Hotel Excelsior

This hotel is primarily noted for its direct beach access, making it a convenient choice for beachgoers and families seeking proximity to the sea. While many guests appreciate the generally kind and helpful staff, the property itself is frequently described as dated and in need of significant renovation, with some areas appearing dilapidated. Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, and dining experiences, particularly for lunch and dinner, often fall short of expectations. Despite these concerns, the hotel's location and the included beach service are consistent highlights, appealing to budget travelers who prioritize these aspects. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to manage their expectations regarding the hotel's age and inquire about the functionality of in-room amenities upon arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities receive mixed reviews, with many guests noting their age and condition. While Wi-Fi is generally reported to have a good signal, and an in-room safe is available, common complaints include non-functional mini-fridges and old, noisy air conditioning units that may not always be operational or have broken controls. The elevators are often described as slow, small, or unreliable. Some rooms feature balconies, but these are frequently reported as dirty, sometimes covered in bird guano, or too small to be practical. Guests have also experienced issues with power outages, leading to temporary loss of electricity in rooms, and some report problems with water pressure or even yellow water from taps.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Cleanliness and room comfort are areas of significant inconsistency. While some guests find their rooms to be clean and well-maintained, many others report issues such as dirty bathrooms, the presence of mold, smelly shower curtains, and stained or burned bedspreads. The overall condition of the rooms is often described as dated, with worn-out furniture, cracked walls, and broken fixtures. A recurring complaint is the absence of a bidet in many bathrooms, which are often noted as being very small. Bed comfort is a frequent concern, with numerous guests describing mattresses as uncomfortable, concave, or sinking, and pillows as too thin. Furthermore, noise levels are a major issue due to thin walls, allowing sounds from adjacent rooms and corridors to be easily heard, disturbing guests' rest.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is notably varied, with breakfast generally receiving more positive comments than lunch or dinner. Breakfast is often described as varied and abundant, featuring a range of options, though hot beverages are typically dispensed from automatic machines, which some find unsatisfactory or prone to long queues. Conversely, lunch and dinner often draw strong criticism. Many guests describe the restaurant food as resembling "canteen food," with complaints about poor quality ingredients, repetitive dishes (especially pasta with sauce), and a lack of variety. Some report food being served cold or overly salty, and specific dishes like fish are sometimes deemed not fresh.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage, placing it directly front of the seafront and just a few steps from the beach. This proximity is highly valued, especially with the inclusion of umbrella, deckchairs, and sunbed service at the affiliated beach. The hotel is also conveniently located near a bus station, providing easy access to public transport for reaching other parts of the city. While the immediate area is generally considered safe, some guests have noted that the surrounding vicinity can be frequented by "night workers" in the evenings, which some families found less appropriate. Parking is available, often free, but can be limited or incur an additional charge.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for their kindness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Guests frequently highlight the friendly staff at the reception, who are often described as professional and efficient during check-in. The cleaning staff are also commended for their pleasant demeanor, though some guests report issues with their responsiveness to specific requests like balcony cleaning, or noise during morning cleaning routines. The restaurant staff are often noted for their efforts to accommodate guests and provide good service. While some guests found the animation team to be engaging, particularly with children, others felt the animation was absent or disappointing. Despite the overall positive sentiment towards the staff, some reviews indicate a lack of effective resolution for recurring issues like non-functional room amenities or heating problems.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several specific aspects that may impact their stay. The hotel has faced issues with ant infestations in rooms, which, in one instance, led to a guest needing to find alternative accommodation and experiencing difficulties with a refund. During colder months, there have been significant complaints about the heating system, with reports of cold rooms and boilers being turned off at night, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. The hotel generally has a pet-friendly policy, though a supplement may apply. It is also important to note that beach access on the departure day is typically not included and may require an additional payment.