SJ Grand Hotel

This hotel is recognized for its rooftop pool offering exceptional city views, a signature feature that attracts many guests seeking a relaxing escape. Its spacious rooms and comfortable accommodations are frequently highlighted, making it a suitable choice for business travelers who appreciate good Wi-Fi and a quiet environment for work. While the hotel aims to provide a comfortable stay, some aspects of service and facility maintenance receive mixed feedback. For those planning a visit, it is advisable to confirm the operational status of specific amenities like the pool and air conditioning prior to arrival, and to be prepared for a potentially confusing hotel entrance and elevator system.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features a rooftop pool that is often praised for its beautiful views and tranquil atmosphere, though many guests report it is frequently cold, dirty, or out of service, with the jacuzzi often non-functional. The gym is available, but some visitors note a lack of maintenance, with certain treadmills not working and no water or towels provided. While Wi-Fi is generally reliable and fast, the elevators can be slow, confusing to navigate (requiring multiple transfers), and occasionally have unpleasant odors. Essential in-room amenities like refrigerators, safes, and irons are frequently reported as missing or non-functional, despite being advertised. Additionally, ice machines are often out of order, causing inconvenience for guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, with many appreciating the modern decor and excellent city views from higher floors. The beds are consistently praised for their comfort, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some reviews mention issues such as dirty carpets, unclean showers, or a persistent sewage smell in the bathroom. While coffee makers are provided, their cleanliness can be inconsistent. Air conditioning is a recurring concern, with reports of it being noisy, inconsistent in temperature control, unable to adjust below certain levels, or completely non-functional. Guests also note issues with towels not being adequately supplied or replaced, and some experience significant noise levels from parties or clubs, impacting their sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on the hotel's dining options is quite varied. The breakfast is frequently described as basic and limited, with some guests finding the food quality, such as frozen fruit, salty eggs, or artificial juice, to be disappointing. There is often confusion regarding whether breakfast is included in the room rate. The restaurant itself receives mixed reviews for food quality, with some finding it delicious while others report menu items being unavailable and service being slow. Room service is also noted for its slow delivery and additional fees, with some guests experiencing missing items or limited options. The bar selection is sometimes criticized for being sparse, and the rooftop bar is often not operational, requiring guests to order from the main restaurant.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a significant advantage for many guests, particularly those on business trips, as it offers convenient access to nearby shopping malls and various restaurants. It is situated close to public transportation, including a metro bus route that provides easy access to major venues. However, some guests find the immediate surroundings less walkable for tourist attractions, suggesting the need for a car or ride-sharing services. Parking is available and free, but its entrance is described as tight and potentially dangerous, and the area is shared with a plaza, lacking dedicated security. The hotel's main entrance can be confusing to locate and navigate, often requiring guests to use multiple elevators to reach the lobby.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff receives highly mixed reviews, with many guests commending their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness, particularly highlighting positive interactions with restaurant personnel. However, there are significant and frequent complaints regarding the reception staff, who are often described as rude, unhelpful, and unresponsive to guest concerns, leading to long waits during check-in and issues with key card reactivation. Housekeeping service is inconsistent, with some guests praising cleanliness while others report rooms not being properly serviced, towels not being replaced, or attempts to charge for dirty linens. Overall, guests express frustration with the lack of follow-up from management on reported issues, including non-functional amenities and billing discrepancies.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel's advertised shuttle service is frequently unavailable due to a lack of drivers, despite being a promised amenity. The provision of water bottles in rooms is inconsistent, often limited to a single small bottle, with additional bottles being expensive to purchase. The pool area has a strict policy prohibiting outside food and drinks, even for personal water bottles. Some guests have experienced issues with rooms not being ready at the scheduled check-in time, leading to prolonged waits. There are recurring reports of billing discrepancies, including being charged twice or the full amount upfront, with refunds taking an extended period. Furthermore, some guests have noted persistent unpleasant odors, described as sewage or wet towel smells, in the lobby, elevators, and certain rooms.