During my extensive travels as a professional blogger, where I encounter 30-40 hotels annually, I've had my share of diverse experiences. However, my stay at Ruby Blue in Ostrava was uniquely disappointing, and one of the worst hotel experience I've encountered.
The primary expectation from a hotel stay is a peaceful night's sleep, a basic necessity that Ruby Blue fails to meet. Imagine the chaos of hundreds reveling right outside your window from 10 PM to 5 AM, every single night. The noise isn't just people having a good time; it's horns honking, music blasting, and drunken shouting, all at levels that make sleep an impossible dream. This disturbance isn't confined to weekends but extends through the workweek, disregarding any norms of public peace.
Adding insult to injury, Ruby Blue markets itself as a four-star establishment, a gross overstatement. The reality aligns more closely with a 2-star rating, at best. Claims of air conditioning on their website are misleading, as the only cooling provided comes from a diminutive, ineffective fan. Summer stays become a dilemma between enduring the stifling heat with windows closed or facing the amplified outdoor cacophony with them open.
The lack of basic amenities and maintenance issues further mar the experience. Expect to grapple with insufficient space for luggage, a scarcity of essentials like tissues, conditioner, and lotion, and the inconvenience of requesting the lone, dilapidated ironing board from reception. A broken shower door and subpar bedding, reminiscent of a bygone era, do little to elevate the comfort level.
It's not all bleak; Ruby Blue's central location offers easy access to local attractions, and the breakfast is passable, avoiding the bottom rank among hotel offerings I've sampled.
However, if you value sleep or expect the amenities and service that typically accompany a four-star rating, Ruby Blue will disappoint. The absence of concierge services, parking assistance, or wellness facilities underscores the inflated star rating and misalignment with guest expectations.
In conclusion, unless you're immune to noise or sleep during the day, Ruby Blue is a choice best avoided. It stands as a stark reminder that a central location cannot compensate for a fundamental lack of comfort and service, making it a poor choice for travelers seeking rest and relaxation in Ostrava.