Sephira
Google
I recently stayed at this hotel in Budapest that, while well-located, unfortunately did not meet the standards suggested by its pricing or advertised quality.
The hotel’s location is quite convenient, with easy access to public transportation and a number of nearby tourist attractions. The front desk staff were a highlight of the stay—friendly, polite, and professional at all times. They did their best to assist us when issues arose, and their customer service was much appreciated.
Unfortunately, the biggest issue during our stay was the cleanliness—or lack thereof. Upon arrival, we were assigned a room that was in unacceptable condition. There was visible dust, the carpet was stained, the lampshade was broken, and the bathroom had significant rust stains. The toilet paper had clearly not been replaced, and there were no basic toiletries such as shampoo or conditioner provided.
The most concerning detail was the condition of the linens and towels. Instead of being crisp and white, as you’d expect from any hotel, they had a noticeable greyish tint, suggesting they had not been properly cleaned or replaced for some time. It was quite off-putting.
Accessing the room was also somewhat unpleasant—we had to use an elevator located directly in front of the service area where the hotel’s trash was removed. After taking the elevator, we still had to climb some stairs to reach the room.
After sharing our concerns with reception and emailing photos (as the manager did not to speak with us directly), the staff kindly arranged a room change. The new room, although slightly smaller—even though it was classified as a premium room—was clearly cleaner and better maintained. Both rooms did offer lovely views, either over the city or a nearby park, which was a redeeming feature.
While the hotel’s rates are comparable to those of a 4-star property, the services and conditions offered fall significantly short. The quality of housekeeping was far below standard, and the lack of basic amenities, along with poor maintenance, raises serious concerns about value for money.
In summary, while the location and front desk staff were commendable, the hotel has major issues with cleanliness and overall service quality. Unless significant improvements are made—particularly in housekeeping and management responsiveness—it’s hard to justify the price point. I would rate this stay 2.5 out of 5 stars.
