Hotel Stendhal

The best thing about this hotel is that it is right on the edge of the historic area of Parma, just a couple of minutes walk from the centre. It is also an easy walk from the station. Staff were friendly and did their best to be helpful. The breakfast buffet was good. I did not notice any of the noise some other reviewers have mentioned but then I was in a single room at the rear of the hotel. However there were a number of irritations that don't fit with my idea of a four star hotel. 1. The weird air conditioning system - apparently you have to get reception to change the temperature setting - I gave up trying to understand it after two days. Some instructions in the room would have been helpful, but then there was no information in the room of any kind except the room service menu. 2. The safe that needed a new battery "I'm sorry we don't have anyone who can deal with that till Monday" 3. The 2am call from reception which no one seemed to be able to explain (especially the person making it).

We had a pleasant stay at this centrally located hotel. The ornate lobby and bar area provide a touch of class, with rooms offering comfortable beds, reasonable Wi-Fi reception and a kettle. The breakfast buffet was good, with fresh coffee on request. We would have preferred a fridge to a mini bar and complimentary water could have been replaced daily. Staff are friendly and helpful. The hotel had recently left the Mercure group but our booking was honoured. The big advantage of the hotel is that it is a short walk to the station but centrally located beside the main square and attractions, and plenty of nearby restaurants.

We arrived two days ago and don't leave until Sunday. Several issues concern us. The Hotel is indeed lovely and very well located. The staff is great! Helpful, concerned and ready to respond to our questions. Our room is generous in size and the bed is comfy. Room cleaning staff is excellent and room is cleaned early. So, what's the problem? The noise. The noise from the small plaza outside our windows is unrelenting. The yelling, shouting, motorcycle revving, not to mention the smoking outside our windows are disturbing. The constant noise day and night disrupt our sleep. Not to mention the dirty street entrance (cigarette butts everywhere) and dirty trash can at the entrance. The breakfast is another negative. There is a variety of offerings. However, the eggs do not look appetizing and are barely warm, the bacon is under-cooked and the pancakes or not hot off the grill, and the espresso beans do not produce tasty espresso. The fruit offerings are limited, but there is Parma ham. The cheeses are served from an iced platter, therefore, cold and tasteless. There are Vegan and gluten free choices. A thoughtful assessment of the offerings could produce improvements. We are enjoying the sights of Parma, a fascinating city, but the hotel's limitations are real.