We are a 60 year-old couple traveling independently in Italy for the first time. Our 3 week trip was arranged by a travel agent. We requested standard double rooms in smaller, interesting hotel. The hotels knew we were celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.
I asked my TA to book this hotel because I had stayed there in 1995 during a group trip commemorating the 50th anniversary of the landing at Anzio. I was traveling with my father-in-law who had mobility issues. It was perfect for that trip, less so for our vacation in 2007.
The rooms are very large, with flat screen TV and big bathrooms. Everything was clean. But the rooms looked exactly as they did 12 years ago, the same decor and furniture. The bathrooms were tired and need maintenance. Our room, #605, I think, was very dark and had no view. The dark furniture, draperies and bed spread did nothing to lighten the large room. It felt very cave-like.
We were traveling at the end of September and the outside pool area did not have any chaises or other poolside-type furniture. There were small tables and chairs. The area was being used for evening special functions. The indoor pool was open, but there was an additional 10 Euro per person per day charge to use it.
This hotel has banquet and conference facilities on property and seemed to be very popular for such functions. During our 3 day stay they hosted 2 weddings and 3 conferences.
The staff was professional and courteous. If we returned to the area there are other, more interesting hotels we would try.
- Ariston Hotel Paestum
