Khazar Palace Hotel & Restaurant

This place falls well short of a five-star standard. The rooms were dirty, there was a constant damp smell throughout the property, the window handles were broken, and the Wi-Fi didn’t work.

We had a great family holiday here, and this was my second visit. It’s a cosy, quiet place with amazing service, a nice restaurant, and live music on weekends. The sauna and covered pool were great too. It’s also near sights and important suburbs in the region.

The staff are still doing their best, and the administrator quickly moved us when our first room smelled strongly of cigarette smoke. The replacement was fine despite a small issue with the curtains and window. We enjoyed walking outside, swimming, and having tea on the terrace when it was quiet on a working day. But on the public holiday and weekend, wedding music was still blaring at 11:30 at night, and I was trying to figure out how to sleep through it. Things and places change, I guess.

There’s plenty to do here, from bowling, the gym, indoor and outdoor pools, a Turkish bath and sauna to a football field and barbecue. There’s also a children’s park, so it works for a family trip. The hotel is well located near the sea and not too far from the mountains, with its own parking. Rooms are clean, service is excellent, and the staff are helpful. Breakfast is delicious, and there are restaurants both inside and outside. The chef makes excellent barbecue and local dishes. I recommend a visit.