Let's put the wonderful Sofitel in context (I'm sure they won't mind1). If you want 5 star luxe in Algiers, you have the choice of El Aurassi, high on a windy hill above the city with great views, but you can't easily walk anywhere. It's a government and business joint and shows little care for the individual traveller. Or there's the wonderful old Hotel St George, set back above the city in splendid gardens with all the history you'd expect of a place that hosted Churchill and Eisenhower amongst many other notables, celebrities and stars. Or you have the Sofitel Algiers Hamma Garden, which is fab. Why? Great rooms, with Sofitel's world renowned beds, mattress toppers, and the softest linens. Great staff - every single member of staff greets you in the morning, asks if you are enjoying your stay, offers to help. Great breakfast - in fact a stupendous feast of choices (which certain travellers take ridiculous advantage of! I've never seen anyone anywhere take a fork to a newly sliced tray of melon, slide it under the centre of each and lift around a dozen slices to his plate. Selfish, greedy and disgusting!) Great pool, half outside, half under cover, with ample loungers and towels, and a supergluing gym and fitness area including sauna that puts most hotel gyms to shame. Great location, adjacent the Jardin d'Essai with its 'French style' and 'English style' landscaping, and a flight of steps that takes you up to the Metro (just 4 stops to the City Centre for just 50 DZD), and to the Musee des Beaux Arts. I simply don't know what more you could ask for in a perfect Algiers stay.

My room had a terrace with wicker chairs, but because of pigeons, this area could do with a thorough clean to be useable. Eating in the hotel is not cheap - a couple of beers at the bar, a caesar salad and a cheese plate to follow will set you back €75 - so European pricing, but good quality. But these are small points in relation to what became a five day stay due to a flight cancellation.

I loved the fact that it’s right by the garden it’s so convenient and also it gives an amazing charm to the whole resort. The breakfast is very good, French pastries are excellent and the fruits are so tasty. I have to completely disagree with all the previous comments my room was very neat, bed and bathroom linens were high quality and cleaned perfectly everything available ( hair dryer, bathroom robe towels, shampoo and shower gel). Same for the staff i would like to thank them and encourage them this hotel is excellent and they are doing an amazing job to make us feel welcome.

Nothing

Didn't have breakfast but used the bar area together with my wife. Found the bar staff courteous and very professional. The reception and Customer Relation staff always attentive when needed. We liked and used the Jardin d'Essai botanical garden. very convenient for guests.

There should be discount vouchers for guests to use for breakfast or dining as an incentive to eat at the hotel and specifically to fill up empty spaces.

The price for the rooms was less than quoted on the original booking, which was a pleasant surprise. Hotel reception staff spoke good English and made good suggestions regarding the local area. The airport shuttle was reliable and prompt. The room was very comfortable and clean, with no noise and effective air conditioning. Clean, well-maintained pool. Excellent value and delicious evening meals in the restaurant and friendly staff with great conversation (even free starters given with our meals at no charge). Very good hotel security. Free access to the adjacent Hamma Garden included. 1 mile walk from town centre. Would definitely recommend!

Breakfast was very good with a wide variety of cooked and cold options. Fruit was plentiful

The view onto Hamma Gardens was spoiled somewhat by windows that need a clean. The bath suffered from age and was stained in places. Breakfast was very good as stated but pricey. The bar allows smoking and they serve open bowls of peanuts which would be a problem for peanut allergy sufferers.

This is a great hotel with a good location. The staff are very friendly and are really doing their best for you to have a good stay. Swimming pool has the best possible view of the Makam Shahid. And it’s an amazing location with the jardin d’essai entry directly from the hotel. Food was ok with pretty good options in the morning. I’ll come back there next time I’m in Algiers

Careful with a cleanliness of the rooms. Best to check all the towels, linen etc. Service could be a bit faster

The buffet, the Algerian local food, lamb mechoui, the Hamoud and Selecto drinks, the Algerian tea and dates. The Hamma Garden (must visit if you go there). The swimming pool. The view from my room was marvellous.

No spa in the hotel, only sauna.

I loved the hotel. I do not understand why the total score is so low. The hotel is excellent. The rooms are comfortable and clean. The staff is well trained and very hospitable. The food is delicious (but the club sandwich in the bar could be better). The breakfast is plentiful and delicious. Managers whom I have seen on site welcomed me and wished a good stay. The staff at the reception is so helpful and professional. There is an entrance to a botanical garden and it’s very convenient. I traveled to more than 100 countries, staying in the best hotels and I may say that this hotel meets all standards of 5* hotel. The only problem is that I wanted to stay here one more night on my way back but the hotel is fully booked on this day.

The grand lobby, bar and outside garden are very appealing!

The service tended to be a bit more relaxed than other 5 star properties.

Lovely property with great staff and excellent facilities. Nice to have some comfort after a few weeks travelling around Algeria. Close to metro so easy to get around.

European pricing in restaurants.