be around 65 m2. It is a big difference with other hotels where the rooms are minuscule. You have a living room area, a work desk, old fashioned TV set, a huge bed. And lots of space to do a party. I have been there before, and I remember being in bed and saying. "Uff! The bathroom is so far that I am not sure whether to go! Ok. It's an exaggeration, but really, the room size is huge. Too much, but at the same time, it's like being at home. You don't feel claustrophobic.

Internet is free of charge, both wireless or with cable. You need a password and you can surf the net easily at a very good speed. You are given two bottles of complementary water, which is another thing worth nothing but it's a nice thing. Sleepers are also available.

The bed is huge and comfortable. There were two pillows, and maybe, I would have liked a couple more to watch TV in bed. But, they were brilliant to sleep. The duvet was shorter than the bed, so I guess that if there are two people, there is a risk of getting some leg or arm out of the duvet. And the heater was very strange, as it was hardly noticeable. It was cold even sometimes. I had to switch it off at night due to the noise. The curtains were, again, too short to cover the huge window to the main road. But still, I could sleep well.

The bathroom, too, was big, with a bath, a shower, bidet, toilet and sink. And toiletries are available.

Breakfast was good, but very little selection of fruit. Bread could have been better. I asked for the traditional cheese and tomato omelet, and they needed to be returned to the cook to finish them off, as they were not completely cooked. I asked for a double espresso and was good.

The checking out was easy, a bit slow but easy. I god a transfer back to the airport, that was payable.

GRAND HOTEL SOFIA
1, Gurko Str.,
1000 Sofia,
Bulgaria
tel: (+359 2) 811 0811
fax: (+359 2) 811 0953
e-mail: concierge@grandhotelsofia.bg

ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL, IN ATHENS

Electra Palace Hotel is an unexpectedly big hotel in the heart of Plaka, the most touristic district of the Greek capital. However, that doesn't mean that is noisy at all. It is also near Syntagma, the main square in the city.

The hotel is rather classical. Its huge hall leads to the reception area. Two or three people will do the check in. Quick, although you need to fill in the form, as you normally do, even, when you have the voucher with all the information. The staff at reception is ever so nice. Really helpful at all times.

The lifts are too small, and rather unsafe. I got one where the doors would not close, so I got out, but could not call the other, because according to the system, the (defective) lift was still there. So I had to find my way downstairs.

The room was very old-fashioned, and to an extent, with lack of taste. It felt it was decorated in the 80s... and had remained like that since. The big problem for my room was that it was extremely hot. I put on the air conditioned, and I realized that hot air was coming out. I called reception and was told that it was either heating or air conditioned... and because customers had complained about the cold, they had to put the heater on. It was around 25 outside. How could people complain about cold rooms!!!

Internet is free of charge, but you need to go via cable. But again, it is positive.

Breakfast was rather weak. Good natural Orange Juice. Fruit salad is something that makes me wonder the origin of the food. And that was available every day. Bread was also nice, especially the cheese bread with sesame. Scrambled eggs or poached eggs... didn't look that attractive. I have to say... that I have had better breakfast.

Checking out was fast too... If I have the choice, I think I would try another hotel. It is clearly not a 5 star hotel, despite the traditional decor.

ELECTRA PALACE HOTEL ATHENS
18-20, N.Nikodimou Str
10557 Athens
Greece
Tel : +30 210 33 70 000
Fax: + 30 210 32 41 875

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL CALI

My visit to Cali was brief. I arrived late in the evening and I went straight into the Intercontinental, which was managed by Estelar Hoteles. Nevertheless, I could still use my Intercontinental Priority Club card.

I got there and there wasn’t anyone at reception, so staff was only for me so checking in was really fast. The girl behind the counter was really helpful and indicated everything very well.
I got a floor on the 5th floor. As soon as I got in the room, I noticed the noise of a fan… and taking into consideration I had a terrible headache, I decided to go back to reception and get a nother room. I was also given another on the 5th floor, 529, and the noise was still there, but much more attenuated. It seemed that isolation was much better in this room.

