Novotel Poznan Centrum

Breakfast had a great range, and the room service was consistently clean and uncluttered. The hotel's restaurant food and service were top notch. Even with the large crowds, we never faced a queue or had trouble finding staff at reception, concierge, the bar, or in the dining areas. The four elevators help a lot. The hotel is big, with great size and variety, and its location is fantastic. We could always find a space in the hotel's underground parking. I also liked being able to skip daily room cleaning, an option more hotels should offer. A couple of things left a bitter aftertaste. Room slippers aren't provided by default, which feels like a basic expectation at this level. I understand the group's sustainability approach, but having to call reception a few times and then wait for someone to bring them was frustrating. The biggest annoyance was being unable to add any consumption or extra services to the room bill without opening a prepaid tab first. That makes zero sense to me. I've never encountered this at any other hotel, and it meant keeping several separate bills for every purchase, large or small. Maybe they've had people leave without paying, or perhaps it's standard practice in Poland. Still, even with a credit card on file at check-in, the process was unpleasant.

The staff are reliably friendly and professional, and the property stays spotless and well looked after. Breakfast still has an impressive selection. I've made this my usual hotel in Poznań for several years and am looking forward to being back in early October.

The room was dated and the soundproofing wasn't great, though those were secondary issues. What let down this 4-star stay was the service. At check-in, nobody told me basic things like breakfast hours or what facilities were available, so I had to go back to the desk and ask. After my first night, I asked for the two complimentary glass bottles of water that are meant to be provided each day. The staff initially said I wouldn't get them because I'd selected “No Housekeeping.” After I questioned that, they confirmed the water would be sent up. I waited a long time, but it never arrived. English isn't my first language, but by the end of the conversation my request had clearly been understood and confirmed. This wasn't a communication problem. The promised service simply didn't happen, and the stay didn't meet the standard I'd expect from a 4-star hotel.

At breakfast the staff always greeted me with a smile. Everyone was polite and helpful, and Lidia kindly made me another coffee after mine was cleared away.