Lion Hotel

It's cheap, but I wouldn't say it's worth it. The hotel is at least a 30-minute drive from the main sights, and nobody speaks English. Everyone assumed we spoke Russian. Our room had a strong, unpleasant smell, as if it hadn't been occupied for a long time. There were lots of hairs on the sheets, which felt like plastic and gave us static shocks. The breakfast was more like a snack than a proper meal. I'd book somewhere else.

The restaurant staff weren't welcoming or friendly, but what happened at breakfast was much worse. I asked a young Russian waitress, who looked under 25, for toast with butter. I said “Toast with Maslom” in Russian. She didn't hear me properly, so I repeated “MASLA,” and she immediately corrected me: “MASLO (NOT MASLA).” I told her my Russian isn't good and I'd forgotten the word, and that I wasn't obliged to know it. I could have made a huge scene, but I wasn't alone, so I held back from putting her in her place. I complained at reception. One of them said they'd speak to her, but I don't know if anyone did. That waitress was rude and disgusting.

I chose this hotel because of its rankings, but it was filthy. The carpets covered the whole place, yet I never saw anyone vacuum them. Old guests' hairs and dirt were easy to spot on the carpet. The bathroom wasn't even cleaned, and given the terrible smell, I doubt they replace the sheets and pillows either.

We booked this hotel hoping to relax by the pool, but then found out it costs extra, and it's only open until 18:00. BOOKING.COM DOES NOT SAY THE SAUNA AND POOL HAVE AN EXTRA FEE! This feels like a scam!