The room was fairly big, but rather old fashioned. I guess Intercontinental had opened it, and for some reason, did not get the expected results, so… it was handed over to local group Estelar, who had done little renovation.

The bed was comfortable… and pillows were also available.

The living room area, as you can see from the picture, was also old fashioned. Wireless Internet was free of charge, but believe me, it was like a torture. Extremely slow that took you away from it… The Flat screen was a much relaxed option… Mainly, Colombian TV channels.

The bathroom is wide and so is the bath. Toiletries are still Intercontinental branded, but the philosophy is Estelar, that is, to pay for toothbrush, shaving kit… which I think is a bit mean.
As for the breakfast, I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the fact, I had to ask what everything was and of course, I had to try it… and it was delicious, specially the typical arepa with melted cheese and the cheesy breads… Fruit was exceptional and so was the yogurt. There was a type of scrambled eggs with corn, with ham and some other I cannot remember, and specially, the typically dressed cook that was behind the counter who was ever so kind, informative and… got me to try everything…

It seems to be the best hotel in Cali... It may look like a modern hotel from outside... but it is clearly a very poor 5-star hotel and clearly under the Intercontinental standard.

Checking out was also easy.

INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL CALI
AVENIDA COLOMBIA #2-72,
P.O. BOX 7457
CALI
COLOMBIA
Front Desk: +57-2-8823225
Fax: +57-2-8939494

HOTEL ALMIRANTE CARTAGENA ESTELAR, IN CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

If you are ever visiting Colombia, make sure you visit Cartagena de Indias. It is a lovely city by the sea. We chose to stay in the Almirante Cartagena Estelar Hotel, which is in a safe area, Bocagrande, where many other hotels are.

The hotel is new, modern in the outside, and it seems it used an old building that is preserved inside. So far so good...

Checking in, was very slow. We were in a group and it took ages to go through the queue and the checking procedure, that even asked me to get my computer out to write down the serial number. It seems they may have had some problems in the past... Hence, security is very tight. You need to go up the stairs to the second floor to access the main lifts that will take you to the rooms. And you need to get past the security person, that will require you to identify yourself, before allowing you in the lift. The lift, however, requires you to put the room key in, so no one without a key would be allowed in.

The room (604) was big, but clrealy, old fashioned. The good thing was the views, as it over look the beach and gifted you with nice sunsets. The bed was big and comfortable, with a choice of pillows (two hard, two soft). The fridge, however, had to be plugged off as it was extremely noisy. The room itself could do with a better isolation, as you could hear clearly what was going on out in the street. And also, the general aircon or ventilation system was present as a soft constant noise.

Toilet was spartan. A wide bath with a fix shower. As for toiletries, it was rather complete. It even had a mouthwash, which is normally not there. On the contrary, a shaver, toothbrush and deodorant were included in the offer of the minibar, therefore, at a cost.

TV as also very old, (of course, not flat screen) and had a variety of TV channels. The hotel had a Gym and a pool too. Good thing: Free Wireless Internet connection for the duration of your stay, after requesting for user name and password.

Breakfast was so, so. It had a wide variety of things to choose from, mainly local dishes. The lady who did my omelette, tried hard... but in the end, it came out to be more like scrambled eggs. Fruit was delicious (mainly pineapple) and juices were really watered, therefore, hardly tasty. As for the coffee... I don't know whether to say this. Let's say the coffee was not Colombia standard. It was more like British coffee (with due respect). It was horrendous. Thank god, round the corner you had a Juan Valdes Coffee shop where the good coffee was available.

It is a very basic 5 star hotel... More like a 3-4 star hotel.

HOTEL ALMIRANTE CARTAGENA ESTELAR

Av.San Martín, Calle 6 Esquina

Bocagrande

Cartagena

Colombia

Tel: +57 (5) 6658811

Fax: +57 (5) 6658269

Central de Reservas en Bogotá: +57 (1) 608 8080 / +57 (1) 5931900

Toll Free Colombia :018000-978000

Toll Free Canadá y USA: 18665998703

E-Mail: reservas@hotelesestelar.com

BARCELO SAN JOSE PALACIO

This is a nice hotel near the centre of San José. You can chose to get a hotel transfer from the airport or just make your own way by cab.

