Romanian Tourist Slams Turkish 4-Star Hotel for Mold, Repetitive Food

A Romanian tourist's "last minute" 4-star hotel experience in Side, Turkey, turned into a significant disappointment, costing him 1,599 euros. His online review detailed issues ranging from mold and musty odors in rooms to poor cleanliness and a monotonous food selection, starkly contrasting with expectations for a 4-star establishment.

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Mold everywhere, peeling paint, a container for AC condensation next to the bed and a very strong smell of dampness.

Staying at the Side Su Hotel in the popular resort town of Side, the tourist reported that upon arrival, some rooms, particularly those near the pool, exhibited mold and a strong smell of dampness. "Mold everywhere, peeling paint, a container for AC condensation next to the bed and a very strong smell of dampness," he wrote. Due to his late arrival, the hotel initially resisted changing his room, offering another with similar issues. He eventually switched buildings for a more acceptable, though still flawed, accommodation.

Cleanliness and towel changes were also points of contention. The tourist stated that room cleaning and towel replacement only occurred if requested and signaled by a sign on the door, with one instance of rooms not being entered for three days. The "All Inclusive" offering also fell short of expectations. "You can't say it's a proper All Inclusive. In Tunisia, for example, you had a variety of food, also at 4 stars. Here it's the same food from the first day to the last. After the first two days, you'll know what you'll be eating for the rest of your stay," he lamented.

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Cleanliness in rooms and towel changes only happen if you ask the women and put the sign on the door. Three days passed and they didn't enter the room.

Despite the criticisms, the tourist offered praise for the hotel's service staff. "The waiters and the guys at the bar are very nice if you talk to them. Plus point here! Bravo to them!" he acknowledged. However, this positive note was insufficient to recommend the hotel. He concluded his review with a warning: "If you still want to choose it, good luck and have lots of nerves!"

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You can't say it's a proper All Inclusive. In Tunisia, for example, you had a variety of food, also at 4 stars. Here it's the same food from the first day to the last.

His account sparked numerous online reactions, with many commenters suggesting that 4-star ratings in Turkey often equate to 2-star standards elsewhere. Others advised more thorough research before booking packages, pointing to the availability of online reviews and videos.

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The waiters and the guys at the bar are very nice if you talk to them. Plus point here! Bravo to them!