Hotel Solitude in Lourdes

DO NOT BOOK THIS HOTEL!!! the rooms do not have working airconditioning systems that you can adjust. one of our companions complained about the heat and she was told it was because it was already four degrees outside (this was in October). we are staying inside, not sleeping outside! we had to resort to opening the windows wide during our two-night stay.

If you value your life, do not go near this hotel. I would not make these comments if they were not based in truth, I make them as a warning to others. I stayed at the hotel as part of a travel group/pilgrimage and had a terrible experience. A member of the group suffered a medical emergency (which turned out to be a consequence of the complete negligence of the hotel due to a maintenance issue that was not taken seriously.) The staff were incredibly rude and unhelpful. To describe it as a 4 star hotel also is beyond a joke. Avoid at all costs.

We booked Hotel Solitude expecting a comfortable, 4-star stay based on its online photos and amenities, but the reality fell far short.

Location:
I’ll start with the positives — it’s a 5-minute walk to the Basilica and Grotto, which is very convenient. There’s also an excellent South Indian restaurant right across the bridge. However, reaching the hotel by car is tricky since it’s tucked away on a small side street off a main road.

First Impressions:
The lobby is nicely updated and gives the impression of a well-maintained property. Unfortunately, that impression fades quickly once you leave the lobby.

Hallways & Rooms:
The hallways are narrow and the carpets are visibly dirty and worn. Our room was outdated and poorly maintained — holes in the wall from a previous fixture, a broken door hinge, and overall tired décor. The toiletries consisted of nothing more than foaming hand soap in the shower. Towels were thin, rough, and smelled mildewy. The tub didn’t drain properly. The toilet paper holder looked like something from a gas station restroom, and the paper itself was 1-ply at best. No complimentary water was provided, the in-room refrigerator didn’t cool, and neither did the air conditioning.

For coffee, there’s only a kettle with instant powder, and our mugs had visible stains inside.

Facilities:
We were particularly disappointed by the rooftop pool, which was a major reason we booked here. The pool area was warm and muggy, the water didn’t look clean, and there were no cushions on the loungers. The whole space felt neglected.

Service:
Housekeeping skipped our room entirely one day. When we called to request service, we were told it wouldn’t be possible and we’d have to wait until the next day — not what you expect from any hotel, let alone one claiming four stars.

Other Concerns:
The front doors are barricaded at night “for safety,” which is more unsettling than reassuring.

Overall:
This hotel may have the location, but everything else — from cleanliness and maintenance to amenities and service — falls short of even a mid-range property, let alone a 4-star. We expected far better for the price and rating.