We stayed here as the price was quite competitive and the pictures on Hotes.com made it look great both on the outside and on the inside. It looks like the hotel must have been an amazing property some 40 years ago and some parts of it still are. Today, it is an oasis surrounded by a depressed neighbourhood. One does not feel safe walking outside the hotel, even going to the corner store my wife felt unsafe. Luckily, little of the noise permeated down to the room.
The room we got overlooked the beautiful garden with the pool. We loved the flowering trees and the palm trees that many birds (including some green ones that looked like perroquets) use as refuge. This, and other shared spaces (like the lobby and restaurant areas) are very nice.
Unfortunately, the room itself wasn't all that great. Amongst other things, the door did not seal so the AC has to work extra hard. Worst of all, one could hear all the noises of the other guests and staff walking outside. Although there is lots and lots of water pressure and the rain shower head is great, the door to the shower did not keep all the water in, the toilet seat was crooked. Also, although it is supposed to be a smoke free property, we could smell the cigarette smoke coming from somewhere (could be the door or it could be the ventilation system) every so often.
Staff were very pleasant and efficient. Thanks to you all.