Lamaraz Arts Hotel

The staff were very friendly and tried their best to help. Breakfast was included, so I got to try Algerian food, though the internet was poor, much like elsewhere in the country. The hotel seemed to be run by the government, and at times it felt like they weren't quite sure what they were doing. I told them my shower head was missing, but they didn't resolve it, possibly because they couldn't find one. Several fixtures, including the towel rack, were loose and worn. The bathtub's Jacuzzi jets were rusty, and when it switched on, I couldn't turn it off. Showering felt like being sprayed by a garden hose, with those little floor fountains hitting my legs. I think they did try their best, especially with tourism only recently opening up in the country. Still, despite the room looking modern, it felt as if it was built with subpar made in China materials, and that didn't justify the nightly price. The location is also far from Algiers city centre. Three stars for the staff, but those room problems cost it two.

The views across the Bay of Algiers from the rooms and restaurant made the stay especially memorable. Waking up and having meals with that panorama was refreshing. The whole property had a lovely atmosphere, with charm and uplifting energy in every corner, mashallah. Staff were welcoming, warm, and attentive, which made the experience feel personal. I highly recommend Lamaraz Hotel for comfort, great service, and its remarkable ambiance.

The staff were understanding and did what they could to help, but after a point the problems were beyond their control. I was there for almost a week on a business booking, and it was an uncomfortable, bad experience. The food was the only part that felt okay for the price. Internet kept disconnecting in the rooms, even after I changed rooms twice. The furniture and room cleanliness were okay, but the towels and other changeables weren't. Every towel had light brown stains, which was gross and frustrating. The bed pillows smelled like an old house basement. I asked for everything to be changed, but the replacement towels were stained too, as if something had been spilled on them and the wash hadn't removed it. That's completely unacceptable in a four-star hotel. One shower had nowhere to put gel or shampoo, and a broken bathroom window on the first floor, beside the road, wouldn't close fully, letting all the road noise into the room. The air conditioner kept showing an error. They came twice to fix it, but it still had the same problem. The rooms might be okay for one or two nights, but not for a longer stay.

The breakfast buffet was generous and tasty, and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. The hotel itself is spectacular and a very good choice in Algiers. I stayed for maybe 4 or 5 nights in June 2024 without a reservation. The young man at reception found me a room three times in a row and was very polite and welcoming.