Hotel Holiday

The hotel is a historically significant landmark, renowned for its role as the host hotel for the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics and its poignant history as a base for journalists during the 1990s war. Many guests are drawn to its iconic status and original 1980s architecture, appreciating the stories it holds. While some find its dated appearance charming, others note that the hotel is visibly old and in need of extensive renovation. Guests frequently highlight the spacious rooms and the hotel's excellent central location as key advantages. This hotel is particularly suited for history enthusiasts and sightseers eager to explore Sarajevo's past and present, as well as business travelers due to its convenient access. To ensure a more comfortable stay, it is advisable to inquire about recently renovated rooms and be prepared for potential noise from the surrounding area.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel's facilities and amenities receive mixed and often critical feedback. The swimming pool and wellness center are frequently reported as being out of service, broken, or having ice-cold water, leading to significant disappointment for guests who booked with these features in mind. Similarly, the fitness center is often described as having old and broken equipment. Wi-Fi connectivity is a major point of contention; while some guests on lower floors found it adequate, many experienced very weak or non-existent signals in their rooms, especially on upper floors, forcing them to rely on the lobby for internet access. The elevators are frequently criticized for being old, slow, and uncoordinated, causing long delays, though some found them efficient. Parking is available and often free, which is a plus for many, but some areas are noted as being poorly maintained or messy.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is notably varied. While some rooms, particularly those on lower or recently renovated floors, are described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, many guests report a general sense of the hotel being old, run-down, and poorly maintained. Issues such as broken light switches, non-functioning outlets, damaged furniture, and a pervasive smell of cigarette smoke are frequently mentioned, even in non-smoking areas. The beds receive mixed reviews, with some finding them comfortable and of good quality, while others describe them as old and unsuitable for sleeping. A significant concern is the high noise level from the adjacent main street, nightclub, and even morning cleaning activities, which often disrupts sleep due to poor sound insulation. Bathrooms are frequently criticized for being small, outdated, and having issues like leaking faucets, broken fixtures, or a lack of hot water, though some are noted as clean.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining and food quality, particularly the breakfast, garners highly mixed reviews, often leaning towards the negative. Many guests describe the breakfast as boring, unappetizing, or of poor quality, with complaints about unfresh bread, rotten fruit, and a lack of variety, especially regarding vegan options. The breakfast room itself is frequently criticized for being run-down, lacking windows, and appearing messy or dirty, with reports of unclean tablecloths and a chaotic atmosphere. The coffee from the machines is often deemed unsatisfactory. Conversely, some guests found the breakfast to be good, varied, and plentiful, offering a wide selection. While the hotel has other restaurants, some group bookings reported being restricted to a specific, run-down dining area with inedible dinner options, while others praised the food quality and diverse menu in different hotel restaurants.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location and accessibility are consistently praised as one of its strongest assets. It is situated in a central area, making it highly convenient for guests to explore Sarajevo. Many popular attractions, including the historic center and Old Town, are within easy walking distance, typically 10 to 20 minutes away. The hotel is also strategically located near the National Museum and various shopping centers, offering ample dining and retail options nearby. Its proximity to tram and bus stations provides excellent public transportation links, including easy access to the airport. Additionally, the availability of free parking, including an underground garage, is a significant advantage for guests traveling by car, despite some minor criticisms regarding its maintenance. This prime position allows guests to experience the city's vibrant atmosphere with ease.

Staff & Service
Feedback on staff and service is notably polarized. Many guests commend the staff for being professional, helpful, polite, and friendly, often highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests, including quick check-ins and accommodating late check-outs. Some reviews specifically praise the staff's excellent English proficiency. However, a significant number of guests report negative experiences, describing the staff as distant, cold, unpolite, rude, or even argumentative, particularly at the reception desk. Communication issues are also noted, with some guests receiving no warnings about ongoing construction or no replies to inquiries. There are also mentions of staff smoking and drinking alcohol in the lobby, which some guests found unprofessional. Overall, while some guests experienced exemplary service, others felt a distinct lack of warmth and attentiveness.

Additional Information
Beyond the standard amenities, the hotel's historical significance as the host of the 1984 Winter Olympics and its role during the war is a unique draw, offering guests a tangible connection to Sarajevo's past. However, this historical charm often comes with the caveat that the hotel is in an advanced state of decay and is visibly aging, with many areas urgently requiring renovation. Some guests who booked as part of a group reported receiving unrenovated rooms and a lower standard of service or dining compared to individual guests. The value for money is a contentious point; while some found the price reasonable for the location and amenities, many felt the hotel was overpriced for its current condition, suggesting it operates more like a two or three-star property despite its advertised four-star rating. Guests should also be aware of a non-smoking policy that is not always strictly enforced, as smoke smells are sometimes present.