Checking in was rather slow too for the group. It's all the filling required that seems to slow it down.

The room I got was on the 1st floor (119) and was big, with living room area and two double beds. I didn't quite like the idea of open the doors outwards.

The beds were comfortable, and there was a choice of pillows. Wireless Internet was available at a fee, and a bit slow some times.

The bathroom had a complete set of toiletry goodies and a gown and slippers. Room floor with carpet and bed spreads, rather old fashioned.

Breakfast was good. Choice of bread, jams and marmalade (and peanut butter) as well as garlic tomato. Natural juice and impressive fruit. Really sweet. Many cheeses to choose from and also cooked things, as well as a choice of omelettes and fried eggs.

Even though the restaurant was big, there was a peak time in which it was very difficult to get a table, specially, after a flight cancellation from Iberia due to weather conditions, that brought a complete plane to the hotel. The following morning, the staff seemed to be overpowered by the excessive amount of people.

The swimming pool, at the back, recreated a little paradise lake, among bushes and palm trees. At the pool side, the Rancho restaurant offered food (same range as the room service) during the day. There was also a Japanese restaurant, that I could say I will not remember it as the best Japonese restaurant. Some bits were good, others, were really poor.

Checking out was easy and fast.

HOTEL SAN JOSÉ PALACIO
Residencial El Robledal,
La Uruca, 4581150
San José de Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Teléfono: 506 2220 20 34
Fax: 506 2220 20 36
E-mail: sanjosepalacio@barcelo.com

AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL, IN RETHYMNO

This five star hotel is near the centre, in a place where parking was a bit complicated… although, I was lucky and parked the car just outside the hotel. It has the reputation of being one of the most luxurious and modern hotels in Rethymno. I will not enter into that, but what I can say is that I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed my stay there.

Reception staff was really nice, especially Eva, who gave us all the help we needed, as well as told us all what we could get in the hotel. We were upgraded, although I would have appreciated if we would have been advised that the room was a smoking room, but I decided to keep it because it was a really nice room, with direct view to the beach, on the main road. If I complained and requested another room, I would probably get an interior room, with view to the swimming pool, which, of course, is not the same.

The room was up to what you could expect from a five star hotel: complementary house wine, water and fruit, sleepers, full set of toiletries, bath gown …

It had a private beach, with deck chairs and towels available, as well as shower. Of course, I had to use it. You only needed to cross the street, and there you were, in the sandy beach with clear water...

Back in the hotel, a gym is available for those in need to do some sport, as well as a spa, with Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna and steam room. Massage parlour is chargeable.

As I had waken up early, done some exercise and enjoyed a nice walk in the city, I was tired, so I went early to bed. The bar, belonging to the same hotel, was just under my room and it was rather loud. However, music stopped within a reasonable time before midnight.

Buffet breakfast was very good. I loved the freshly squeezed orange machine. You did it yourself... how fresher you can get it? Fruit was available as well as cereals, cold meat and cheese, jams, breads... One thing is for sure. You didn't leave the restaurant needing food.

It was a pity to leave... but we had to continue our schedule... Checking out was also fast.

AQUILA PORTO RETHYMNO HOTEL
Sikelianou & Venizelou 52A,
74100 Rethymno, Crete,
Greece
Tel.: +30 28310 50432 / 52182 / 51980
Fax: + 30 28310 27825

SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel and Towers is a nice hotel. It is grand, but you can tell that the hotel is not a new one. There is something about it that makes you feel it needs some updating.

Checking in at reception, late at night, as flights to Dubai normally reach at night, was extreeeeeemely slow. I am not sure how many questions I got asked... which probably could have been done when reserving the room. I had my voucher... but still... questions and questions. Excuse me man! I want to go to bed... I was thinking. And I was lucky, as I was the first one to reach the desk from a large group. I wonder when the next group of Argentineans would have reached their room.

The elevators were on the opposite corner of the entrance, which was a bit of a nuisance, as my room was just on top of the main entrance... So my "promenades" in and out of the hotel were spectacularly long... I feel they need to improve this.

