Ancere Thermal Hotel Spa

This hotel is primarily known for its thermal water and hammam facilities, which many guests find to be the most appealing aspect of their stay, often describing the water as healing and beneficial. It attracts wellness seekers and couples looking for a therapeutic experience, though some aspects might not suit families or those prioritizing modern amenities and strict privacy. While the thermal baths are a significant draw, the overall guest experience is mixed, with recurring concerns about room comfort and cleanliness. To ensure a more comfortable stay, it is advisable to confirm room heating and amenity functionality upon arrival, and to be aware of the specific policies regarding towels and slippers.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's primary draw is its thermal facilities, including a hammam and various pools. The Olympic pool is often reported as being too cold for comfortable swimming, or having very limited hours for women. The main thermal pool is frequently described as excessively hot, making it difficult to stay in for extended periods, and some guests found it to be unclean or cloudy. Private baths are available and generally considered clean, but guests note an additional charge for towels and the absence of a toilet within the private bath area. The sauna is mentioned as being closed or non-functional by several visitors. Wi-Fi connectivity is also a recurring issue, with guests experiencing poor or no service in their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is largely negative. Many rooms are described as cold, with inadequate heating that often fails to warm the space, even after requests to staff. Some guests reported jacuzzi tubs in suites being broken and hairdryers being weak or non-functional. The overall condition of the rooms is frequently noted as old, in need of renovation, and lacking proper maintenance. Towels provided are sometimes described as dirty, smelly, or yellowed, and guests are often charged extra for them. A significant concern is the lack of single-use slippers, with some guests reporting being given used ones. Noise insulation is poor, allowing sounds from adjacent rooms to be easily heard.

Dining & Food Quality
Feedback on dining experiences is varied. Breakfast is generally perceived as lacking variety, particularly in hot food options, and is not considered very satisfying. While some guests found the dinner to be tasty or good, others described it as sour, bland, or limited in selection, resembling a fixed menu rather than a true open buffet. A consistent point of contention is that drinks, including basic tea, are not included with meals and are sold at an additional, often high, cost. The restaurant atmosphere is sometimes affected by guests consuming alcohol and causing disturbances.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a central location within Havza, making it relatively accessible for travelers. While some guests found the immediate surroundings to be somewhat secluded, its position allows for easy access to local amenities and eateries. There is no significant recurring feedback regarding public transportation access or specific parking challenges, suggesting that the hotel's location is generally convenient for those arriving by car or seeking to explore the immediate town area.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably mixed. Many guests praise the staff for being friendly, helpful, kind, and attentive, particularly at the reception and in certain areas of the hammam. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as rude, unprofessional, dismissive, or lacking basic etiquette, especially when dealing with complaints or payment issues. Instances of staff being unhelpful regarding room heating problems or being overly familiar with guests are reported. The check-in process is sometimes slow, with guests waiting for rooms to become available.

Additional Information
Several unique policies and issues impact the guest experience. The hotel has a controversial towel policy, where guests are often charged extra for towels, or receive ones that are dirty or worn. The practice of providing reused slippers instead of single-use ones is a significant hygiene concern for many. Overcrowding, particularly in the hammam and pool areas, is common due to day visitors, leading to a less relaxing environment and sometimes unhygienic conditions. Guests also express discomfort with the lack of privacy, as they are often required to walk through public areas in bathrobes to access the thermal facilities. The hotel is widely described as an old building in urgent need of comprehensive renovation to meet modern standards.