The Grand Gloria Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its prime location directly on the Black Sea shore, offering stunning views and immediate access to the beach and promenade. This makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and families seeking convenience and scenic beauty, as well as couples looking for a picturesque getaway. While the hotel boasts a grand reception area and spacious rooms, many guests feel it falls short of a true five-star experience, often comparing it to a three-star property due to various maintenance and service issues. The hotel is particularly well-suited for those who prioritize proximity to the sea and a large shopping mall. To enhance your stay, be prepared for potential noise from the promenade at night and be proactive in requesting housekeeping services, as they may not be consistently provided. Guests should also be aware that the hotel may be undergoing renovations.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. The indoor pool is available, but some found it small, overcrowded, and noisy, while the outdoor pool has frequently been under renovation or described as a working area, impacting its usability. The gym is generally considered minimal, suitable only for basic exercises, and can be uncomfortably cold. The spa area receives some positive remarks, featuring a sauna and steam room, though these amenities are occasionally out of order or have maintenance issues like falling tiles in the hammam. Guests appreciate the availability of free Wi-Fi throughout the property. However, the air conditioning system is a recurring concern, often described as weak, noisy, or set to heating mode even in warm weather, leading to uncomfortable room temperatures.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly varied, with many expressing significant concerns. While some rooms are described as comfortable and clean with comfortable beds and good quality sleep, a substantial number of reviews highlight issues such as dirty carpets with visible stains, a pervasive bad smell (including smoke or sewage from drains), and general wear and tear indicating a need for renovation. Bathrooms frequently show mold spots on walls and door frames, and some lack basic amenities like shower gel or have broken fixtures. Noise levels are a major complaint, with loud music from the promenade, the hotel's own pool area, and even noisy air conditioning units disturbing sleep. Housekeeping is often inconsistent, requiring frequent reminders for towel changes, linen replacement, or trash removal, and some guests reported issues with non-functional televisions or a lack of running water in sinks upon check-in.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast experience at the hotel garners highly mixed reviews. While some guests found the spread vast, fresh, and with good variety, many others described it as poor, disappointing, and monotonous, more akin to a three-star offering than a five-star one. Specific complaints include mold on bread, old fruit, lukewarm hot dishes, and a lack of diversity, particularly in fish options. The coffee is often noted as being of poor quality, and pastries are sometimes not fresh. The restaurant for dinner is frequently criticized for terrible food quality and flavor, despite potentially high prices. Room service is also mentioned, with some guests noting unexpected charges for basic items like milk or butter. Overall, the dining experience, especially breakfast, often falls short of guest expectations for a hotel of this category.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Situated directly on the Black Sea shore and boulevard, it offers direct beach access and stunning sea views from many rooms. It is conveniently located directly opposite a large shopping mall, making it easy for guests to access retail and dining options. The hotel is also within walking distance of various restaurants and cafes, and relatively close to the city center and the airport, typically a 10-15 minute taxi ride. While the proximity to the promenade is a plus for views, it also contributes to significant street noise at night. Parking is available but can be challenging to access and expensive, with limited spots. The beach itself is characterized by large pebbles and a quick drop-off into deeper water.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests reported encountering rude or indifferent receptionists and unmotivated staff who appeared apathetic to concerns, particularly regarding room issues or food quality. Communication can be challenging as many staff members do not speak English fluently. The check-in process is often described as difficult, lengthy, and sometimes unprofessional, with delays and issues regarding room readiness. Conversely, a significant number of guests praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and polite, particularly those in the reception area who tried to assist with issues. However, housekeeping service is a recurring point of frustration, frequently requiring reminders for basic tasks like cleaning, towel changes, or trash removal, and often being inconsistent in its execution.

Additional Information
Several important details emerge from guest reviews that do not fit neatly into other categories. A significant point of contention is the hotel's perceived star rating, with many guests asserting it functions more like a 3-star property rather than a 5-star one, citing a general need for renovation and maintenance. Guests should be aware of persistent mosquitoes in rooms and the presence of street dogs occasionally entering pool areas. A major issue is the loud music emanating from the promenade directly outside the hotel, which often continues late into the night, violating local noise ordinances and significantly impacting guest sleep, with the hotel stating it cannot control this external noise. Furthermore, the air conditioning system has been a consistent problem, often being weak or set to heat only, regardless of external temperatures, leading to uncomfortable room conditions.