The room was nice and spacious. Big bed (as I normally ask) and plenty of pillows. I tend to only need one, but watching TV in bed always requires a few more. The room was clean, but my complaint would be that, facing the main road, the noise isolation was not very good. Also, the fountain in the lobby made a constant noise. I was too tired by the end of day to have these affecting my sleep, but I wonder how other people with lighter sleeping habits would manage.

The shower was good... and so was the smell of the soaps... Sometimes you go to certain hotels that have extremely scented soaps... which really, put me off. It was not the case here... I really liked it.

Breakfast was good... although not first class. Horrendous juices, of course, not fresh. Artificial egg liquid for omelettes (I am sure it has a name, but I don't recall it now). This is really important for me... so I opted to get fried eggs. Fruit, however, was impressively tasty, sweet and abundant, so... I got a lot of it.

I had my breakfast in the outside terrace, which was a bit hot and had some smoke from smokers... but was worth it to overlook the creek, watching the waterbuses pass by, and the skyscrapers in front of you... A bit of relaxation to start with before a stressing day.

Checking out was way faster than checking in...although they tried to charge extra for my breakfast, which was included in the voucher. Strange! So beware of the charges.

Another negative point was the charge for Internet in the room. A totally unacceptable high price.

It is a good hotel, but I am not sure whether I would go back again. I would definitely try to go to the nearby Radisson, which is closer to Union Metro Station, and probably, would offer free Internet, as it is customary in those hotels.

SHERATON DUBAI CREEK HOTEL & TOWERS
Baniyas Street/Creek Road
Po Box 4250
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971-4-2281111
reservationsdubaiuae@sheraton.com

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

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI MUMBAI

It's been several times now that I have visited the Leela Kempinski in Mumbai. It is within short distance from the International Airport, which is good, as you are bound to arrive there early in the morning. This is the first drawback. You are charged the complete night, even when you arrive around 4 o'clock in the morning. If you are planning a trip to South Mumbai... distance is roughly, around 25 kms and could be over 2 hours to get there, always depending on traffic... and it is chaotic in the city.

You can arrange for a pick up from the airport, and the driver will actually collect you at the exit from the terminal, and will give you a bottle of water to drink for.

Security is an issue, as every car is checked at the entrance, even the own hotel cars, and you need to go through the metal detector arch and your belongings through the scanner.
When you arrive in the hotel, you can smell a strong scent of jasmine or incense. The lifts work well and tend to be quite fast.

The rooms are well equipped, with extra towels, (huge ones, which I really appreciate) and the shower is closed in a big chamber with a bath too. Some biscuits and fruit (normally apples) are offered, together with a pair or free drinking water bottles. Flat TV is available, with a wide range of channels. HBO, Bollywood Music Channels, as well as some international, such as TVE, are available free of charge. You have also a Spa and a nice open air swimming pool.

Internet, unfortunately, is not free. It is, actually, rather expensive, as when you switch on the wifi, you can reach nearby InterContinental’s, which is nearly 100 rupees cheaper.

The beds are big and comfortable. Linnen is changed every day.

Buffet breakfast is vast. Many things to choose from, such as omelets, fruit (Figs and strawberry were available as fruit of the month), Chinese, Indian food, cheese, cakes, juices... And crêpes...

It is a hotel that you don't mind returning time and time again... It is, however, oriented more for business people, than families.

THE LEELA KEMPINSKI MUMBAI
Sahar Mumbai - 400 059
India

Tel: +91 22 6691 1234
Fax: +91 22 6691 1212

E-mail: reservations.mumbai@theleela.com

INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA

From the outside, it looked like a nice hotel. Little I expected of what it was waiting for me. On arrival, we found the hotel was under refurbishment, at least, the reception. As we arrived pretty early, around 13.00 the rooms were not ready and we were kindly sent to the lounge to wait. Eventually, we were given our keys.

