Baku Palace Hotel

The room was old and literally rotten. The hotel photos are outdated and don’t reflect what you actually get. I booked because of a previous review and its listing in Lonely Travel guide, but the quality wasn’t there. I reserved a deluxe room, yet when I arrived they tried to put me in a family room because the hotel was full, asking for cash in return. I had no cash and explained that I’d booked by card. After a long negotiation, they gave me the room. Then, after two days, they asked me to move to another room. I refused and said I was going to call the police and booking. I have more photos, but the app only lets me post four.

The staff were friendly and easy to deal with, and the hotel was very clean. You do need to ask for room cleaning each day, though, or they won’t do it. One of the rooms we booked smelled a bit. Bring tissues, shampoo, soap, and a toothbrush, since those aren’t provided. There’s no water or coffee at the hotel or nearby, especially if you get up early. The closest cafe is a one minute walk, but it opens late, around 9:00 am, so bring enough coffee. The location is excellent, just a three minute walk from all the tourist spots, and I’d give the value for money five stars too. Worth booking for a few days in Baku.

The hotel was unclean, and the reception was very bad. The receptionist laughed with us at first, but the problems started after we checked in. The towels were dirty, and we found hair everywhere. When I asked for something simple, just a towel, they got bored and annoyed. I also paid more than I should have because they had no change and refused to return the difference. I’d advise people not to stay here. There are many better hotels for the same price, with better treatment of guests.

The location was perfect for exploring Baku on foot, and Mr. Ceyhun was kind and friendly to talk to. The old hotel has a nice historic feel, and there was Wi-Fi on every floor. I stayed for three nights. The airport transfer was supposed to take me to the hotel, but I couldn’t find anyone when I arrived, so I took a taxi. At the hotel, they asked in an unpleasant way why I hadn’t taken the transfer. I didn’t have internet until I got the Wi-Fi password, and then I saw that the young guy from the hotel, whose name I’m not sure of, had called me over ten times on WhatsApp and sent several messages like “???” He was very rude.