Mercure Andorra Hotel : Not for the faint hearted.

This is the second time we have staed at this property. The first was after we requested a hotel move from the Novotel ( same compnay franchies - next door ) due to a broken bed and no other rooms avalible. We were at that time not given any status recognition or vip treatment as "its a differnet hotel to that you have booked so we can not do it" despite having to moev us as the Novotel room had a broken bed and would not be fixed.

Our whole reason to book the hotel was to visit Cirque du Soleil, that was in Andorra ( and just accrross the road ). We booked a few moinths previoulsy for two people ( web site defults to one person at about 35€ cheaper than for two people )

We drove up from BCN and had e mailed the hotel to remind them of the Platinum status and request early checkin and late check out, and a room upgrade - hotel not full as we checked.

Our frends who were with us ( they have similar Accor status ) chose not to stay at the Mecure, but at another hotel. They had warned us. We should have listened.

The first problem was that the car would not have fitted into the hotel car park. We had to que at the public car park accross the street for a place. 

We went to reception, and asked for an early checkin ( by around an hour ) and was told that this was not avalible. We then requested a late check out - again not avalible - we had to be gone by twelve am, or we would disturb other guests arrival.

The room that was allocated initaily was one of the worst I have ever been offered in a 4 star hotel. Very small, very close to lift, no working air con, one power socket ( away from desk ) and dirty floor, old tyred mataress and peeling paper. The room was howver as clean as it could have been. The lady at reception did offer towling robes and slippers so we could use the pool and spa factilites.

I re checked the avalibility of the rooms and found that there were many unsold suites. I also found lipstick on the bathrobe. Went back to reception and asked for a room change due to the bedding. Was told hotel full. Showed hotel was not full on the Accor web site - was told that the web site was not a true state of booking - showed them rooms avalible on theire own website, and after a long telephone conversation a "manager" was summoned.

We were then told that as we had booked a superior room,. this was all that was offered. We could be upgraded to a superior matromonila room - I asked to be shown the room, it was a lot better, with a much better bed. We moved rooms.

There was a selection of Nespresso capsules and a well stocked mini bar. However the sign next to the machine was confusing, asking at reception was told - firstly that it was all free - when checked as there seemed to be a communications issue with a second receptionist later - it was all to be paid for - despite status - and then finaly with the "manager" that it was just the water that was free - coffee was charged.

Still the view from the room was nice :(

and

The hotel has a Spa and pool area. 

We did not stay long in the area, as it was unsupervised, and children were dive bombing into the pool on top of swimmers and running around. No one seemed to take notice of the showers before use, and despite having two large chaging rooms and towels provided, they were seldom used as it was "more convenient" to change in the pool area, or just to walk in off the sun terrace and dive into the pool.

All in all we managed to stay exactly one full day at the hotel - including the 1 hour we were given as a late check out.

Did not try the dining as it was a buffett dinner that was 24€ each and clashed with the Cirque du Soleil timings.

Drinks voucher given without request, redemed at the Novotel as the Mecure did not have a working bar ( there were several but closed ).

Website states that there are smoking rooms, but hotel is 100% non smoking - no problem for us - but just another inconvienue if you smoke.

Location for hotel is good.

Would have been a better experiance if people just smiled and were more freindly than confrontational.

Good. Center of town.

A friendly smile would have gone a long way to help.