Hotel Royal & Spa

I was visiting family in Bialystok, and with their house full, I decided to treat myself to a stay at a "5 star hotel." After a 20-hour, 4,000-mile trip, I walked into a room that was already a disaster. The thermostat was bricked and didn't work, and it was 75 degrees. I thought they'd fixed the problem, so I went out for a few hours. When I came back, it was 78 degrees. The hotel's answer was to offer me a fan. I've never checked out of a hotel so quickly. The walls were completely bare and full of holes, with less personality than photos I've seen of Norwegian prison cells. Manager, I trust you'll keep your word and refund the remaining 10% of my booking. Things had already gone about as badly as they could. 0/10.

The wellness area was cosy, well equipped, and quiet enough that we managed to enjoy it with just the two of us. The restaurant was great, especially the steaks, though the wine list could use more options. For guests with time, there's also a beauty salon. We only discovered the prosecco on the second day, for those looking for a little more of a 5* experience. The hotel sits right on the market square, with views of the city museum, and has a restaurant, bar and wellness area onsite. Parking is behind the building and cheap. Our prestige double was clean, spacious, well maintained and had the amenities we needed at a reasonable price. The mattress was firm, the pillows soft, and the old, worn-looking bed cover could be replaced. Breakfast is basic but has what you need if you just want a few bites and good coffee. It was calm and not crowded. A good option for a night while passing through or a few days in town, and I'd recommend it for a business trip or short getaway.

Everything was just right, and the location was part of that. Big thanks to the hotel and restaurant staff for always being so friendly, attentive and up to the highest standards.

A modern, clean hotel right in the center of Białystok. I'd give the spa area 3.5/4 and breakfast 4/5. Everything else gets 5/5.