Guest User
June 6, 2024
The Sofitel Grand Sopot hotel does not live up to a 5-star standard, let alone the Sofitel brand. It hasn’t been renovated since 2008 and lacks the service standard it deserves. Arriving at the hotel, it’s a spectacular view. The hotel opened its door as a Grand Hotel in the 1920ies, and the building has lost none of its splendor. The grounds are equally impressive and perfectly maintained. A wonderful beach is also available, though it there is no registration and payment cannot be registered on the room. The doormen are helpful and friendly. Check-in is friendly and swift, and keeps to the one-level upgrade for Accor members. Although there were better rooms available, they were only offered with additional payment. We were pleasantly surprised by some macarons as a welcome gift. The Luxury type room was spacious, but that’s where the enjoyment ends. Any hotel experience starts with a good bed. Unfortunately the bed was worn down with a big dent on one side. Although it was quickly replaced, the cover mattress was suddenly missing the next night. Also, the bedside did not have any (!!!) sockets, usb plugs or other power outlets. The solution: an extension with power *****. Problem solved, but not a structural solution. The second thing that is important is a good bathroom, for example shower or bath. Even though the bathroom is clean, light and spacious, there is only a single sink, and a bathtub with a 90-ies shower. Not what I would expect at a 5 star hotel. On top, bathroom amenities were not checked and refilled by housekeeping but that is a service detail. A modest disappointment. Thirdly, good tech is a must. Unfortunately, the smart-tv is hooked up to an old-fashioned channel-tv system. So forget about watching your favorite on demand shows. Common international channels are available. It also does not fit the original stand, so it can no longer be turned to the seating area. In all the room fits the impression one gets in the rest of the hotel: it’s worn and overdue for a major renovation. Even though carpet stains and wall dents are normal effects of usage, it clearly shows age. If you google the history of the hotel, which is remarkable (so please do), you quickly find that the latest renovation dates from 2008. Even if it still has Wes Anderson charm from the outside, 18 years without renovation is ridiculous for any major hotel. Even so, this would make the pricing around 250 to 300 EUR acceptable if the service was exemplary. And that’s where the hotel really falls apart. Breakfast is disorganized, the reception constantly has to check with management, your car will be parked where birds leave their mark, signage is missing, towels in the gym are absent, the beach is accessible to anyone and their friends, and you’ll have to make due with instant coffee in your room. Everyone seems to try their best, but overall it’s below mediocre. Not the exclusive beach resort it promotes it is. So, avoid this hotel until renovated.