Emily
Google
At first glance, HM Balanguera presents itself with a chic, contemporary design that suggests a boutique hotel experience. The interiors are styled with intention, and the aesthetic is one of the property’s strongest qualities. However, beneath the visual appeal lies a significant flaw: a pervasive odor that lingers throughout the building. Initially I wondered if it was simply a matter of personal sensitivity, but when my travel companion independently remarked on the same unpleasant scent—something between worn carpeting and overused cleaning agents—it confirmed that this was more than a passing detail.
Service, while courteous, falls short of true four-star standards. Staff are friendly when approached, but the level of attentiveness is closer to that of a busy airport hotel, where efficiency takes precedence over personalized care. In a hotel of this caliber, guests should expect to be greeted at the door, assisted with luggage without hesitation, and guided through a seamless arrival experience. Here, those touches were absent.
Location, while somewhat secondary to the guest experience, would be far less concerning if the fundamentals were in place. Replacing old rugs, addressing cleanliness issues, and raising the service standard would significantly elevate the property. A hotel aspiring to four-star distinction cannot overlook the essentials: pristine interiors, an inviting atmosphere free of odors, and staff who anticipate needs rather than simply respond.
Until these core concerns are addressed, HM Balanguera remains a property of style over substance—pleasing to the eye, but ultimately disappointing in execution.