Doliva Estate

We chose this place for a large group, and it can work for that, but it felt overpriced and didn’t match the listing. The owners should bring it up to the standard they advertise. The biggest issue was the layout: it’s promoted as seven bedrooms, but there are six bedrooms and an open area with a bed and fan, with no privacy. Two bedrooms also lacked air conditioning, despite the description calling the villa air-conditioned. The building is older, with dated furniture, separate hot and cold faucets, showers that didn’t work properly, and some crooked bathroom mirrors and holders. Both kitchens were old and partly broken. We could barely use the pool. After a brief swim we had to shower right away because our skin and eyes were burning, possibly from the cleaning chemicals. We’ve never had that discomfort at other villas or pools. There were also several surveillance cameras around the property, including one aimed directly at the pool. We asked for them to be turned off, but the host said they would stay on for security, so there was no privacy there. We were asked to pay 2,600 euros in cash outside the booking site, perhaps to avoid taxes, and were initially charged the same rate for the children as for adults, including two nine-year-olds and a two-year-old. After we spoke with the host, they dropped the payment requirements. Because the villa was represented differently from what we found, and because of the attempt to get so much money from us, I can only give it one star.

There were only six bedrooms, plus an open sleeping area with a bed, not seven bedrooms. Air conditioning was available in just four rooms. We couldn't use the pool because of the cleaning chemicals, and the cameras stayed on, with one pointed straight at the pool. There was no privacy.

The breakfast was fantastic each morning. We spent a week at Doliva Estate with friends and loved the house, the lovely setting, and the pool and garden. It’s a great fit for a group of friends or a larger family, and I’d definitely recommend it to colleagues and friends.

Fani, the owner, met us when we arrived at Doliva Estate on 2/9 for our week-long stay. She was an absolute gem and couldn’t have done more for us. The property is beautiful, and we’d definitely book again. Thanks so much for your kindness, Fani.