Brilant Antik Hotel

The rooms were much bigger and fancier than I expected at this price, and the place itself is beautiful. Everyone on staff was kind and extremely helpful. It's very central, though I’d give the location four stars because the immediate area isn't exactly pristine. That really shouldn't put you off, as it isn't especially bad and the hotel makes up for it.

This was meant to be my second stay. I booked directly through the hotel's website and got a confirmation email, but when I arrived at 17:30 they told me there was no room and sent me away, leaving me out on the street. Management didn't show up; everything was handled through an employee, and they seemed not to care at all. I own a travel agency, and I won't use this property again or recommend that anyone else use it.

I paid for a reservation through Booking.com and received an official confirmation. When I called the hotel with a quick question shortly afterward, they said they couldn't find my name and had no rooms available, and told us not to bother coming. At that very moment, Booking.com still showed rooms available. I contacted Booking.com right away. They tried to clarify things with the hotel, which ignored two deadlines, including a 24-hour ultimatum, then went silent. Booking.com eventually had to cancel the reservation. Even though the hotel caused the cancellation, it refused to refund me after a long exchange of text messages. On a follow-up call we got the manager, who was rude and insolent. He said he'd just landed for his vacation, accused US of lying, and flat-out said we wouldn't get a cent back. He promised to call again and never did. We kept pushing and gave Booking.com all the proof. Since Booking.com had clear evidence that the hotel ignored the deadlines, it refunded the full amount itself because the fault was entirely the hotel's. If it had been up to the hotel, I'd never have seen my money again. They tried to keep my money without providing a room. Don't book here, it's a scam and shows total disrespect for customers.

The place itself is great, though I didn't get the room I had booked. The TV didn't work, and when I asked for help, it wasn't fixed. Even so, I still think this is a great place.