Elamir Beach Bungalow

The location is a real plus, with a private beach about 200 m away. The rooms are a good size and kept neat, and breakfast and supper both come with a generous spread. Water and some drinks are available free 25hrs. My main complaints are that Wi-Fi costs extra and some reception staff have limited English and poor hospitality training. Still, this is an awesome hotel to stay in.

The rooms are nice and the location is good, but the service was awful. Staff were extremely rude to our whole group of 15 people from 10 nationalities. Their communication wasn't clear or direct, and other nationalities commented on it too. They don't speak English, so it was hard to get things across. They didn't smile, greet us, or make us feel welcome. Wi-Fi costs $2 per device per day. That's odd enough, and they also weren't clear that a phone and laptop each count separately, so connecting both costs $4 per day. One room had ants. A cleaner sprayed it, then said it was fine to sleep in the beds afterward. The bungalows weren't well ventilated either. Breakfast was a struggle, with few options, and some food had apparently been made two or three days earlier. They also kept the AC off in the lobby and restaurant despite the very hot weather, which felt like cost-cutting. I really don't recommend this place. For the same price, you can get somewhere better with better facilities.

Our suite had a balcony with a lovely view of the pool and mountains. I'd choose that over the sea view, since the sea isn't really visible from the hotel. It was cleaned each day around noon. The open bar served drinks for free, and the bartenders were friendly and helpful. Most spoke Russian, while some also understood English. The Botanik Resort was great, and the food was good. There was a large selection, even if the same choices tended to come around at each meal. Breakfast included omelettes, eggs, toast, and cereal. Lunch and dinner usually had rice and potatoes, with chicken or pork sometimes and fish at other times. There was always fresh salad, plenty of local desserts, and some fruit such as apples, melon, watermelon, and peaches.

The room was tidy, and the beds were comfortable. But the AC temperature couldn't be adjusted, so the room got too cold, and the bathroom smelled bad. The safe cost extra. At the hotel, the pool was nice, the beach was pleasant, and the city centre was easy to reach. Most workers were very friendly and polite, though one evening receptionist was angry and unfriendly. The food could have had more variety. Wi-Fi was paid and very slow, and the beach is about 200 m away with no sidewalk, so you have to walk on the road. At the beach bar, only water and tea were free.