Hotel Cesotta

We left before even reaching the halfway point of our planned stay, and nobody asked why or said a word. It seemed like nobody cared that we were customers. La Bagatella has a very different idea of what a four-star hotel is. The place is shabby throughout: the room was clean only to a point and needed a deep clean, while public areas were dim and badly in need of paint. Everything felt a little grubby. The staff were friendly, but service seemed to follow an outdated rulebook. The spa closed from lunchtime until 7pm. The pool’s filtration was turned off, leaving a film of suntan oil and dead bugs and tree debris swirling around while you tried to swim. And you need a swimming cap. We tried breakfast once. The coffee machine was broken, and no one seemed interested in fixing or refilling it. If you arrived partway through service, the tired, sweaty-looking buffet was gone, and asking didn’t get anyone to refresh it. Ten minutes after we complained, we got one cup of coffee for both of us. In 30 years, I’d never had a bad cup of coffee in Italy until then. Dinner wasn’t available unless you’d booked in advance. Ordering a simple glass of white wine and a Campari soda from the pool bar took the waiter three trips inside, and the soda came pre-bottled with no ice. Avoid.

Really good.

The garden was okay, and the location is nice. The staff were making an effort, but that wasn’t enough. The only thermal water was in the shower beside the pool, which needs restoring. The indoor pool and wellness centre were out of order, and the rooms were run-down, so I don’t think this can be called a spa. Breakfast was poor, and dinner felt like a trattoria. It’s absolutely not a 4-star hotel. I suspect the early opening and the quick change of management had an effect. I think it may have gone bankrupt by now. Not recommended.

The room was comfortable and clean, but the old air conditioning was noisy. The garden and outdoor areas could have been better cared for. Staff were courteous, but only doing the bare minimum. The restaurant felt like a cafeteria and had a very limited choice, in both quality and variety. And a note for the chef: amatriciana is made with guanciale only, without onion, basil, or pancetta.