Lamaraz Hotels

I chose this hotel due to its excellent TA reviews. Note that Algeria is an Arabic and French speaking country. English is not widely spoken especially outside of the main cities. Cash is king - especially Algerian Dinars. I took euros and had no problem exchanging them for dinars, but not easy to use otherwise. Location - depending on traffic (and it can be extremely heavy) the hotel is approximately 30 minutes drive from the airport, and 15 minutes from the old town/port. There is a tram terminal / metro station approx 500m downhill from the hotel. The tram heads out past the great mosque into the coastal suburbs, but the metro heads into the city and old town. There are a few shops locally for snacks, drinks, fruits etc close by. Hotel - on the ground floor is the reception area, business area and meeting rooms. On the lower floors there are function rooms and a car park. On the 7th floor is the restaurant with superb views over Algiers Bay. In between are the floors with large bedrooms - some with the same bay view. Reception - the reception staff were wonderful, helpful and professional. Restaurant - I was on bed and breakfast basis, but chose to have the buffet dinner each night as well. The food and choice were excellent. I especially enjoyed the Algerian buffet night, and the fact wonderful local dates were available at each meal. The staff were brilliant. As I was the only ‘English’ guest in the hotel, I soon became known as Mr 206 (my room number). As I am on a walking stick, the staff were brilliant in helping me get drinks, food etc. Bedroom - located on the second floor (there are two lifts) my double room was large and well appointed - especially with kettle and a quality coffee maker. Ask the restaurant for Lipton tea bags if you prefer black tea. There is a large screen flat screen tv, but I did not find any English speaking channels (but that didn’t matter as I was out all day each day). The bed was very comfortable. My stay was for three nights. Honestly I wish I had stayed longer. Algiers is an exciting city, and The Lamaraz arts hotel is an excellent choice for a great stay.