After reading a number of positive reviews I was quite happy when this was the hotel that came with a tour I booked covering a range of local sights. However, I was disappointed with what I found. The hotel has apparently been rated four star, which I know is based on certain specific amenities, but to my mind implies a certain quality of finish that just wasn't there.
Our room was a good size, but the window was so high up the wall that I had to stand on the chair arm to see out of the bottom of it. Not being able to see out made it feel a bit prison-like. When I pulled back the thick nets in the hope of seeing the sky at least, I uncovered massive cracks in the wall above the window.
The bathroom was pretty tired and shabby - the towels had frayed edges and were horribly thin. There was a shower attachment, but only designed for hand use, despite the bath ending in an alcove which really lent itself to have a small screen for a shower. The water pressure wasn't brilliant and the shower head obviously doesn't get cleaned as a lot of the holes were blocked, or partially blocked and sending water out at crazy angles.
The aircon was a bit noisy, but very effective and nicely aimed towards the bed.
The fridge didn't work and the lamp on the dressing table fritzed and went out if you moved the cable even slighty.
The room had a safe, albeit a very old-fashioned one that had a lock that you slotted in through a hole in the door. I had to request it from Reception, it wasn't in place when I arrived. Overall the decor was very dated, and very shabby - holes in the wall, peeling wallpaper, grubby patches.
The lift was painfully slow and prone to "forgetting" that it has been called. There are only four floors though, so since I actually like taking the stairs I didn't mind.
Breakfast was a small, mainly sweet buffet. If you like cake for breakfast, you'll be happier than me. I like a savoury breakfast and got a choice of some processed cheese and slices of meat. The bread rolls were superb though - soft and fresh.
The dining room is very plain and undecorated and the table cloths often featured red wine stains from the night before.
Two things I will agree with from other reviews. Firstly, the rooftop terrace is lovely - nice views, comfy chairs and really pleasant space to enjoy a sundowner.
Whilst I wouldn't say that all the staff members were awesome, no-one was unhelpful and a couple were exceptionally good. Lydia really stood out to me as someone who really cared that you enjoyed your meal and that you had what you wanted.
As others have mentioned, there is a free-to-use PC in Reception and you can buy wi-fi. However, it is not the hotel that sells the wi-fi, another company provides the service and you subscribe to them. The hotel staff did seem genuinely baffled as to why I might want to use wi-fi on my phone rather than use their pc and also had no knowledge of the wi-fi service, such as how much it cost.
The location is good, so if you want a reasonable base, pleasant staff and you're not fussed about frills, this is a good choice. If you like a four-star finish, a good quality bathroom and a touch of class, look elsewhere.
I travelled with my OH as part of a larger group.
- Palma Hotel Pompeii
