SLAVIA

Breakfast was the letdown. Most of the food had run out an hour before it was supposed to end, apparently because a large tourist group arrived all at once and the kitchen wasn't ready for so many diners. The hotel itself is very central, with big, clean, comfortable bedrooms in a building about 120 years old. It could use an update, though the rates are very reasonable for a city-centre stay.

The reception team were friendly, the room was clean, and check-in and checkout went smoothly. And somehow I still like this place, despite how much needs attention. The rooms are huge, the ceilings wonderfully high, and the building's history is right there in the marble stairwell and iron railings. Ancient telephones and cheap curtains hint at its socialist past. Much else feels like a budget renovation from 20 years ago, followed by years of limited spending and little care for the overall effect. The breakfast was the worst I've had at a hotel calling itself four-star. The bread rolls were stale, though the sliced bread was fine. Butter was tucked in among supermarket spreads, sliced cheese, and ham. I glanced at the eggs and quickly looked away. The orange juice tasted mostly like water with a little juice added. Staff spent more time joking among themselves than serving guests. Breakfast needs a complete overhaul, and the staff need training and supervision. The bathroom fittings are so dated they're almost funny. I'm tall, and for my morning shower I had to sit in the bath because the shower is fixed at chest height. There's no air conditioning, and the solid furniture is old-fashioned. The armchair could be from a pleasant care home. The telephone is hilarious, too. There's also a door connecting to the next room, and I could hear the neighbours through it. The hotel badly needs a proper refurbishment. I don't know why it's rated four-star; it isn't. Still, I like those big, clean rooms and the incredible ceilings. It's bad, but I like it.

We paid about 80€ for a double room, which felt fair for a place right in the centre. The staff were very helpful, and the hotel has a very good restaurant. Breakfast was decent, though it took a little while for food to be refilled. It's an old building that's been fully renovated. The location is great for the town centre, but parking could be difficult if you're arriving by car.

Breakfast was basic, but everything was fresh and tasty. The location is excellent, right in the city centre, and from my fourth-floor room a small window gave me a lovely view over the city. The room was spacious and the linens very clean. It does feel dated, with a tiny old TV, a simple minibar in the fridge, and not many power sockets near the beds.