AbanoRITZ Hotel Thermae and Wellness

I would definitely return for the thermes, which were a great experience. The room was reasonable and I have no complaints, though what other people say about it being a bit old is true. Service was mixed: some staff were professional, helpful and kind, others weren't, so I'd put it in the middle. The real downside was the food. I hadn't put much stock in other reviews criticizing it, but unfortunately I didn't like it either.

I can't really rate the hotel's services because one incident overshadowed our stay and ultimately our whole holiday in Italy. I found a metal cage in the garden with a hedgehog trapped inside. Since the property looked well kept and friendly to animals, with rabbits running around, I first assumed it was an enclosure. It was deeply disturbing to see the hedgehog locked inside in over 40 °C heat, with no food or water. A few hours later I checked whether it had been released or given anything, but the animal had died. I was shocked. When I asked the staff what had happened, nobody initially took responsibility. Eventually an employee came with me to the garden, explained that it was a trap, and said the hedgehog might have been saved if I'd reported it sooner. I don't understand why traps are set in a hotel garden at all, especially when they're left unchecked. In such extreme heat, rabbits or neighborhood cats could get caught and die too. Knowing we were at the pool while an animal died just meters away in such a cruel way ruined the whole holiday for me. I sincerely hope the hotel will care for its surroundings as well as its paying guests, so staff negligence doesn't lead to more animals dying.

The staff were friendly and the atmosphere had a warm, charming, old-school feel. Rooms were spacious and the interior cozy. But the facilities don't feel five-star. The indoor and outdoor pools aren't connected, are quite basic, and weren't well maintained. Swim caps are required, and you have to buy them on site. The price is fine, but it's still inconvenient. The saunas are tiny, outdated and not relaxing. Compared with other hotels in the area, even ones with fewer stars, the wellness facilities feel neglected.

From the warm welcome to the attentive restaurant, room service and therme staff, every minute felt wonderful. The farewell dinner party made it seem like a fairytale come true. Many thanks to the Poletto Family and all the Ritz staff ❤️