Belvilla by OYO Conca Degli Dei con Patio

Gabriella and Alberto made us feel at home straight away, and they’re a real strength of the property. It’s in a good location and has a homely feel. The rooms are a little dated, though. I’d like to come back.

The villa was clean, but the beds were very uncomfortable, the bathroom was cramped, and the broken pots and pans made it impossible to boil water. Entertainment was practically nonexistent, and the bar was always poorly stocked. We paid a hefty fee for club memberships, yet came back from vacation feeling that no services had been provided. The residence also offers terrible value for money and has no pool suitable for small children. I also can’t say I felt sure our belongings were safe in the village. Guests from the same residence took cash from my brother-in-law’s wallet after he dropped it. Afterwards, no one at the residence seemed to care whether we needed basic necessities, including for the two children in my family, one of whom is disabled. It was an awful experience I wouldn’t wish on anyone, and I can’t recommend it.

The only real plus is the two-minute walk to the sea. For groceries, though, you have to drive. I first stayed here in 2016 and it was a gem, but over the next six years it went downhill badly. It presents itself as a vacation village without the facilities or capacity to match. There isn’t even a private beach, just an agreement with a resort that clearly isn’t included in the price. The apartment is spacious, but the beds feel like wooden boards with very thin mattresses, and the air conditioner is so loud you can’t keep it on at night. There’s no Wi-Fi in the apartment. The pots, glasses, cutlery, and plates are mismatched, and the bathroom is tiny with old fixtures. Music goes on late, too. Not everyone wants late-night music or karaoke; plenty of people come for peace and quiet. Even atypical guests deserve a restful holiday. They could at least turn the volume down. To me, this isn’t a dance hall where disco music is appropriate. There’s room to improve, but I wouldn’t choose it for a stay of a week or more. A weekend at most. I won’t be back. I’d give it 4/10.

The pool is nice, and the staff were helpful and friendly. Outside, everything looks lovely and well cared for, but the apartments need work. The bathroom is tiny and poorly maintained, the kitchen doesn’t have much in it, and there wasn’t even a towel for the sink. The bar was closed, and Wi-Fi only worked at reception, not in the apartments. I regret booking through Booking.com, where I found only positive reviews.