Grand Mercure Recife Boa Viagem 5 estrelas

We tried to check in from website as it stated we could but was not able to. When we checked in the concierge was rude when I inquired why. It seemed like nobody even checked our room before we entered. Because the shower door was missing and water was flooding into the bathroom. Cob webs and spider on mirror in bathroom, also mold. Our room window was broken and we could hear all of the traffic and noise from the street. The lights were broken and when I mentioned all of these problems to the front desk all they did was fix the light. Finally after bringing to attention the third time on the second day middle of the night they finally moved us out of the room. Into a room that looked like the photos of the room we thought we booked……. The only reason I give two stars is because of the view, and the breakfast we had every day was delicious. They were not receptive about our unpleasant stay, we will not go back or recommend to our friends or family.

I recommend staying at the Grand Mercure Boa Viagem hotel for a trip to Recife. The location is right across from the beach and within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and shops. The staff was friendly, professional and efficient and the area around the hotel seems safe. I stayed in one of the renovated rooms with a great view of the ocean. The room was nicely decorated, everything was clean and modern, and the bed was very comfortable. The room was quiet and definitely a good value. Other factors: The breakfast was great and Wi-Fi was fast and reliable. The only shortcoming was the worn-out and outdated fitness center which needs to be part of the ongoing renovation process.

I'll start with the staff: EXCELLENT! Everyone was super polite and professional and always ready to help when we needed something. I paid for a room with 2 double beds and with a view of the beach. It was totally worth it because the view was awesome. According to the website the hotel is currently being renovated. My room was clearly not one of the renovated ones because the furniture was dated showing stains and scratches. But nothing that would make me want to ask to change rooms. The pool area is very nice with lots of comfortable chairs to use. So comfortable I actually took a nap one day. I didn't use the gym. Breakfast was very good and plentiful. The tables next to the windows with the beach view are everyone's favorites. The only thing that I didn't like at breakfast were the juices. They were VERY watered down. It was like colored water most of the time. The only exception was the orange juice so that was the one we always chose. Like the title of this review says, the location is great. Just cross the street and you're on the beach. One very helpful hint: don't use the chairs and beach umbrellas directly in front of the hotel. They are overpriced. Walk a block or so up the avenue and the beach furniture isn't charged at all especially if you consume a drink or two. It took me about 3 days to figure this out. As an Accor Silver level member I got a free late check out since our flight was at night. So in conclusion there was nothing that made me dislike this hotel and I would definitely return.

I understand the hotel is under renovation but currently it is extremely expensive for the condition it is in. The reception is dated and has an overpowering air freshener smell. I later realised that this is to cover the damp/mould smell. Various areas of the hotel have a damp smell. There are drips of water in the corridors coming through the ceiling. Our room was dated and scruffy (see photos). The air con was old and hard to control, water dripped through vents onto the floor. The bed and pillows were very comfortable but the sheets were old and worn with some small rips. The bathroom was fine. I requested a duvet for my childrens bed and they just provided additional blankets. Apparently they is only one duvet per room and no additional ones available! My parents in law room had an overpowering mould/damp smell on request the were moved to another room. There was no duvet supplied and they were cold, when they requested one they were given a duvet cover with no duvet inside. Breakfast was ok. Some glasses weren’t too clean lipstick marks etc. The gym is also under renovation it’s very small, no windows and quite airless. It’s full with four people in. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this hotel, hopefully it will be nice when the renovation is complete but they have a long way to go.

The Grand Mercure is ok, but it is not 3 or 4 star. The lobby is small and crowded - they are doing a renovation of the lobby bar, leaving only a small space for reception and guests. This wouldn't be a problem, except the three elevators are old and slow, and the hotel runs events on the top floor. Many days, there is a long line (30 or 40 people) waiting for the elevator and filling the tiny lobby. The rooms are not great. They were renovated a few years ago, but the maid service is terrible. The floors are filthy, the bathroom was barely cleaned, there was mold in the shower, the towels were dirty, and we had to beg the maid to change the dirty sheets rather than just make the bed to hide the dirt. The furnishings are minimal -- there is only one trash can (in the bathroom), why not put one by the desk? There are only wine glasses, no plastic cups or water glasses. There should be a cup to put toothbrushes in the bathroom, because the bathroom is not cleaned and guests don’t want to put a toothbrush on the bathroom counter. There are only three hangers in the closet. The light switches are on some crazy system where you can't figure out how to turn off some lights. Crazy and frustrating. I booked the Grand Mercure because it is on the beach in Boa Viagem, close to the airport and restaurants, the location is good and the staff at reception are very professional. But the hotel did not meet my expectations. I won't return.