Torre Sofitel

What made our stay especially pleasant was the staff. They were always smiling, attentive, and helpful. The room was attractive and comfortable for the three days we were there, though some maintenance is starting to show: the shower drains more slowly than the water comes out, so you end up standing in a puddle. A gym would be a welcome addition. Breakfast had plenty of variety and was good quality. The afternoon coffee shop is basic, but the staff there were excellent and handy for a quick coffee when we arrived. The hotel restaurant was busy and the service was very good, but we only ate there once and didn't like our order, trout full of bones. We didn't try anything else. Booking before 7 p.m. gets you a 10% discount. The bus terminal is just a block away, with several places to eat or have tea within a few blocks. The city center and the pleasant stretch of riverfront promenade are each about ten blocks away. The garage is convenient, though reaching any floor above ground means using the car elevator. You can leave the car on the street, or on the access ramp if there's room.

The reception staff were the best part of our stay, and we had a good time overall. But some of the hotel's quirks would test my patience over several days. I can't picture staying there for a week. The biggest issue is the layout between floors. To reach the 18th floor from the ground floor, you have to take one elevator to the second floor, walk to another elevator at the back, then ride up to the bedroom floors. That means crossing the dining room with all your things. At checkout during peak season, the elevators were also a nightmare. I waited 17 minutes on the 18th floor pressing the button, and neither of the two elevators showed up. The rooms have drywall throughout, apart from the exterior concrete walls. Two separate rooms are squeezed into one space and divided by an interior door. You can hear the people next door talking, and they can hear you. You can even see through the keyhole. I don't know what they had in mind with that design. The place really earns the nickname Kings of Drywall. Breakfast feels like what you'd expect from a 3-star hotel. During peak season, when the dining room was packed, just one person was assigned to refill everything. She was rude, though I don't blame her because she was completely overwhelmed. There is a pool, but no spa or sauna, and no bathrobes or slippers. They just give you an extra towel, so bring your own clothes. The parking garage could have been underground, but instead you take the car up to the first floor in a lift. It's not a huge problem, just odd for a new hotel that could have been built a bit better. It's the best 3-star hotel you'll find, but it doesn't quite live up to four stars. The reception staff are excellent, though attention to detail clearly isn't Amerian's strength.

The pools and views were fantastic, and the whole hotel felt luxurious. Its location is excellent, right across from the shopping center. The trouble was arriving with two large, heavy suitcases as a family and getting no help with them. Nobody even opened the door, and there wasn't a luggage cart.

I was really disappointed. I thought this was a 4-star hotel, but all the pool chairs were broken. There were only three receptionists, and not one of them was friendly. They wouldn't even open the door when I couldn't get in. Spend the same money at another 4-star hotel.