Osten Art Hotel

The rooms were comfortable, and using a password to get in instead of a key was convenient. The location is central, and everything was perfect for us. Goran, the head manager, was kind, helpful and hospitable. I’d stay here again if I go to Scopje another time.

The location is the only good thing about this hotel. The staff’s attitude was a disaster, and the breakfast was terrible. We had an apartment for three people, and had confirmation that checkout was at 12:00. But when we came back from town at 11:00, our things had been cleared out of the room without our consent. The manager said he’d already rented it to someone else starting at 12:00, so they needed to clean it. The room cleanliness was also a problem. Breakfast was delivered to the room in a box at the exact same time each day. It was cold and never varied. I don’t recommend this hotel.

The common lounge on the sixth floor was bright and welcoming, with plenty of seating, and we could still use it after checkout. Since it was upstairs and accessed by a code, it felt more private and homey than a usual hotel lobby. Our king room was clean, the beds and pillows were comfortable, there was plenty of hot water and good shower pressure, and the room had a refrigerator, kettle, coffee and tea, cups, a couch and a table with chairs. Osten Art Hotel also made it easy to get around. Old Town was a pleasant 10-minute walk over the bridge, and the main bus station took about 25 minutes along the Vardar River. Restaurants, shops and monuments were just outside. We walked and used public transit, and found the location central, safe and accessible. Can was especially thoughtful. I asked about bus tickets, and though he wasn’t sure, he spent an hour of his own time finding the ticket office, downloading an app and buying tickets so he could give me useful information. That’s the kind of thing a brother would do. The family-run hotel felt polished, on a level with places like Marriott, Hilton and IHG. The rates were very affordable and the value was hard to beat. There are cheaper options, but to us saving a few euros isn’t worth discomfort, poor service or a bad location. We felt comfortable, safe, looked after and connected to the city. Next time we’re in Skopje, we’ll head straight back to Osten Art Hotel and happily recommend it to friends and family.

We had a very mixed stay. The location is great for walking to the main sights, the room was clean and spacious, and parking can be convenient if it’s sorted out properly. There was nobody at the front desk, which left us uneasy about security. Our room code was just an extension of the entrance code, so who knows whether someone might try the same pattern on another room. We’d said in our booking that we were driving and needed parking, but on arrival nobody was there to help. By phone, we were told we had no reservation for a space and should park on the street. The next morning, at 7:30, they tried to come into our room while we were asleep to get us to move the car. We later learned cars on that street tend to get wheel-clamped after 7:30. Thankfully ours didn’t, and we appreciate the concern, but trying to enter our room like that was…??? There’s a pub next door with live music every night. Think twice if you don’t sleep well with thumping bass and loud music. It went on late on Friday. The toilet has seen better days :’)