Palas

We came with my girlfriend from 400 km away hoping to enjoy a day at a four-star hotel and relax by the pool. We were lucky to have booked just one night. There was nothing to do, and we only used the place to sleep before leaving. I expected the hotel itself to be a little getaway, but it wasn't what it claimed to be and wasn't worth visiting. Never coming back to Mamaia. If I could give minus four stars, I would. Hotel Palas felt like a scam, a lie, and a mood killer. The location is good, right in the middle of the Mamaia strip and five minutes' walk from the beach. The reception looks impressive, but feels like it's there to lure you in. Beyond it, the interior looks like the Soviet Union. The pool was out of order and empty, while the pool at neighbouring hotel Zenyth was working, so I can't blame the start of the season. The hotel internet was poor, and my phone's 5G, which worked fine outside, didn't work inside. We booked a double room with one bed and a suite bath, but got a twin-bed room with a shower and a bowl-shaped tub that would barely fit a dog. When I asked at reception for a refund so we could leave for another hotel, they refused, despite the booking page saying free cancellation at any time. Instead, the administrator offered to upgrade us to the double room with a suite bath that we'd booked in the first place. The hot water was only lukewarm at the hottest setting, making the tub useless, and shower pressure was low. The shower head was fixed, so I had to press my body against the wall to wash. Breakfast wasn't a buffet. They only asked if I wanted an omelette or boiled egg. At a similar two-star hotel in Germany, breakfast would be bread, a spread, a drink, a few slices of baloney, and a little veg. The yard between the restaurant and pool looked like a construction site, with missing paving tiles and holes in the ground. The place was almost empty and felt like a ghost town, which might suit someone who likes privacy.

The location is a plus, and the staff were friendly, apart from two ladies in the breakfast area who watched the coffee machines as if customers couldn't manage a few buttons. The pool may be why it's rated four stars, but I don't think it merits that rating. Breakfast was okay, but the choices weren't very varied and stayed the same each day. If you came around the middle of breakfast and asked for a missing item, like eggs, they answered in an annoyed tone and said they'd bring some if any were left. The hotel's rules felt outdated. The bar has been closed forever, and you can't order coffee before breakfast service opens. Drinks aren't allowed by the pool in glasses, only in plastic ones that are too small even for a 330ml beer. The pool closes at 6 p.m., while in summer you can stay later at other four-star hotels. The music was poor, just the same CD playing, and the bathroom towels were in very bad shape and need replacing. There's no minibar, although there is a working mini fridge. The cleaning staff and accommodation staff were friendly, but I wouldn't return. For the same 475 RON per night with breakfast, you can find a better place.

There are lots of trees and greenery around the hotel, and the young woman who served our table was very nice and polite. The restaurant was mostly all right, but had very few choices. The hotel itself is older and hasn't been renovated in a long time. Would I stay again? I'm not sure, probably not.

We came to Mamaia with the last summer breeze in mind, but booking Palas Hotel turned out to be a huge mistake. The furniture was badly worn, and even the sheets had holes. The air conditioning didn't work, and the food in the restaurant was inedible. They also wouldn't let us bring outside food to our room. I'd avoid this place.