Grand Forest Metsovo

Breakfast was fresh and good, and the staff serving it were lovely and quick. Some more variety from one morning to the next would be nice. We enjoyed our stay, though there are several things that could be improved. The hotel is attractive, with views over Metsovo and a fireplace that’s always going in the lobby. The staff are welcoming, but don’t always seem to know the arrangements for hotel experiences. We booked truffle hunting and only found out just before that we had to drive 30 minutes to get there. We’d assumed we’d meet the hosts in the lobby. The women leading the hunt shared lots of information, and the experience itself was very nice. I’m not sure what it costs when booked directly, but through the hotel it seemed out of proportion for an hour’s walk, information, and simple food. I’d contact them directly. The hotel could also use some maintenance here and there. The spa setup was frustrating. The pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and sauna all need a reservation for a 30-minute slot at €25 per person. After 18:00, the pool and jacuzzi are open to everyone, but the sauna and hammam still require a paid booking. At weekends it’s hard to get a slot, and €50 for 30 minutes at an already expensive five-star hotel wasn’t what I expected. Children can use the pool from 10:00 to 12:00. Getting there means driving a winding road. We did it several times in fog and darkness, and better lighting would help keep guests safe.

The staff made a real impression on me. Every person was kind and helpful, but also friendly in a natural, comfortable way. There’s plenty to do outdoors in the national park: running, walking or hiking through the forest, with plants, mushrooms, and wild animals along the way. You can also ride horses or bikes. When the weather turns bad, there’s a gym and two pools, one indoors and one outside. The spa has a lovely hot tub and a good range of treatments, or you can relax by the big lobby fireplace with a cocktail. The restaurant menu has a good range, and every dish we tried was fantastic. My favorite was the gnocchi with eel. The typical mezzovone cheese baked in kadaifi is also a must. The hotel sits among the surrounding mountains, and the location is breathtaking. It’s expensive, but I felt every penny was worth it.

The hot-water pool in the spa was lovely, and at first the room seemed okay, though I didn’t think it justified the price. We’d booked a room with a full mountain view after family recommended the hotel. Dinner was more gourmet-style than the hearty, delicious meal we’d expected. The bathroom shower was filthy. There was dried pubic hair stuck to the wall and mold everywhere. I was shocked and initially thought the tiles were just designed that way, but it was mold and hair. Check-out was at 12, which was fine, but after that you couldn’t use the pool or jacuzzi unless you booked a private appointment. I showed the reception desk clear videos of the dirty bathroom, and they acted surprised, apologized quietly with a forced smile, then started talking to each other as soon as we were a couple of metres away. From their faces, I could tell they were judging us. We stayed one night with family recommendations and paid 210€ for it. For us, it was a waste of time and money to end up seeing someone else’s pubic hair on the wall. If the hotel doubts it, I have long, clear videos of the toilet and room. Bye!

The spa and pool were in poor condition, and there were bugs and mold around the dated, damaged hotel. The photos used in the marketing were misleading, and the luxury feel was nowhere to be found. Most facilities didn’t work, apparently because the place was understaffed. There are supposedly two restaurants, but only one was open. Even the outdoor areas were bare in winter, without heaters or blankets like you’d expect at a mountain resort. I was so appalled by the condition that I left immediately, ruining my holiday plans. At the front desk, they said the mold had only appeared the day before, called the roaches in the indoor pool “normal mountain bugs,” and claimed the cracked glass above that pool was brand new. I left the next afternoon at 1 pm after seeing everything in daylight, but they charged us for two nights. Save your money. Edit: I’m adding photos because the hotel is actively lying. Absolutely insane, to be honest. We didn’t ask for a full refund. They charged for two nights even though we stayed one night and left the next day at 1:00 pm, despite what they claim in their reply. They’re dirty and lying swindlers.