Ca Carmela

The deposit is a major concern. In my experience, the owners seemed intent on keeping it, and the place also felt massively overpriced. We found it didn't have enough beds for the nine people it advertised as accommodating. The listing also led us to expect things that weren't working or available. There were constant power cuts, and the refrigerator switched off several times. There was no hot water, the jacuzzi was turned off, and the barbecue couldn't be used. Neither of the two TVs worked. Shower pressure was far too weak, especially when both showers were on. The owners' family live around the property and often came in without warning. When they weren't around, their cats and dogs came inside. There's no air conditioning, and even though I'm used to heat in Australia, this place was like a furnace. I rarely write Google reviews about places I've stayed, but wanted to warn people. It looks to me as if the Booking.com review system may have been manipulated. This property felt like a scam. Book if you want, but you've been warned.

The deposit was the final blow. Our group of seven paid nearly €3,000 for four nights and left a €300 deposit. At checkout we were accused of damage and breaking rules, neither of which we had done. It felt completely made up so they could keep our money. Privacy was why we chose this villa, but the owners' family lives on the property and was around the pool from 7am every morning. We never felt alone and felt like we were intruding. There were no bars or restaurants nearby, and a sign said barbecues weren't allowed in summer, which was a huge letdown. The jacuzzi shown in the photos didn't work, there was no hot water, and the air conditioning unit was permanently switched off despite the 37°C heat. After arriving on a late flight during the night, we were immediately told not to make a sound. We thought it was just because of the hour and kept quiet, but things got worse as the days went on. Read the other reviews before booking, since many of these complaints seem to keep coming up. The owners seemed like scammers, and the stay was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

The villa was a nightmare. We booked for the location and privacy, but there was no air conditioning, and I lost weight sweating through the stay. The jacuzzi didn't work, half the furniture was already broken, and barbecues weren't allowed. Even in a place advertised for 8-10 residents, there was a no-noise rule after 10pm. The owner spent nearly 45 minutes at the pool each morning, supposedly cleaning it, though it felt like checking on the guests. There's almost nothing nearby except a dingy tapas bar I wouldn't wish on anyone. A lot of the flimsy things in the house were already on their last legs, and it seemed they were looking for an excuse to keep the security deposit. The location and owners were awful, the facilities were broken, and I'd avoid this place.

The owners refused to return our deposit, claiming we'd damaged the property even though the damage was clearly there before we arrived. During checkout, the male owner became violent and went to attack a friend, but his son held him back. We'd expected a private villa in the hills, but the owners were outside peeking through the windows every 45 minutes, and a man was living in a cabin under the pool. Lizards wandered around our feet by the pool. The air conditioning was permanently off, making the 37 degree heat unbearable, the jacuzzi didn't work, and there was no hot water. My friends and I have just come back from the worst experience. Avoid this place! #thehillshaveeyes