Hotel Akrabello

The hotel is old, though not bad, and there's a bus stop for getting into the city center. Still, I won't return. We were there for a festival, so the hotel was busy, but meals usually took an hour to an hour and a half. The restaurant staff wouldn't serve us until all three tables were occupied, even after we explained that at most two would be filled because some people didn't want to eat there. When we called a waiter over, they'd say five minutes and then keep ignoring us. That was my main problem.

We had to leave and find somewhere else because the beds were awful, a serious problem with my bad back, and my friend was immediately affected by allergies. We told the hotel we couldn't stay for those reasons, but they charged us for both days anyway. We'd checked in with a larger group and got a bad impression right away. The hallway carpets were filthy and the person at check-in was unfriendly. There was also a burly guy hanging around smoking, which added to the unpleasant feel. I'd avoid this hotel. There are other places nearby at similar prices that are much nicer and friendlier.

We probably wouldn't stay here again. It did serve its purpose while we were on holiday and visiting family in Grotte, but the hotel feels worn out and badly needs renovation, or to be rebuilt. Everything is dated. Its location is handy for the valley of the temples, with shops and restaurants nearby and plenty of parking. We liked the pool, and sometimes had it to ourselves. Our room at the back was fairly quiet and had air con, a fridge, and a TV, though one Italian guest next door shouted on the phone at 5:30 a.m. for about an hour. The walls are so thin I'm surprised he didn't wake everyone. Breakfast became repetitive by the end of the week and had no fresh fruit. It was also hard to find: one day in the restaurant, another in the function room, then the disco, then back to the restaurant. There were no signs or information, so you had to guess.

The staff were lovely, and the pool was a nice way to cool off in the summer. Our room was pretty clean too. I'm not sure what people with negative reviews expected, the Mariott or Hilton?