Hotel Queen Mary

The location was the one good thing. The place as a whole seemed neglected, with old, broken, or outdated things everywhere. Our double bed was just two singles pushed together, with a deep gap down the middle. The room smelled of smoke, and reception was musty. There was even a razor left in the shower by a previous guest, which made me wonder when it had last been cleaned. We didn't dare shower. It was manageable for one night when we were out most of the time.

For a small, dated hotel, it was better than I expected. The triple room was spacious, though the decor and materials were old. The location was fairly good, and the staff were friendly.

I enjoyed my stay and would recommend the place. It's on a very clean street, close to most things, and my room had a frigobar. I didn't have breakfast, but the coffee I ordered at reception was very good and cost 2 euros. The toilets are tiny, though very, very clean, and it takes a long time for hot water to reach the tap. Reception isn't open 24 hours, but they give you a key so you can return late.

The manager and staff were really friendly, and the hotel felt proper and welcoming. The rooms were big enough, with a historical feel to the building. It's on a quiet street within walking distance of the city center, which was nice at night. The reception service deserves special credit. I left my laptop accessories, including the mouse, behind, and the manager offered to bring them to me at the Atomium, 6 km from the hotel. Excellent stay, and I'd recommend it.