Makedonia Palace Hotel

The location by the waterfront is great, and so are the people working in reception, outside, and in the kitchen. The building itself feels dated, though, and it’s nowhere near a top hotel in Europe. One thing that caught me off guard was being charged extra for takeaway coffee even though I’d paid for breakfast and hadn’t used it. There are plenty of nearby cafes where the takeaway coffee is better and cheaper, so I wouldn’t bother getting it here.

Breakfast was the weak point for me. The room where it’s served is spacious and lovely, but there isn’t much choice, and you pay extra for things like omelettes, eggs Benedict, and even a cappuccino. After paying for breakfast already, that was a real letdown at a hotel in this price range that presents itself as luxurious. The hotel is beautifully located and feels prestigious, and the rooms are generally in immaculate shape. The carpets are noticeably worn, though.

Dinner was a real treat. The whole team, from the servers to the chef, did better than we expected, and the food was expertly prepared and full of flavor. The room had a wonderful view and first-class accommodations, and the staff were pleasant and professional. It doesn’t get better than that.

I arrived tired and just wanted to unwind, but the shower drain was completely blocked and water flooded the bathroom. I complained, and they offered a room they said was at the same level, though the offer felt almost ridiculous since I’d have to unpack and repack. That room should never have been sold with such a serious drainage problem. Management gave only a dry, scripted apology and made no effort to compensate me for the inconvenience, despite knowing the room had a problem. I also mentioned that I’d had issues with the amenities during my visit the previous year, but they didn’t acknowledge that at all. This isn’t the service I’d expect from a historic hotel, which is a shame. Management doesn’t seem to know how to run it.