My room was ok, but my colleagues found theirs smelly and noisy. Apparently, there were city works going on outside, that made the stay in the room impossible. But this is not a comfortable hotel. It has the rooms and consequently, the lifts, on the other side of the huge building, so you spend your stay walking... (Ok, a little exaggeration there... but it is true I wondered why there was no entry from the other road).

The cleanliness was ok, but rather tight-fisted. Normally, when you use the soap, you get a replacement, either leaving the used one where it was or putting it back to its place. Over here, they didn't even bother. It is one of those little details without relevance, but... it does not give a nice image.

In my room, the toilet flush had a leak; fortunately, it was from the tank into the toilet... not afterwards. But it meant that my clothes got wet as I was pushing the flush... It was a matter of learning how to do it properly. Breakfast... lots of things... but little appealing. The juice out of a brick and tasteless. The pineapple was brown and the rest in syrup. Thank god I found rye bread. The omelet was nice, but not the rest of the hot meals. Cheese was nice, but the cakes were mostly hard. The chocolate for the cakes was horrendous and the crepes hard. Yogurt, so, so. Coffee... disgusting, and if you wanted espresso, you had to pay for it. I really hate this mean charge, especially in a 5-star hotel.

Internet with conditions... "Please check if your room has full signal or not"... Do you tell me they don't know? What kind of management is in the hotel that doesn't know the hotel that well? In my room, there was full signal, but the wifi didn't work. I complained and the solution was to use the broadband. Difference was that whereas the wifi 24 hour scheme was for 24 hour usage, broadband, was for 24 hour from first use. So in the end, I decided to go for broadband, but the cable didn't go either. The girl behind the phone told me to plug the grey cable... Which gray cable? I only have black cables. So she told me initially there was no cable, then the cable appeared... and the guy who came to my room to give me the cable told me that the black ones, "don't tend to work"... So why are they there? At the same time, I complained about the air-conditioned. I was scorching hot, and the guy told me that he thought the aircon didn't work, so he called his colleague... who confirmed it. So he suggested opening the window.

Noise started again at 7am. Luckily, I had to wake up at that time, so this was not a problem for me, but... had I wanted to rest, I would be extremely annoyed. At check out, they wanted to charge for me for wifi and broadband... Explanations were needed and in the end, I only had to pay for broadband. Price for it was exorbitant: 19 euro. Day light robbery. It is amazing how some hotels offer it for free, and others make so much money rather than giving a service to the customers. It tells a lot about the hotel policy.

INTERCONTINENTAL MALTA
ST GEORGES BAY
ST. JULIANS, STJ 3310
MALTA
Reservations: 900 983 177
Hotel Reception: 356-21-377600
Fax: 356-21-372222
Email: malta@intercontinental.com.mt

HOTEL AFRICA EL MOURADI

I was always told that the El Mouradi Africa was the best hotel in Tunis. And it may have been... 10 years ago. The 5 star hotel lacks what a real 5-star hotel can boast of: service. Reception staff are rather basic. Not that welcoming, probably due to the area character more than lack of training. It all starts in reception. The lighting is way old fashioned. The lifts have rather small doors and seem to go the way they want. I wonder if the would be able to cater for a wheel chair. The rooms seem abandoned to time. They are clean...ish. But very basic for this rating. One of the unbearable things for me was the air conditioned, that, once you left the room, started working even if it was off, so at you return, the room was... extremely hot. If you think that I am joking, look at the thermometer in my room one night. It was thanks to the fact that the window could be opened that I managed to get the temperature down. The views from the 18th floor where I was staying were good. The room had two small beds, even though I had asked for a big bed. As you can imagine, the cover and the blanket needed to be taken off... The bathroom was old fashioned, decorated in Arabic style, and could have been cleaner. Long hairs could be found in the bath, sink... which clearly were not mine. Even a little spider...

Breakfast was generous, but most things were repeated. Fruit was not fresh apart from the odd thing that didn't look that fresh. Plenty of bread and Tunisian cakes. There was a cook waiting for your order of eggs, or crêpes. There was also some typical fried pastry, but in the end, hardly anything to eat. Cheese seemed really dry. Pain au chocolate was... ok... Coffee, horrendous. Not really my cup of tea...

