Caspian Riviera Grand Palace

I had a really pleasant stay, and I’m very grateful for the hospitality. I’ll be sure to leave a review.

The hotel itself looks nice, but the service was more like a 2 or 3 star place, based on my experience at many 5 star hotels. Reception gave me almost no information, and I had to keep pressing for answers. Nobody explained the aquarium, restaurant options, how to get to the sea, where breakfast was, when it was served, or whether the fitness centre was available. Inside, none of the cubicle door locks in the men’s toilet on the gym level worked. The ground-floor toilets were filthy, with tissues and other rubbish on the floor. Outside by the sea, the facilities looked old and tired. Even a simple paint job would help, and the tennis court is basically nonexistent and needs refurbishment. Maybe they have no money for improvements, maybe they’re saving money, or maybe they just aren’t thinking about it. I’m leaving an honest review so the hotel can improve and others can know what to expect.

There’s constant noise coming through the poorly soundproofed room walls. The breakfast area is basic, although the sea view is nice, and the restaurant always smells of cooking oil. Around the hotel, some areas look worn, the floors are dirty, outlets are loose, and there’s a shortage of equipment and supplies. They didn’t even have an iron, which I’d expect at a five star hotel. The service and value for money were disappointing. The front desk was understaffed, staff didn’t speak English well, and they often seemed clueless. Tasks weren’t properly handed over between shifts, promises to guests went unfulfilled, and guests had to email the hotel themselves to follow up. With service like that and facilities that don’t meet five star standards, I wouldn’t choose this for a vacation or even a business trip.

Good breakfast, and the hotel is well located on the shore of the Caspian Sea.