Hotel Demi̇rcan

The owner took my cash knowing I was a Westerner, not Muslim, and dressed accordingly. Hours later, she began pressuring me to follow unwritten hotel rules she had never mentioned before I paid. As far as I know, that may be illegal. Guests should be told about these expectations before paying so they can decide whether to stay. I would have told her to take a jump. I’d just endured a 35-hour flight and was exhausted. It was New Year’s Eve, and she knew I couldn’t realistically find another room. After I asked her to stop repeatedly questioning me, touching me without welcome, and trying to control my behavior and clothes, she yelled that I had to leave. I had to threaten to report her to the police before she changed her approach. She took all the joy out of my visit and New Year’s Eve, and kept my money. It was a nightmare dealing with someone I found ignorant, selfish, and cruel. I’m not from your country, religion, or culture, and you knew that. I’m not going to change everything about myself to stay in your miserable hotel. If you can’t handle a confident, happy woman going where she wants and talking to whom she wants, maybe you shouldn’t run a hotel in a big city. The constant touching and intrusive questions weren’t welcome, regardless of gender. You’re envious and controlling, not friendly, and you have no authority over my life or my work. You own a cheap, nasty hotel, that’s all. I’d advise Western travelers to avoid the place anyway. It was run down, with dirty, old things falling apart. The staff’s good service and helpfulness used to be the one bright spot, but the owner managed to ruin that too.

The price was very reasonable, and the place was accessible and well maintained. The people were polite and respectful, and the woman at the front desk was especially friendly.

The room was clean, and the staff were nice. I did have trouble communicating since they don’t know English. Still, the price was good, and I had a good stay.

The location is amazing, the rooms are spacious enough, and the price is okay. It’s not a high-star hotel, but it’ll do for a couple of nights. The reception staff don’t speak English, which is a problem.