Royal Century Hotel

I was there for one night for a concert and just needed a bed. The hotel is about 3 minutes from Sofi. The bed was fine, but the bathroom was only so-so, and two cockroaches came out of a crack in it. I wondered whether to go somewhere else, but I was out all day anyway. I’d brought my own pillowcase and sheets after seeing the photos, and the bathroom in my room was smaller and totally different from what the pictures showed. The shower pressure was ridiculously strong, almost like a back massage, which was probably the room’s one highlight. Would I return? Honestly, probably not, though maybe if I couldn’t find anything cheaper at short notice. Keep things organized, and don’t leave food or belongings on the floor.

I didn’t stay at the hotel myself. My friend had a reservation while we were both in town for a concert at the form, and I got there first. Around 2 in the afternoon, I asked the woman at the front desk if I could wait in my car in the empty parking lot until my friend arrived within the hour. There was only one other car, but she said no because the lot fills up at night. I had to wait at a McDonald’s down the street instead. When my friend was ready to get food after checking in, she called me to pick her up. She looked upset and kept saying I wouldn’t believe how bad the room was. After we ate, I didn’t want to leave my car there while she changed for the concert because I was worried the front desk woman might have it towed. There were only two cars in the lot then. I asked the woman about visitors and was told they have to park at the shopping center about half a block away, which seems crazy. Later, after the concert, my friend wanted me to see the room. There was an older man at the desk by then, so I finally parked and went up with her. As soon as we opened the door, a huge roach crawled across the floor. I trapped and stomped it. It was one of the biggest I’ve ever seen. My friend had planned to leave at about 5 AM, but later I heard she checked out around 2 AM after a loud sound that she said was like a canon going off scared her. She drove the four hours home instead of staying. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this place.

I booked through Booking.com, which charged my card, but when I arrived the hotel said it had no record of payment and charged me again. After I spotted the double charge and asked about it, staff yelled at me, put my belongings in a trash bag, and kicked me out of my room. Now I have to work with Booking.com and my bank to sort it out. The place was filthy and smelled awful, and the front desk staff were rude and unprofessional. They clearly didn’t know how to handle the card charge or run the desk. I understand it’s a budget hotel, but that doesn’t excuse how disgusting and badly managed it was. I can’t recommend it. There are better, cleaner, safer cheap options around. Stay away.

If you’re looking for a nice place, this one is okay. The rooms need paint, and the bedding wasn’t completely clean.