There is one secret to success at staying at FPI hotels: calmly explain if there is anything wrong. Each of their hotels seems to be basically well-maintained, with the kind of amenities you would expect from small, above-average-but-not-five-star business hotels. And each of them has friendly reception staff with good (sometimes excellent) English, supervised by a customer-friendly manager.

This stay, I spent the first 3 nights in a room I didn't really like. I wasn't sure it was worth complaining, so I said nothing. Finally one morning I decided to ask. The receptionist spoke with the manager - and was immediately put into a room that is among the nicest I have stayed: good view, nice extra chair, and even non-smoking.

Of course I don't know what would have happened if they had no other room to give me. But based on other experience in other FPI hotels, I think they would have tried to help me somehow. I have always been satisfied with the attention of the staff.

Note: breakfast, business centre and fitness room are all OK, but would be disappointing if that's one of the main things you look for in a hotel.