Matthew F
ngày 31 tháng 7 năm 2024
To me a hotel is much more than the building or grounds or even location. While those elements are important, the true distinction between adequate and great hotels is the overall hospitality, care and experience. Everything is relative, and to be fair, we have just come from two great hotels. The Botanic Sanctuary in Antwerp and the Hotel Nobu in Ibiza. Our opinion of Grand Hotel Miramare is that it is over stretching to award itself 5 stars. The problem is they charge as a 5 star. I would define the hotel as ‘adequate’, a comfortable 3-4 star. The bed is a king and comfortable. The linen is basic. The ensuite has a “bath/shower” which I don’t think is better than “adequate” in anybody’s rating and definitely not 5 star for me. The amenities are average and there is no alcohol in the mini bar, or even wine glasses and bottle opener in the room. (Again, hard to see how that’s more than 3-4 star). The breakfast was very average. Definitely more 3-4 star. It is included in our rate but we are looking for alternatives for the rest of our stay. The restaurant is nice, but even during a heatwave not operating the air conditioning and requires gentlemen to wear long pants. I did ask if during this heat wave (it is not my definition - the radio is calling it a dangerous heatwave) if they might make exception to this policy but I was very politely advised “no” - “it is our policy”!! The pool is the highlight of the hotel for sure. It important to appreciate that it is directly on the main road through SML so is noisy. For reasons unknown to me, there is no music, and no pool side drinks service. (I am capable to get up and order, no problem at all, but again, not aligned with the typical 5 star resort experiences we are use to). Oddly, the gym is for 18+ only so if travelling with your 14-18yo and they expect to use the fitness centre - again, “the policy is no”! Our 15yo daughter is not with us but in all other 5 star hotel gyms that we go to the requirement is that a parent is there with them. The beach club will is very 3 star. Dated and unremarkable. It is across the main road from the hotel. The hotel has no security. Anybody can walk off the street annd access the lifts and hotel via stairs. Again, I find this very unusual for a 5 star resort hotel. We did request to leave a few days early as we did not feel a good match with the hotel. Again, the policy said no, our booking through American Express was not able to be changed. Personally I think it is hard to meet everyone’s expectations and if I operated a hotel and had guests staying who were not enjoying it, I would help them find a place they feel more at home with. That to me is hospitality. It isn’t Faulty Towers but it is far from 5 star!
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