Villa Veneta

The pool was crowded because other guests brought friends who weren't staying there, so there often wasn't much space. After more than 30 years of trips to Lignano and Bibione, this was my worst experience. My wife cried on the third day, feeling she'd wasted her vacation in a filthy storage room. Our son's white socks turned black after just five minutes on the floor. It was listed for four people, but even the three of us couldn't relax. There was nowhere for suitcases or clothes, and the single wardrobe was packed with blankets, pillows, brooms, and other household things. We were constantly stepping around belongings, and had to dry swimsuits and towels in the hallway. The apartment had no balcony or terrace, only a long staircase up to the second floor. I paid the same as people with a larger apartment and balcony, who also had a dishwasher, washing machine, and oven. When I called, they gave us a clothes rack, which we had no room for, and a pot. Neither improved things. On arrival, they had no record of my phone call, even though I had called to clarify the booking because the documents were often unclear. I'd specifically asked for parking, a pool, and a terrace or balcony, and was told those were available. Instead, the parking ticket didn't cover the whole stay, and I had to pay another €11.50 per day. Booking.com also makes it look like Villa Veneta only has rooms with balconies or terraces and parking, but that isn't true. As they told us when we arrived, verbal confirmations are useless, so get everything in writing.