I arrived at this hotel at approximately 6:00pm on 3rd June, having driven all day from Clermont Ferrand in France. There is a spacious carpark and the hotel is clean and welcoming. The receptionist (male) spoke excellent English.
The room was quiet, spotlessly clean and with a wonderful sea view.
The problems arose when I tried to get dinner in the restaurant. When I arrived the restaurant had been set up for what was obviously a large group. Six young Italians had arrived just before me, to the very obvious displeasure of the waiter who was setting up a table for them, apart from the expected group. It was obvious that he was displeased as he was literally throwing chairs around the table and his facial expression was that of a very unhappy person.
When I asked for a table I was told 'The restaurant is full.' although it was not. The waiter made it very clear, from his expression and voice, that I, a non-Italian speaker, was not welcome.
I expressed my displeasure to the receptionist who told me that the restaurant was a problem for the hotel too, as it was managed by a different consortium. He suggested that I go to one of the local restaurants to which I replied that I had chosen to stay in Hotel Touring because it advertised a restaurant and that I did not wish to take the car out again as I had been driving all day. I was told that the restaurants were only a short walk away but the hotel is situated on a very steep hill and I was too tired to walk up it on return. (I am 69 years old.)
A compromise was reached - the hotel ordered a pizza to be delivered and I purchased wine from the bar. Imagine staying in a four star hotel, with a restaurant, and having to buy in a pizza to eat in the bedroom! Not entirely satisfactory.
By all means stay here as the hotel is comfortable but don't assume that you will be able to eat dinner in the restaurant.
- Touring Hotel Ancona
