Oryx Hotel

The hotel's most notable feature is its exceptional proximity to the Corniche beach, often just a short walk away, making it a prime choice for guests seeking easy access to the waterfront and surrounding attractions. This makes it particularly appealing to sightseers and families looking for a convenient base to explore the city, as well as business travelers due to its central location. Guests consistently highlight the spacious rooms as a significant advantage, providing ample comfort and relaxation, often described as apartment-like. While many appreciate the overall value for money, some note that certain areas could benefit from modernization, contributing to a mixed overall impression. To enhance your stay, it is advisable to confirm your room type preference, especially regarding smoking, and be prepared for potentially varied experiences with staff interactions, as feedback on service is mixed. Consider utilizing the convenient valet parking service to avoid local parking challenges.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities for guest convenience and relaxation. A rooftop pool provides a refreshing escape, though some guests describe it as small, not very private, or occasionally in need of cleaning, with limited operating hours due to lifeguard availability. A fitness center is available, but its early closing time is a point of concern for some. Guests appreciate the reliable free Wi-Fi throughout the property. For dining and entertainment, there is a traditional Irish pub, Fado, located within the hotel, which is popular for its atmosphere, though some find it smoky. The presence of vending machines and a liquor store in the building adds to the convenience. However, several reviews mention that some areas and furniture within the hotel, including the pool area, appear dated and could benefit from renovation and better maintenance.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests frequently praise the spacious rooms, often describing them as large and comfortable, with ample space for relaxation. The beds are generally found to be comfortable, ensuring a restful sleep. Bathrooms are also noted for their size and functionality, with good hot water pressure. The air conditioning system is typically effective and quiet. However, feedback on cleanliness and room condition is mixed; while many find rooms clean, some report issues such as dusty curtains, non-functional refrigerators or safes, and occasional sightings of cockroaches. A recurring concern is being assigned a smoking room despite requesting a non-smoking one, leading to pervasive smoke smells. Some guests also mention outdated furniture and decor, and issues with noise levels from adjacent rooms or outside, particularly on lower floors. Basic amenities like slippers and bathrobes are sometimes missing.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options primarily focus on breakfast, which receives varied feedback. Many guests describe the breakfast as decent, with a good variety of options, including Indian cuisine, and appreciate the quality of the food. However, some find the selection basic, repetitive, or not up to the standard of a four-star hotel, with occasional issues like slow coffee machines or a lack of juice at lunch and dinner. The main restaurant, often located on an upper floor, offers good views. The Fado pub also serves food, which is generally considered average. Some reviews mention a seafood buffet as a good value option. Overall, while some guests enjoy the meals, others express disappointment with the food quality or limited choices, suggesting room for improvement in the culinary offerings.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. It is conveniently situated just a short walk, typically 5 to 15 minutes, from the Corniche beach, offering easy access to the waterfront. The surrounding area is vibrant and well-equipped, with numerous shops, diverse restaurants, and supermarkets within easy reach. Guests also appreciate its proximity to pharmacies and bus stops, making local exploration straightforward. Key landmarks such as the President's Palace and the Louvre are a short taxi ride away. While the location is ideal for accessibility, parking is a significant and frequently mentioned challenge. The hotel often lacks dedicated parking, requiring guests to rely on expensive valet parking or difficult-to-find street parking, which can be a source of frustration.

Staff & Service
Feedback on the staff and service is notably mixed. Many guests commend the friendly, helpful, and attentive staff, particularly at the reception and with valet service, highlighting their willingness to assist and provide a warm welcome. Specific positive mentions include quick check-in and efficient handling of requests for amenities. However, a significant number of reviews report negative experiences, citing rude or unprofessional staff, particularly at the front desk, with some instances of perceived discriminatory treatment or a lack of empathy during difficult situations like overbooking. Communication issues, sometimes attributed to a language barrier with cleaning personnel, and inconsistencies in housekeeping (e.g., not cleaning rooms daily, not replacing towels/linens without multiple requests) are also noted. Some guests also experienced unauthorized credit card charges after departure.

Additional Information
Several important details, not fitting into other categories, are mentioned by guests. A recurring issue is the hotel's smoking policy, with many non-smoking guests being assigned smoking rooms or experiencing pervasive smoke smells in hallways and rooms, indicating a need for better ventilation or stricter enforcement. This can significantly impact the comfort of non-smoking guests. Guests booking through vouchers sometimes report feeling treated as second-class patrons, experiencing less accommodating service and a perception of being given a "favor" rather than a paid service. There are frequent complaints about room key cards needing daily reprogramming, causing inconvenience and delays. While the hotel is generally considered an older property, a common theme is the overall need for renovation and updated furniture and fixtures to enhance the guest experience and align with modern standards. Some guests also noted a strict no-visitor policy on other floors, limiting inter-room socializing.