We stayed for two nights at Hotel Conca d'Ora, Garda. When we arrived we were in awe of the view of the lake and the location of the hotel. Truly magnificent! We were gobsmacked by the view from our room. True, the room was dated but overall wonderful - we were impressed. Unfortunately, the experience gradually got uncomfortable and then not good.
In order of appearance the issues were:
1. We purchased two cups of tea and hot whiskey with lemon at the bar but were told we couldn't put it on the room's bill.
2. When we went to sleep we noticed hairs under the pillow that didn't belong to us - the sheets had not been changed, but we slept.
3. At 7:30 we woke due to the sound of fans. This "noise" continued till 10:30 and was repeated on the 2nd morning but at no other time - my wife was a little sick and needed her rest but we failed to sleep more. Chairs were being pulled around outside by the hotel staff and even with closed windows this noise was loud inside.
4. Breakfast was from 8:00 to 10:00. We finished breakfast before 9:30 but from arrival food was been taken away from the buffet. This seemed to be one of the techniques to decrease what guests eat.
5. We could not choose where to sit. There where at least 15 empty tables (all set for breakfast) but we had to sit at a table far away from the buffet. Why? It had our room number. When we asked to sit closer we were told that we couldn't move. When I asked why, I was told that it was a matter of "hygiene" and if we dirtied someone else's table cloth it would have to be changed i.e., in the words of the owner (the following day), "if you make a mess you can sit at your own mess the following morning". (We did not make a mess)
6. It was a cold morning and the windows in the breakfast room were opened presumable so we would finish.
7. There was no cheese or meet at the buffet instead the waiter asked if we would like some and then brought 4 slices of each. (It would seem that the word "more" in Hotel Conca d'Ora has the same meaning as in Oliver Twist.)
8. The "hard boiled eggs" were cold and liquid inside. "No thank you!"
9. There was a special coffee machine for the buffet breakfast which served cheap, poorly-brewed coffee. The managers had their coffee own fancy machine at the bar but this was not included in breakfast. The breakfast was below par and it was clear that we should eat as little as possible. A terrible way to start one's day, so the following day we did not have the breakfast. (This did not result in a discount, which it did elsewhere when we had to leave early.)
10. My wife's soar throat continued that evening so at 23:00 I decided to get up and ask for a slice of lemon with hot water and some honey. I was informed that the bar was closed and I could not be served ... after five minutes of pleading and pointing out that the coffee machine was still on we got a slice of lemon and hot water ... no honey.
11. I was asked to move my car the following morning to allow other guests to escape which I happily did. Unfortunately, there was not a thank you or any acknowledgement. I decided at that moment that I would complain about the general unpleasant and not relaxed feeling when we were leaving.
12. At 10:05 we were about to leave but were told we could not pay by credit card. This was even though they had a machine. I know this is their right but if we were expected to have 180 euro in cash in our pockets for check out then we should have been pre-warned. However, comfort of the guest is absent in this hotel.
13. So we packed the car, got cash and checked out again at 10:45. I then asked to speak to the manager but he could not be found. (I latter found out he was hiding behind a plant listening to everything). I was allowed to speak to a lady who would not say who she was.
14. I made a general complaint that "the hotel atmosphere was not relaxed because of many small issues ... which would all be solved if the comfort of the guest was put first by the management". I was asked to explain the issues in detail so I mentioned a few. All the time this nice young lady was translating everything in Italian to a waiter who previously could speak perfect English. It all seemed strange and uncomfortable.
15. It was then explained to me again about the table cloths and why everyone has to sit at their own table: since it is a matter of "hygiene". Suddenly, from behind the plant who jumps up but the missing owner - yelping and shouting insanities at me in Italian and English - at which point I became angry and said "his shouting was typical of his attitude to his guests".
16. The conversation, which I now realised had always been an interrogation, now became an argument and continued for 2 minutes before I was physical pushed out from the hotel by this irate man. I did not physically resist but said that "I was very offended and would be writing a review". After a little more shoving the door was closed behind me. So here it is, my review - I warn you against staying at Hotel Conca d'Ora, Garda.