Hotel Royal Palm Lodge

I booked two nights but left after one because bugs bit me and I couldn't sleep, I was so afraid of them. There were so many bed bugs. When I showed staff my injuries, they called it an allergy and wouldn't admit there were bed bugs, even though I'd seen them and been bitten. They also said they usually don't change bed covers unless a guest asks. The staff weren't friendly or helpful. Think carefully before staying here. I have never stayed in such a terrible hostel. If you respect yourself, don't stay.

My biggest complaint was losing the sleep I'd booked two nights for after a 15 hour flight. They woke me at 1pm because they'd paid for only one night at the hotel next door where they sent me, despite my clear request. I should have walked away at check-in, but I was too tired to think straight. There was also noisy renovation work early in the morning, audible even from the other hotel, though it may have been temporary. They often don't honor confirmed bookings, even prepaid guaranteed ones, if they have extensions or walk-ins. Arriving late may mean being sent next door without an upgrade or apology, or downgraded to a dorm bed. Make them cancel the booking and leave on your own. Check the rate carefully, especially if the booking site showed another currency, and don't agree to a deposit, which you're unlikely to get back, especially if you've been sent elsewhere. They routinely cancel online bookings at check-in to avoid paying commission. I don't know why booking sites still work with them. The area has lots of cheap hotels, though many have bad reviews too. Short term rental condos might be an option, but I don't know how to address the deeper issue. This place is a rundown hellhole run by criminals, and anyone who doesn't want to be scammed should avoid it at all costs.

All three rooms we tried had bed bugs. The first room's toilet didn't work and its air conditioning was moldy inside. In the second, the sink was hanging off the wall and the air conditioning was moldy too. The third had dried urine all over the toilet seat. Every room was really dirty, and there was blood from bed bug bites on all the pillows and sheets. On the first night I couldn't sleep until 5am because reception played videos loudly on a phone and argued with guests who complained. We booked four nights but stayed only two, with no refund or anything. Reception didn't take the bed bug problem seriously and just said, "sorry for the little things." Three other couples left early too. We travel on a very low budget and have been away for over a year, but have never experienced anything like this. Avoid at all costs. Booking agencies should stop working with them.

The place really needs maintenance. Room 12 was dirty, with smelly pillows, stained walls, and spiderwebs on the ceiling and in the bathroom. I found bed bugs every night for four nights. The sewer overflowed with sink water, and the shower water was a bit yellow. Staff were great and did switch my room when I found things I didn't like, but the problems continued. If you're on a tight budget, one night might be okay if you can live with the issues. I did, and stayed four nights, but it depends on your culture and where you're coming from.