Internet was ridiculous. It did not open many websites, which in the end, it was frustrating. 10 Euro for the use for 24 hours... I had to go down to reception and tell the guys there that it was not working. Initially, it was due to some problem in the building, which then turned out to be that it was a general problem with internet in the country... and of course, I said that in this condition, I could not accept the service. So I was promised I would not be charged for it and was sent to the room to give them the password back. Surprisingly enough, the following day, the bill contemplated Internet used which I refused to pay, and eventually, got deducted from my bill.

God, was I happy to leave the hotel !!!

HOTEL AFRICA EL MOURADI

50, avenue Habib Bourguiba-B.P.73 ,

1001, Tunis Ville,

Tunisia

Téléphone : + 216 71 34 74 77

Fax : + 216 71 34 74 32Site

Web : http://www.elmouradi.com/

Email : info.africa@elmouradi.com

SHERATON TAIPEI

The Sheraton Taipei is a very good 5 star hotel. Welcome is extremely friendly and efficient. Rooms spacious. There are up to 9 restaurants (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, French...) to choose from. Although breakfast buffet has wide choice, but oriented mainly to the Asian...

Location is good. Only 5 minutes walk from Central Station, where you can get the Taiwanese High Speed train. And... if you don'r feel like walking you can get the MRT to the station... o to the 101 proximity... The station is... just there.

While the corridors are rather dimmed, the rooms are very tastefully decorated. Flat TV in the room, (my reservation included free broadband), a very comfortable bed, little livingroom, comlementary water and fruit in the room... The bathroom included all sorts of bits and bobs... Funnily, the bathroom was very modern decorated, whereas the room was a bit more classic.

I requested an early call in the morning... and they were on time. I hate when the call me 10 minutes earlier than what I say. As I say... staff really efficient and helpful.

I recommend this hotel, without any doubt.

SHERATON TAIPEI HOTEL
No.12, Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec.1,
Taipei 100,
Taiwan, Republic of China
Email: sheraton@sheraton-taipei.com
Tel +886-2-23215511
Fax +886-2-23944240

LE MERIDIEN, IN NEW DELHI

I have always been uneasy with Le Meridien. I have been in a few and there are always details that let you down. Fortunately, my experience in Delhi was very positive. It even had a swimming pool, that is very unusual and I didn't have the chance to try it...

First of all, as in good hotels in India, you need to get through a security control. If you arrive on a taxi, private car or even, the hotel shuttle from the airport, your vehicle is inspected at the gate. You reach the entrance and your luggage and bags are scanned. At the end of the day, security should always be an issue and you should not complain about it.

Reception staff, extremely nice. I really appreciate all the information they gave me, and of course, the fact that I was given a non-smoking room and a king-size bed. (I hate little beds against the wall).

The room was quite cosy. Enough space for the bed, the worktable and the little lounge area. Bathroom was good. At least, for me. I have to say that I love showers and I am not so keen on baths... so I suppose that those looking for a bath would not be so happy. Of course, the bathroom was full of little bits and bobs usual in this type of hotels.

Two complementary bottles of water are offered, something that you appreciate as water... would probably give you tummy problems... or not. But I am not going to take the risk. Also, a bowl with fruit, also, complementary.

The bed was comfortable, although, I was a bit hot in the room. It had air-conditioned but I don't like to sleep with it. But everything, bearable.

A flat TV with zillions of channels to choose from. Of course, I appreciated the availability of TVE. Also, a few Movie channels in English.

Breakfast was offered in the ground floor, in the ONE restaurant. It is a buffet with plenty of food to chose from, from Indian, to continental and, of course, fried eggs, omelettes... are done freshly on sight. Espresso coffee had additional charge..., which I thought it was a bit mean... but of course, that is their choice. For one person, they have a long table where they sat us. It was a good chance to talk to people from different nationalities as well as local. It also gives you the chance to see how other nationalities behave.

The building was over 25 years, but it may have been refurbished recently, as you would think it was recently opened. Very modern, and an impressive look of the panoramic lifts of the inside of the hotel.

