Hoposa Panorama

The main reason I’m writing is the payment security concern. The day before we arrived, two different WhatsApp accounts pretending to be Booking.com said there was a problem with my reservation and asked me to re-enter my card details. I knew about this kind of phishing, but it was the first time it had happened to me personally. After we’d paid in full, reception asked for my physical card and entered all of its details, including the security code. That seemed unusual, and I can’t remember another hotel doing it. Two days later, unauthorized Apple online transactions totaling around EUR 100 appeared on that card. They weren’t mine: there were no matching purchases in my Apple family purchase history, and I deliberately use this card only for flights and hotels, keeping other cards for online services to avoid situations like this. I locked the card straight away and am dealing with fraud reports and charge reversals through my card provider. Its fraud detection system had flagged the activity independently. I told two different receptionists during our stay; both said they didn’t know anything and would pass it on to the manager. Nobody followed up during the remaining four days. I’m not accusing staff of fraud, and I can’t determine what caused the transactions. But the phishing messages before arrival, then the unauthorized charges soon after I handed over my card details, left me concerned about how payment information is handled. I’ve traveled across all continents for more than 10 years and had never experienced either situation before. The lack of concern or response from management was especially disappointing, and I felt future guests should know. There were other things that made the stay disappointing. The hotel is newly renovated; rooms are small but comfortable, and the bathroom, especially the shower, was genuinely very good. Still, the atmosphere and service didn’t feel like a 4-star hotel. Most staff seemed unfriendly from the moment we arrived, and there wasn’t even a simple welcome at check-in. I don’t expect over-the-top hospitality, but basic courtesy should be standard. At times it felt strange, and I’ve had friendlier welcomes in some fairly questionable 0-star hostels. The cleaning staff and Livio at the breakfast buffet were consistently welcoming and friendly, which really stood out. Renovation work also seemed unfinished. Construction workers were around the hotel and pool every day, and once a whole group of architects and construction staff discussed plans in the breakfast area during service. The bar wasn’t operating either, and we were told to go to the grocery store for beer. Together, these things added to the odd atmosphere. None alone would have made me write a review, but they affected the experience when combined. I can’t recommend this hotel. If you do stay, be careful with phishing and payment security.