Hotel La Solitude

The bathroom really needs something to keep shower water from splashing everywhere. The food was good, though very repetitive, and the staff were helpful. The air conditioning didn't work at first, but a determined maintenance man got it fixed. My family and I had a good stay, and we'd come back.

The rooftop pool was one of the main reasons we chose Hotel Solitude, so it was a big letdown. It was hot and muggy in the pool area, the water didn't look clean, there were no cushions on the loungers, and the whole place seemed neglected. Housekeeping also skipped our room one day. When we called, they said they couldn't come and we'd have to wait until the following day. That's not the service I'd expect from any hotel, especially one claiming four stars. At night, the front doors are barricaded “for safety,” which feels more unsettling than reassuring. The location is a strong point: the Basilica and Grotto are about a five-minute walk away, and there's a great South Indian restaurant across the bridge. Getting there by car is awkward, though, since the hotel sits on a small side street off the main road. The updated lobby gives a good first impression, but that fades once you're past it. The hall carpets are visibly dirty and worn, and our room felt dated and poorly maintained. There were holes in the wall from an old fixture, a broken door hinge, and tired decor. The shower had only foaming hand soap, the thin, rough towels smelled mildewy, and the tub drained badly. The toilet paper holder looked like it belonged in a gas station restroom, with paper that was one-ply at best. There was no complimentary water, the refrigerator didn't cool, and neither did the air conditioning. For coffee, there was just a kettle and instant powder, and our mugs had visible stains inside. We expected a comfortable four-star stay based on the online photos and amenities. For the price and rating, the cleanliness, upkeep, facilities, and service all fell short of even a mid-range property.

We booked a triple room for two of us to have a little extra space, for only a small increase in price. It came with a balcony and a perfect view of the river and the Fort. There were five lifts, and whenever we needed one, at least one was available. We booked without meals, so I can't comment on the food. There was only heating, so we turned off the air conditioning and opened the windows. That was nice.

The river view was nice, and the hotel is close to the Sanctuary. It's in an old but nicely renovated building, with elevators. The sloped side street is narrow, so moving a big suitcase was a challenge. There's no air conditioning, as with some European hotels, and you shouldn't expect too much. The bathroom was easy to access for people with mobility challenges. Breakfast and dinner had very limited choices.