Samaa Hotel

This hotel is frequently chosen for its spacious rooms and a central location that offers excellent access to public transport and key city attractions, making it a suitable choice for both business travelers attending events at Romexpo and sightseers exploring areas like Herăstrău Park. Guests often highlight the generally friendly and helpful staff as a significant positive aspect of their stay. While the hotel offers good value for money for some, others note that the property shows signs of age and could benefit from renovation. To ensure a more comfortable stay, guests are advised to request a room not facing the street to minimize tram noise and to be aware that private parking is not available, requiring reliance on street parking.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of amenities, though some aspects receive mixed feedback. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, which is generally functional, but some guests reported older units or issues with heating. While televisions are present, some are not smart TVs, and remotes can be broken or non-functional. Guests appreciate the presence of a kettle and fridge/minibar in the rooms. The elevators are frequently mentioned, with some guests describing them as slow, noisy, or even "scary" due to abrupt movements. Many rooms feature a terrace or balcony, which guests find spacious, though some noted these areas could be cleaner.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests find the rooms clean and the beds comfortable, with some describing them as "extremely comfortable." However, a significant number of reviews mention issues such as dust, stained sheets, dirty carpets, and unpleasant smells in the rooms, including a persistent "chewing gum" scent, mold, or sewage odors from bathrooms. Some guests reported finding cockroaches and noted that bathrooms were not always thoroughly cleaned. Noise is a recurring concern, particularly from the tram line outside, which can be heard from early morning, potentially disturbing light sleepers. Additionally, some beds and mattresses are described as worn or broken.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service garners highly mixed reviews. While some guests describe it as varied and good, with fresh scrambled eggs, many others express disappointment. Common complaints include a limited selection, cold food (such as omelettes), a lack of serving utensils, and items that appeared or tasted spoiled, including cheese, vegetables, and pastry with visible mold. Despite these issues, some guests specifically praised the coffee served at breakfast. The overall sentiment suggests that while the breakfast is included, its quality and consistency can be a significant drawback for many visitors, with some finding it to be of very poor quality.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests appreciate its superb positioning with easy access to various points of interest, including Herăstrău Park, Arcul de Triumf, and the Romexpo exhibition area. Its proximity to public transportation, such as tram and bus stops, and the 1 Mai metro station, makes navigating the city convenient. However, a significant drawback for many guests is the lack of private parking. Visitors are often advised to find street parking, which can be challenging and requires searching for available spots, leading to frustration for those traveling by car.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and politeness. Guests frequently commend the reception staff for their professional and accommodating demeanor, often going out of their way to assist with requests. The breakfast staff are also noted for their amiability and attentiveness. While most interactions are positive, some guests experienced issues with housekeeping, including rooms not being cleaned daily, staff entering rooms without waiting for permission, or doors being left open after cleaning. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment regarding the hotel's personnel is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting their commitment to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel is frequently described as an older property that is in need of renovation to update its design and amenities, as its age is evident in the wear and tear of furniture and fixtures. A notable recurring issue for some guests has been the lack of hot water, with reports of no hot water for extended periods, which significantly impacted their stay. Guests should also be aware that there are typically no phones in the rooms to directly contact the reception, which can be inconvenient for urgent requests. Despite these points, many guests still consider the hotel to offer good value for the price paid, especially given its advantageous location.