I really enjoyed my stay in this hotel. We had a new refurnished room (I've heard the whole hotel has been renovated) up to full standards of a 3 star hotel. We also had dinner in the restaurant, and although it is famous for it's fish specialities, I took a filet mignon with pepper sauce with i really recommend! The location is just perfect, right on the market square, close to the shopping area, pubs and other attractions. Last but of greatest importance: the staff is very friendly and helpfull.

All rooms have or are in the process of being totally refurbished. My room was excellent,
overlooking the square. Only minutes from the beach, shops and tram stop (Marie Joseplein). From the railway station, catch the Centrumbus which stops only 100m from the hotel for 1.20 euros instead of an expensive taxi ride.

I'll start with the positives - the location of this hotel is great, in a lovely square close to the shopping streets and nice restaurants/cafés. Positives dealt with.

The lift was terrifying - no sides to it, angina almost kicked in. We entered the room to find ancient décor and a smell of impending doom. There was no toilet paper, a three foot black hair on the bed (NOT ours), a leather jacket in the cupboard stinking like a ten euro "hired help", crap on the floor, an ashtray with gifts in, a view of the fire escape staircase, stains on the sheets, snot on the walls.

We couldn't sleep. Finally dropped off, but refused to actually get in to the bed, just on top. For 130 euros for two rooms for one night, I felt totally ripped off and disgusted.

Would rather check-in to Faulty Towers.
AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID AVOID.

Ok, so the Hotel Ambassadeur probably hasn't changed very much since since the Germans occupied the city! Most small hotels in Oostendeare the same. The lift is quirky, the beds have done a million miles and there is always at least two light bulbs not working. The TV has very few channels, not even BBC World, so brush up on your Flemish if you're a telly fan. And take your own towels as the hotel's one are bald. Having said all that, I like the place! It's conveniently placed in the Wapenplein, right by Kappellestraat, Oostende's answer to Oxford Street, and Langestraat, has a good few late-night bars, though nowhere as good as when the Djinn and King nightclubs rocked the city back in the 70s/80s. The breakfast eat-what-you-like buffet includes tea/coffee. fruit juice, yoghurt, boiled eggs, ham, toast and lots more. Excellent! A room will set you back a massive 70 Euros per night, but you must allow that Belgium is a seriously expensive country. Will i stay there again? I will!