Hotel Europa

Breakfast was all pre-made and served in plastic, and the orange juice wasn’t even juice. The dining room reminded me of an East German restaurant in DDR times. At the counter the service was horrible, unfriendly and uncooperative. Our bed was broken, the cupboard had been kicked in, and there were signs of a break-in on the door post. The shower head was covered in mold, and there were LED lights. We had a bad place in Bali once, but this one topped it. Worst hotel I’ve stayed in for years. Never going back.

The room was dirty, and I don’t think the bedsheets had been changed. From the moment I walked into reception, it was clear the hotel was very old and didn’t meet basic accommodation standards. I didn’t risk using the pool. At 70 euros for a double room, it’s far too expensive for what’s offered. I’d pay 20 euros at most.

The receptionist was rude and abrupt, and the room was absolutely filthy, probably not cleaned since it was decorated in 1980. My bed stank of urine all night, making it hard to sleep, and the noisy air conditioning leaked water onto it. I travel extensively, and this wins the prize for the ugliest, dirtiest hotel I’ve stayed in. 0/10. There are nicer hotels in Gaza.

The room could really use a deep clean or refurbishment. I was badly bitten by something during the night. Still, it was fantastic value and the hotel felt safe and pleasant. The staff were great, and breakfast was good. The bar and restaurant areas were good too.