Alba Hotel

Tired and in need of refurbishment and new staff. Unfriendly and unwelcoming from the start. Rooms not ready by the stated time (2pm) - reluctantly allowed us to use their health spa small changing room to change our clothes. No cubicles available for privacy. The room smelt of cigarette smoke which made me wheeze. Everytime someone flushed the toilet in rooms above me the pipes gurgled loudly. The airconditioning did not work - it would only heat the room which was already hot and the answer to our enquiry was 'open a window' which then meant the room was very noisy. Light fittings above the bedside were positional - move them slightly and the light switched off. Mould in the shower and general grime in corners. No extraction working in the shower room. Sink unclean. Breakfast included but some of the food was not fresh (bread dry for example). Coffee unpleasant. Reception staff on arrival were unhelpful but their handyman was pleasant and helpful.

The Alba has a superb location in middle of restaurant precinct, easy walking everywhere. I got rm #506, not too generous in size, but perfect for solo traveler. It's pretty much a standard modern room with a comfy double bed, crisp sheets, with all amenities, small desk, TV, safe, open wifi, free water - all fairly crisp & clean. A tiny balcony looks out to pedestrian street. Compact bathroom with plenty of toiletries and a nice walk-in shower. Breakfast is available from 7am upstairs on the top floor in huge sun-lit room with reasonable views ; enormous buffet style with the usual Turkish offerings : lots of cold cheese, meats, olives and salads. No egg station, but good coffee. The Alba offers great value for money, is convenient and I would stay again.