LE MERIDIEN NEW DELHI
Windsor Place
New Delhi,
India
Phone: +91 (11) 23710101

SHERATON ZAGREB

Sheraton Zagreb is a new hotel in the old part of the city. Well communicated, it lies next to a shopping mall and at short walking distance from the main square and the old town.

It is new, and if you get there with the starwood card, they put you on a special floor.

The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, free Internet, something that I also value. Bathroom was spacious too. The shower was really good. Also the soaps smelt well. I have to say I am a bit particular with smells, and certain soaps are... ARG!!!

Breakfast was good... One day the fruit was a bit... unripe, but the rest of the days, it was good. Wide selection of fruit... CHEESE... of course, omelletes or fried eggs, cakes,... nutella (I couldn't help a serving... or two) and nice bread... :=)

The hall was also quite big, which allows enough space for meetings.

The negative part was the staff. I am sorry, but I was not treated properly. Check in desk staff were quite unpreasant, straight to the point, with little time for you. You felt like you were one tin of lentils in the supermarket cash desk, after the lettuce and before the coke... Also, room service was a bit... sloppy. Called for dinner... and had to call back after an hour, because no dinner came... and they told me that the change of shift was the problem... Unnaceptable.

I think Sheraton should really look into these type of attitudes, that really make you choose this hotel or another one.


SHERATON ZAGREB
Kneza Borne 2
Zagreb 10000
Croatia
Phone: +385 (1) 455 3535
Fax: +385 (1) 455 3035

THE WESTIN GRANDE SUKHUMVIT IN BANGKOK

It may be one of the nicest hotels I hve visited recently. The Westin Grande had a very cosy room, nice bed, (maybe too many layers of sheets, but something needs to be subject of complaint...) very well furnised bathroom (loved the shower), nice choice of food for breakfast (lovely banana cake) ... What else can one ask for? And I was in a standard room. I can't imagine what an Executive Deluxe room could offer the guest. The decor was actually quite modern and made you feel at home.

Staff? Well, if you know Thai people, you will know that they are wellknown for their kindness and willing to help all the time.

Negative things? Well, from the street, you needed to get a lift to the 7th floor to get to the Hall and then, another lift to get to rooms. Also, Internet connection was not free... You would expect that for that amount of money, it could be inclusive.

The Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok
259 Sukhumvit
Bangkok
Thailand
Phone: +66 2207 8000

HOTEL CORINTHIA, IN LISBON

The Corinthia Lisboa Hotel is a luxurious 5-star hotel. Staff is always friendly and helpful, even more if you mutter a couple of Portuguese words. The rooms, in my experience, are spacious and had a comfortable bed. As you can see from the picture, I got lost in such a big bed. (It was actually two beds put together, so... if I ended up in the middle, which usually happened, I could feel the borders of both beds. Still, moving to one side, it was a perfect bed. Also, a selection of pillows to adapt more to your needs was appreciated.

The breakfast, for me, is essential. And The Corinthia can boast to be one that has a wide range of food to offer. Fruit, cereals, cold meat, cheese, dry fruits, pastry, juices (that could improve, certainly) kitchen to have fresh fried eggs, omelettes, crêpes... you name it, and it's bound to be on offer. It even has a corner for those who look after their shape, with "light" products.

Some people say it is far away from the centre. True. It is not central, but, in my case, I need to be close to the motorway as I am going there for business and need to get out of the city fast. The ring road is barely 5 minutes away. If you do want to go to the city centre, you can always get the underground, which is just 100mts away, and it takes you directly to the Chiado. Lisbon International Airport is just 7 Km from the Corinthia, which is also another good point if you are flying back home.

There are 518 guestrooms, including double, single, twin, executive double, Club room, Executive Superior and suite.

But I also have to say that I am not very happy with the cost of the car park. The surrounding area is rather difficult to park, as there isn't much space for parking: 18 Euro per night. Also, the cost of internet connection in your room: another 18 Euro. Apparently in the hall, it is free of charge, but if you need to do some work, get some papers and so, the place is not prepared for that, therefore, I prefer to do it in the room. It is a 5 star hotel and, as such, extra services have 5 star price too, which, in my opinion, are not acceptable.
Nevertheless, it is a highly recommended hotel.

