lexy1968
18 Jun 2024
Having spoken with the hotel manager, Massimiliano twice during our stay, I believe there is a genuine ambition for the Cala Cuncheddi to deserve its 4 star rating, but for now, there remain many frustrating issues which marred our four night stay. Firstly, our suite (thanks to a complimentary upgrade) was lovely, and as we arrived late, it was kind of the staff to arrange for dinner to be served in our room. Front desk staff seemed only too pleased to be able to help. Our main issues relate to catering and to the staff. Our rate included half board so we were able to enjoy the 4 course menu in the restaurant. Whilst the food was good, it felt as if we were on some kind of production line, with one course served barely a moment or two after the previous one had finished. With a few exceptions, staff were efficient without any real effort to engage in conversation. It takes many things to make a meal enjoyable, and interaction is one of them. I should also add that the restaurant closes at 9:30 and the staff all disappear at 10:00pm so don’t expect a coffee or a digestif if you prefer to dine late. Breakfast too was a mixed affair. The breakfast buffet was adequate, but charging a €15 surcharge for the worst Eggs Benedict I have ever eaten, waiting an eternity for coffee, and waiting almost an hour for an omelette that never arrived was not. Bar service too was equally hit and miss. And as the pool bar closes at 7.00pm, there is no chance to enjoy a pre dinner cocktail as the sun sets. I think the hotel is struggling to straddle two markets - a traditional, older clientele who expect to dress for an early dinner and be in bed by nine, and a younger group who (in common with most European travellers) expect to dine late and perhaps enjoy a drink or two after dinner. As others have mentioned, the public areas too are over lit and somewhat sterile. Certainly not the coziness described on some of the hotel’s signage and advertising. I think there is a real opportunity here to truly deserve or even exceed the hotel’s 4 star rating, but it isn’t there yet.
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