Hotel in zona PAF Main Mosque, Islamabad

There is much to admire about the Marriott and much to lament. I've been coming her for 25 years and it hasn't changed much, apart from the new security measures put in place after the terrible bombing. The lack of change isn't all a good thing. Yes, the marble floors are kept immaculate and the dark wood is beautifully polished. Yes, if you're an honoured guest at a banquet the management roll out all the stops and the carpets and the gorgeous lighting. But if you're an ordinary guest inn the hotel, which I am, for 2 weeks, don't expect such treatment. The breakfast service, for the first three days I was there was appalling. Dirty tables the waiters didn't bother to clear ,leaving you hunting for any clean space. Metal dishes of almost finished food to choose from, with a few scraps of curled egg on them. Cereals that may as well have been chosen with children in mind: sugary flakes that were just a notch above fruit loops. Don't expect Muesli or Granola with seeds here. I had treacle black coffee for days until I learned you could order a cappuccino- it was never offered. Nor was an omelette, though one's available. The staff didn't bother to say. Or didn't bother about much. And all this in the darkish space of the hotel's Chinese restaurant. By the weekend it was better. They'd had a few complaints. Not much you can do about the renovations in the lobby area. They'll last until mid or end of April. No warning of this on the Marriott website or the Bonvoy website. You find out when you arrive. No warning of the renovations outdoors either at what used to be the outdoor swimming pool. Two nights running, the banging lasted until nearly 11pm. That's just not on. So many of the staff are excellent but many others are surly; not least the security men at the lifts. A smile as they assess you would help. There's no Pakistani food unless you want the buffet, or room service. I understand that this is usually served where there renovations are taking place but you do expect some S. Asian food in an Islamabad hotel. My signature to put one meal on my room was refused on day 3 because I hadn't pre-authorised an amount with reception. It's just that I wasn't advised to do this on checking in. All in all, this is NOT up to the Marriott's standards. I explained some of this to one manager who was gracious, apologetic and clearly it had an effect on the breakfast service this weekend. But sometimes, old favourites disappoint and this one did. It's a shame. So, I'd say think of the Serena if you're coming in April/May 2024. Marriott globally need to upgrade more than the public spaces; the room hairdryers are from the 1980s.

Molto buona casa degli ospiti.Casa pulita.Persone carine.