Sealife Family Resort Hotel

Stayed for 5 days in early May. We were looking forward to a warm hammam and a heated pool in the basement. The sea, as expected, was cool, and the hammam was a lifesaver, but the basement pool was a letdown. The water was around 20-21 degrees Celsius, despite being advertised as 26 degrees. The rooms were clean, and housekeeping was daily! The hotel isn't brand new but is well-maintained. We had no complaints about the food, except for one day when crayfish were served (they were really on the verge of spoiling in terms of smell and taste), but otherwise, the food was varied and of good quality. Besides the three main meals, there was a snack bar, a cafeteria, a lobby bar, an outdoor pool bar, and a beach bar, which was a nice bonus. The hotel also has its own tunnel under the boulevard, providing direct access from the outdoor pools to the beach.

Considering the March rate was reasonable – 2.5 times lower than it will be in August 2026 – this is simply a wonderful option. The main plus is the food. High-quality fresh greens, a small assortment of fruits and vegetables, fish and meat (fish only for dinner), plenty of pastries, drinks – all quite edible and tasty. Special thanks to the restaurant staff – they meticulously wiped tables and changed (not just wiped) napkins and tablecloths. On a Saturday, even in March, we had to wait about 10 minutes for a table to clear (most likely, this is a common scene in summer) (this didn't happen on other days). Dinner was more interesting than lunch and breakfast. A downside: the soups were spicy; they were tasty but spicy (I wanted to try local cuisine and I love cream soups, but the spiciness made it impossible). Naturally, this is definitely not suitable for children. However, it's worth noting there was a separate small table for children, perhaps with non-spicy soup, but I didn't check. The bar staff were very pleasant and quick. Entertainment: I don't know about summer, but in March, it consisted of very cheap performers and shows. Internet: Excellent. A peculiarity: using the Yandex Go app is convenient, but to call a taxi in the city center, you need local Wi-Fi; using foreign mobile data is hit or miss. Rooms: Family room, very small balcony, with a side view of the sea. Sitting on the balcony isn't very comfortable as you'll be face-to-face with neighbors. Problem: Lighting. Half of the ceiling lights were not working. In the bathroom, the ventilation didn't work at all, and after a shower, condensation dripped directly onto my head from the ceiling. We constantly kept the bathroom door open (an uncomfortable option, but there was no other choice). I don't know where one would dry towels in the summer, considering the small dryer on the tiny balcony only has space for 3 swimsuits. The shampoos, conditioners, gels, toothpaste, and toothbrushes were of very low quality. The beds were decent, but the pillows were old, with lumpy fillings inside. You have to ask for bathrobes at reception, and they weren't in pristine condition. The bedroom door was completely broken and didn't close properly (room 440). We didn't check the air conditioning. Upon check-in, only water was available at the bar; the advertised cola, Fanta, etc., were missing (see screenshot with information). The reception promised to bring them, but never did during our 3-night stay. However, considering there was plenty at the bar and restaurant, we didn't bother reminding them again. The hammam, sauna, and indoor pool in the spa were average. The pool water was cool. The spa area is inconveniently located – you have to walk past all the guests at reception and the bar in your robes and slippers. There's a cafeteria from 11 am to 6 pm where you can have tea and pastries, with a very pleasant Russian-speaking staff member named Ira. Also, there's a panoramic terrace on the 6th floor, which we discovered by chance. The hotel has its own access to the sea via a tunnel, but there's very little space – a narrow beach, more for a quick dip before returning to the hotel grounds for sun loungers (see photo from the beach, where the closed tunnel gates are visible). Considering all the points mentioned above, I would not agree to pay 45,000 rubles per night for a family room for four in August.

We booked a room and specifically requested a quiet, non-smoking room. We booked in advance, taking into account the previous day, so we could arrive in the morning and check in immediately to get some sleep. But that's not what happened. They put us in a smaller attic room, right next to the elevator and an entrance to a service area, where there was constant noise from trolleys being wheeled around. The room reeked of smoke, so much so that even the air conditioning couldn't help. Since we arrived early in the morning, we tried to change rooms, but they kept telling us to come back at 9 AM, then 11 AM, and finally said there were no free rooms and nowhere to move us. We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights, and on the day we checked in, the app showed many available rooms, and the restaurant where everyone eats wasn't crowded. We've stayed at this hotel before, but now we realize this will be our last visit.