Calypso Home

The hotel was spotless, and I have no hygiene complaints. The staff were wonderful, especially three kind, professional women who looked after us with real warmth. I didn’t get the Wi-Fi password, though, and I don’t know why. I didn’t really try the food, so there’s nothing remarkable to say about it. My main disappointment was the location. I thought the hotel was in central Oran, or at least close by, but I’d made a mistake: it’s in Ain Turk. The high online rating had persuaded me, and I was let down. Ain Turk is about 30 minutes by taxi from downtown Oran. Getting back in the evening was difficult, with overcrowded taxi lines. Twice, I saw people fighting and was roughly pushed while trying to get onto a Toyota Coaster/Taxi. Ain Turk is a coastal town with a somewhat acceptable natural setting, but I found it unappealing compared with places like Jijel or Skikda. It was shocking to see street prostitution around the hotel, especially by the nearby roundabout. It didn’t feel family-friendly. My ratings: overall 3.5/5, cleanliness 5/5, food not really tried, staff 6/5, location -1/5.

There’s no elevator, and getting to the hotel means passing through the restaurant. Still, it’s good value if you’re spending time in Oran, with excellent service and breakfast.

The staff made us feel like family, and the receptionist helped us feel safe and protected. The chef made the best pasta I’ve ever had. They also helped us sort out taxis, get SIM cards, and exchange currency, which made our first visit to Algeria easy to manage. This welcoming little hotel is about 35 minutes from central Oran. It felt like a six-star resort to us, with lovely food, views, and a great atmosphere. I highly recommend it and hope to be back as soon as I can.

The rooms are spacious and clean, with balconies and air conditioning. Breakfast is generous, too, and the staff are exceptionally kind. Manel, whose name I hope I’ve spelled correctly, helped me plan how to get there before I arrived and arranged everything during my stay. It’s a short bus ride from Oran, and well worth it. I’d highly recommend the place.