Helena Guest House

We accidentally booked the previous night and only realized when we arrived. The homestay was empty, and although we’d paid for that night, the manager wouldn’t change our dates. I could understand if it had been full, but it wasn’t. He said our booked room wasn’t available and called the room we were given “superior” because it had a chair and desk, though both were awful. There was a cockroach in the room too, which he also seemed to have left out. I wouldn’t recommend this place.

For three days we barely slept because of a loud noise outside bedroom number 10. There’s some kind of generator or similar on the small terrace, and it runs for about 30 seconds every couple of minutes. I guess this was a one-off, since I haven’t seen other reviews mention it, but it was a very unpleasant stay. We tried asking reception for help, using Google Translate because the staff barely spoke English. The man said we couldn’t move since that was the room we’d reserved. We’d already tried to extend through the app we originally used but couldn’t, so we booked another room for our last day. Even then, they wouldn’t let us check in early or find a solution. Other rooms looked empty from the corridor, with their curtains open, so I don’t understand why we couldn’t switch. I can’t understand such a lack of interest in guests’ well-being or even an attempt to help.

The staff were good and friendly, and my first visit was great. The second stay in a different room was a bit rough: the toilet sometimes made a coughing noise, the sprayer didn’t work, and the AC occasionally dripped onto my bag and got it wet. The bed was dusty too.

The neighborhood is lovely for quiet strolls, and the staff were friendly and helpful. In the room, there was plenty of space for belongings, the bed had clean cotton sheets, and both the room and spacious bathroom were clean.