Martini Hotel

We'd stay here again when we're back in Groningen. The breakfast had lots of choice, and the ground-floor bar's tapas plate with an IPA was a great end to the day. Staff were friendly at all hours, and the rooms were very clean, despite some things I'd read in reviews. We were upgraded to a standard room while some floors were being modernised. The bed I had was too soft for me, but that's personal. There was also a cooling, flowing noise from the airco in two rooms we checked. Earplugs helped me sleep well.

The room was tiny and felt old, with dated furniture and an unpleasant smell. Having the bed right under the window was awkward too. It wasn't what we'd expected from the booking photos, and we wondered if we'd been put in an older, possibly “hostel” section of Martini Hotel Groningen. Given the state of the accommodation, I wouldn't recommend the hotel or return.

Cleaning was missed again on the third day. I returned late and didn't ask for service then, but mentioned it at the desk the next morning when we checked out. The receptionist seemed barely concerned about the repeated missed cleanings. The problems made the stay stressful instead of relaxing, since we had to keep chasing fixes, even though some staff did respond. On arrival, we were first checked into a room other guests were already using, then moved after telling the front desk. The next day our room wasn't cleaned or serviced, and its light had stopped working. I reported both at reception; the light was fixed, and the room was finally cleaned the day after. I stayed four nights, and sadly wouldn't recommend the hotel based on this experience.

The rooms felt pretty cold, and the bathroom was small. Still, it's a great location, and the hotel has a cosy, good-looking old-fashioned style.