San Giovanni Stanly Hotel

The hotel offers a unique blend of historical charm and an unparalleled location directly overlooking the iconic Stanley Bridge and the sea. Its vintage ambiance and stunning views make it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic escape, history enthusiasts appreciating its long-standing presence, and sightseers eager to explore the city from a prime spot. Guests consistently commend the friendly staff and the captivating vistas. To enhance your experience, consider requesting a room with a direct sea view, and be prepared for the hotel's older infrastructure, which contributes to its character but also means some facilities are dated.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests noted that while the hotel's facilities are functional, they are generally old and in need of significant upgrades and maintenance. The Wi-Fi connection in rooms was frequently reported as weak, though some found the internet connection a bonus. A recurring concern was the lack of functional air conditioning in rooms, with some guests experiencing extreme heat or being informed of maintenance during winter. The hotel features an old-style elevator which some found tiny, and the lobby is described as very small. There is no swimming pool or direct beach access, which some travelers might expect from a seaside property.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
While many guests found their rooms to be clean and comfortable, a significant number noted that the rooms are small and can feel cramped, particularly double rooms. The furniture is often described as outdated, old, or worn out, indicating a need for renovation. Noise is a common issue, with guests reporting street noise from the busy corniche, construction work within the hotel (even at night), and sounds from the elevator and corridors due to poor sound insulation. Some encountered issues like a dampness smell, non-working phones, or a lack of towels. Bathrooms are frequently mentioned as old, small, and in need of modernization, with specific complaints about non-working flushes or damaged faucets. Some rooms lacked proper ventilation or effective blackout shades.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant and cafe are highly praised by many guests, often described as excellent, authentic, and offering high-end international cuisine with a beautiful view of the sea and bridge. The cafe terrace is particularly popular for its ambiance. However, some guests found the restaurant to be overpriced with poor service and food quality that was not always up to par, noting long waiting times. Feedback on breakfast is mixed; while some appreciated the variety and found it delicious and tasty, others were disappointed by the limited options, low quality cheese, and the use of instant coffee instead of brewed. Some felt the breakfast items were repetitive or not fresh, with a notable lack of fresh fruits.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, described as amazing, excellent, and central, placing guests directly on the seaside with unparalleled views of the Stanley Bridge. It is conveniently situated near many restaurants and cafes, and within easy walking distance or a short ride to various city attractions and landmarks. Public transportation is easily accessible from the hotel's doorstep. Regarding parking, the hotel does not have a dedicated on-site facility, but offers an "arrangement" with nearby public parking spots. Guests noted that this off-site parking can lead to vehicles becoming dusty or even damaged, and some found the process inconvenient.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receive high praise, described as wonderful, very friendly, helpful, welcoming, and attentive. Many guests highlighted their professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure a pleasant stay. The check-in process was generally reported as quick and efficient, though some experienced long waiting times. Guests appreciated the attentive service and the staff's ability to make them feel valued. While the majority of feedback is positive, there were isolated incidents of perceived rudeness from housekeeping or security guards, and some found the valet service to be less than ideal. Overall, the staff's dedication to providing excellent service is a recurring theme.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain aspects that might impact their stay. The hotel has a smoking policy that allows smoking in various areas, including restaurants, hallways, and rooms, which was a significant negative point for non-smoking guests. Furthermore, the hotel is noted as unfriendly for handicapped individuals, featuring stairs as the primary access to the hotel and only a tiny, old-style elevator between floors. A major concern for some guests was the presence of heavy construction work occurring within the hotel, sometimes late at night, leading to significant noise disturbances from drilling and other activities, which severely impacted sleep quality.