Hotel Bel Air

Getting to the beach was easy, just one block from this hotel on a street parallel to the seafront. We even got a little glimpse of the sea from our room. It was spacious and comfortable, with air conditioning and a small balcony. The furnishings and bathroom amenities felt dated but still worked. For the price, it's a simple, welcoming place with good value, though not perfect. We used the discounted parking lot about 2 km away, with a shuttle included. It was very convenient: call the driver 10 minutes ahead and he'd pick you up right outside the hotel. We had dinner at the hotel restaurant on our first night. The €20 buffet didn't have a huge selection, but the staff were courteous and offered to prepare something else if we didn't like a dish. