Hotel Rivabella

The sea view was the one feature that stood out, and we had specifically asked for it. We booked a room with breakfast for our August vacation, but at check-in they asked for our documents and the rest of the payment before showing us the room. We stayed two weeks, and the high price, even with the convenient location, felt exorbitant given all the problems. We came for a relaxing beach holiday and instead felt cheated and increasingly stressed. I have photos and videos documenting everything below. The room was small, with no closet, just a rack and five hangers, three of them meant for laundry. We ended up keeping clothes in our suitcases and buying hangers at the Soverato market. There was no drying rack either. We finally got one after four days, but it had to stay attached to a cabinet. The awning was too small, letting in early sun and light because there were no blinds. It was full of holes and very dirty. The light, rattling 1960s-style front door sat high above the floor, so light from the hallway came in, along with noise from other guests day and night. The linens had holes in both the sheets and towels. The air conditioner was right above the bed, and whenever we used it, we left the windows open for a long time because of a musty smell. The bathroom smelled of pipes and drains for almost the whole two weeks. The shower water was almost always cold, which they blamed on the municipality. There was no shower door, so even when we were careful, water covered the bathroom floor. We had nowhere to put shampoo except on the bidet, and the towel hooks were so small that towels kept falling. The shower situation and lack of storage made everything harder. My wife slept badly and woke with a sore neck, so she asked for a softer pillow. After repeated requests, one arrived nine days later, and it was just like the others. We asked for a second key since there were two of us, but got it only three days later after considerable protesting. We also had to wait four days for the drying rack. Breakfast was awful. For a three-star hotel, we expected more choice, variety, and quality. Poor!!! After a long time, my wife finally reached the owner and explained all the issues. He always had an excuse. Shameful.

The room was spotless, and the bed had a topper, which was amazing. We loved the view from the room too, it's hard to describe. The sea-facing location is excellent, the service was good, and Mariagrazia and the other girls were very kind and helpful. Dinner was delicious, with fresh fish, and Bruno the chef did a great job. Breakfast was good, though I'd add a few more things. Everything else was excellent, and I'll definitely be back.

We had everything we needed and a great time, so we'd gladly return. The area is quiet, but Soverato, with its nightlife, is only a kilometer away. The rooms are modern and clean, with a refrigerator, air conditioning, and the comforts needed for a good stay. Staff were friendly and happy to offer directions or suggestions. The seafront location is incredibly convenient, so we didn't need the car. Parking is nearby, though especially in August it can be hard to find. Breakfast was good, but could offer a few more choices. Those were minor points in an otherwise positive stay.

A simple, welcoming hotel in a great spot right on the seafront. The room was modern and clean, and the staff were helpful. Breakfast didn't have a huge selection, but what they served was delicious.