Hotels generally seek to portray themselves online via a series of artistic shots that best enhance the positive aspects they have to offer. But the Embassy Court Hotel goes one step further by using pictures that actually bear no relation to reality whatsoever. In fact, the picture on the homepage page of their website does not depict the hotel in which you stay.

Instead of the tasteful establishment you see online, the hotel is actually a shabby two-story building tucked next to a large Kentucky Fried Chicken branch. And the “spa” that is advertised online is actually two hairdressers, one awkwardly wedged into the main lobby, and the other in a small shack outside (bordered by a building site where they hope to soon offer a dining lounge). There is no sign of the “4-star world renowned restaurant” on the first floor, but there is a kebab hut on the driveway, so that claim is semi-correct.

All rooms are suites and feature flat screens TV’s (though my room had no remote), wi-fi and mini fridges, but worryingly there are no safes. The suites are a good size, but decor is more 1970’s roadside motel than the “elegant luxury” the website suggests.

The whole hotel is pretty basic, lacking any business facilities, and has a pretty dingy, dated feel throughout. To be honest if you booked here on the strength of the website you would be justifiably furious. At $140 a night it is a cheaper option in a city where accommodation is expensive, but if they hadn’t set the bar so high with their claim that they’ve “won awards for our hospitality for the past three years in a row” guests would be less likely to feel disappointed.

One thing about the website does ring true: the part where its states “we promise your stay here is like nothing you’ve ever experienced.”