Cleanliness: ♦♦♦♦♦
Customer Service: ♦♦♦♦♦
Relevant Amenities: ♦♦♦♦
Price: $$$$ 

Website: www.mercurebursatheplaza.com

Pictures from my visit:

The positives:

My stay at the Mercure Hotel was highly enjoyable. I took advantage of many of their luxurious amenities including the workout facility, thermal pool, rooftop bar, room service and the breakfast buffet. They offered excellent services and selections with variety, even down to a menu of different pillow options. 

My room was clean and well stocked with complementary waters, teas, and coffees. A minibar of additional snacks and drinks was available with prices clearly listed. In the room, soft towels, bathrobes, and slippers greeted me while downstairs in the thermal pool and hamam, traditional hamam wraps as well as regular towels were available in abundance. The spa facilities and changing rooms were separate for male and female guests, with the thermal pool and workout facility as the common areas. 

Staff were friendly and accommodating with even the smallest requests. For foreign guests, the staff was generally fluent in English and able to communicate efficiently. Brochures and menus in the room were translated into additional languages as well. 

The negatives:

There were a few elements that made my stay less-than comfortable. One of the lights near the bed had a broken wire and continued to repetitively flicker throughout the night. One of the toilet flushes was broken and would run the water continuously until manually stopped. I shared my complaints with the staff upon departure and was assured they would be rectified for the next guest. 

Upon arrival to my room, I called to book a massage in the spa but was told I needed a reservation and the only openings were at 9:30pm or 12:00pm the next day (after checkout) — less than ideal scheduling. The brochure of gym services in the guest room included Pilates sessions. When I asked about this, the staff indicated that this service was offered only when larger groups are registered. Though the workout facility was clean, new, and expansive, there were no scheduled specialty services. 

I was awakened at 4:00am to the sound of jackhammers on the street below the hotel. Due to the busyness of the road below, repairs must be made in the early morning, low traffic hours. It lasted for more than an hour and was not possible to sleep through. While this situation is beyond the hotel’s control, no effort was made on their behalf to offer compensation or condolences for the discomfort.

A note for families:

While I visited the hotel alone, I am a mother of two young children and was watchful for various elements that make for a comfortable family stay. The room I stayed in (Deluxe double with a city view) was large and had plenty of room for an extra bed. There was no bathtub for small children — only a walk in shower. There is only one pool option and the temperature was quite warm — potentially too warm for small children. Meals are available via room service or in the attached restaurant. There are a variety of options that could appeal to children. The breakfast dining room was equipped with highchairs and the staff serviced guest families attentively, from what I witnessed.

Overall, my experience at the Mercure was restful and inviting. I will not hesitate to visit again — but I will check for scheduled road repairs first!