For our central Europe trip, we booked Le Meredian at both Munich (for one night) and Vienna, and IHG intercontinental at Budapest. At Innsbruck and Prague we booked boutique hotels, with Prague being a 5 star as a trip ender. Each of the big chain hotels were fantastic in their own ways. The room at Vienna was huge even by American standards and comfortable, while IHG had an amazing view of the Buda Castle with a comfortable sized room. Munich was great as well. At Vienna, the staff went out of their way to give us recommendations on things to do, tell us which places were overrated and where to get good coffee that locals went. At Budapest the hotel gave us nice chocolates and snacks on checking in.
The worst experiences? both the boutique hotels at Innsbruck and Prague, though the Innsbruck hotel made up for it. We booked a “triple” room at Innsbruck hotel, and when we checked in they told us they gave us a standard double because we didnt indicate 3 people. We were like why the F would we book a triple room if we were not three people to begin with, especially considering the room was more expensive! After a rude conversation with the hotel front desk, the staff came back and simply gave us a third room and comped it. The third room came super handy and staff then also ensured we had all we needed in terms of room.
At Prague however it was a different story all together. This was by far the worst 5 star I have stayed at and it was frustrating. To begin with, we booked their one bedroom suite with note that we had kids, and we also wanted rooms next to each other. We also told them we’d be checking in late and wanted a surprise champagne for our wives in room. Cue to checkin time, there is only one person manning the checkin counter and the dude had some serious attitude. First he was surprised we were three people and then he’s like yeah your rooms are floors apart and nothing can be done. We get to the room and find out there is no third bed for the kid. So we go down again to checkin and complain, at which point the front desk guy threw a fit and said ok he will set up the beds for us. After one hour, he finally shows up and makes the third bed, with much huffing & puffing and throwing a fit. I was like dude, fuck you, its a 5 star, I empathize this is not your job, but if you’ve been told to man the hotel shut the fuck up and do your job. Next up, our champagnes are left warm in the room and we are both like uh, what the F do we do with warm champagne bottles? It doesnt end here - the other family discovered a dirty towel in their bathroom which wasn’t changed. What did we get for all the complains we made? Sorry, it shouldn’t have happened by the manager and thats it. We of course made an official complaint against the night manager but something tells me nothing much will come of it.
This experience has basically affirmed that when in Europe, skip the boutiques and stick to the American hotel chains. You will be in much better hands, in much better accommodations and much better service.