CORINTHIA HOTEL LISBON
Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, nº 105,


Lisbon 1099-031,


PORTUGAL

T: +351 21 7236363


F: +351 21 7236364


E: lisboa@corinthia.pt

SOFITEL CITY CENTRE DUBAI

Sofitel is a good hotel. When you stay over in one, you are staying in all, as they all have the same features. However, the Sofitel hotel in Dubai is in deep need for renovation. Its 361 rooms are old, and the typical Arab lack of maintenance shows that many years have passed since it was refurbished. It clearly gets away from the idea of a 5 star hotel, making it more like a 4 star one.

The hotel location is excellent. Only 10min from airport, and offers a free shuttle bus service. Once you finish work, the hotel offers you bars and restaurants, but the best thing is that is attached to the City Centre Shopping Mall, were you can walk, shop, eat, drink, watch a movie... You don't even need to go into the City centre in Dubai...

The rooms are reasonably big. The beds look clean and are comfortable. For some reason, I really felt good in the bed. At night, when you return to your room, your curtains are drawn for you, the bed open, and a little chocolate (extremely good, I have to say) waiting for you by the bed.

The bathroom offers a kit that is welcome, as well as two bottles of complementary water. Avoid the EVIAN, which you have to pay for...

Breakfast is good... for the first day. Then... it is very repetitive. I was expecting a little bit more. There was no fresh fruit. Only fruit out of a tin. Bakery was ok... but the best was the possibility to get a couple of fried eggs or an omelette... How many omelettes can you eat in a few days? Service was a bit slow, but pleasant.

My rate included free internet connection, which allowed me to keep up with the office.

The bellboys were rather slow, careless, distracted, and not that helpful... but their managers weren't either. It was a nightmare to get a taxi unless one came to unload... This is a general problem in Dubai, but a little bit of interest from the bellboys would have improved things.

My flight was an evening one (I think they normally are... Who flies from Dubai in the morning?) and I got an extension until 4pm to do the checkout, something I am really grateful about.

SOFITEL CITY CENTRE
Hotel contact details
Near City Centre Shopping Mall,
Deira, DUBAI,
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Tel +971 4294 1222
reservation@citycentrehotel.ae

THE KING GEORGE PALACE IN ATHENS

Its full name is Classical King George Palace Deluxe. I hope I can be forgiven if I have forgotten any "surname".

This is a hotel, where you will feel like a movie star. The location is fantastic... Syntagma Square, where every hour, you have the famous change of the guards. It is also the place where everyone meets each other... and also, the place where the strikes take place... After all, Syntagma Square (Constitution Sq.) is where the Government is placed.

It is within short walking distance from the touristic and traditional Plaka district, where you will find a huge amount of restaurants and tavernas, where you will enjoy local food.

The hotel itself is rather classical in decoration. I always prefer a much modern looking one, but this is just a matter of taste. Like Louis XIV, you walk along the extremely baroque decorated corridors until you reach your equally furnished bedroom. As you can see from the picture, I am not exaggerating. Its all frills there. (I have to say I was not welcome with a bouquet of roses... I think I should have complained, hehehe).

Rooms tend to be rather small too. You would expect that a 5 star hotel at the high rates they charge would offer you a bigger room. At least, mine was very small. The bathroom is fully equipped with soaps and other accessories from a well known brand. I even like the smell of the soap... (Sometimes you find hotels with awfully smelly soaps).

But, something that you will never forget is breakfast. It is served in the terrace on top of the hotel. There are waiters coming in an out, to offer you coffee and juices. The rest is self-service. Between bite and bite you can stare at the Acropolis and the Parthenon in particular that is ... just there. In front of you... LOOKING at you. I fell in love with the place. Outstanding...

Service was always very attentive, offering you whatever you needed. Something you really appreciate.



THE CLASSICAL KING GEORGE PALACE DELUXE

3 Vasileos Georgiou (Syntagma Square)
Athens 10564, Greece

Tel: +30 2810 300330
Fax: +30 2810 220785