Hotel Carpe Diem

I haven't been able to stay yet because the Iran conflict led to all flights from Dubai being cancelled. My free cancellation period had already passed, but when I explained what happened, the hotel immediately offered new dates or a free cancellation. They didn't have to do that, and their quick response and flexibility say a lot about their customer service. As soon as I can travel, I'll rebook. I can't wait to stay there. Five stars aren't enough!

The hotel’s best feature is its location right on the slope, and having ski rental on site is convenient. We spent six nights at Hotel Carpe Diem in Gudauri, but the stay was disappointing overall. The rooms were acceptable, though there was visible dust and food left on the sofa. In the spa, the sauna doors were hard to open and nails stuck out of the wood, which felt unsafe. Dogs barked loudly each night, even with the windows closed. Staff at reception, the spa, and the restaurant rarely smiled or greeted us, and communication was difficult because of the language barrier. Breakfast had a decent selection, but hygiene worried me. I found an eyelash in my porridge, then noticed hair in the buffet food. When I politely asked for warm milk after it ran out, the waitress, Nini, rolled her eyes. Dinner at the hotel restaurant was our biggest regret. Service was very disorganized: our appetizers came last, and people who arrived after us got their meals first. I waited about 50 minutes for a simple chicken and potatoes dish while my friends had already finished eating. Hospitality is at the heart of this business, and the customer service needs to improve.

The photos online don’t match what we found, especially the breakfast, which was nothing like the pictures. On several occasions, the bill showed a higher amount than it should have, which raised serious concerns about honesty. We also arrived to find our room unlocked, which is unacceptable for safety. There was a strong unpleasant smell in the hotel, seemingly from areas where supplies or equipment are stored. With no proper ventilation and little fresh air in the rooms, it was hard to breathe comfortably. The staff were unfriendly and unhelpful, with no apparent interest in resolving issues. The place doesn’t meet basic standards for service or value, and I definitely don’t recommend it.

The staff were very friendly, and the rooms were comfortable. We also enjoyed the spa and the breakfast buffet, which had lots of options. The location right by the ski area was amazing. We had a great stay and would definitely recommend it :)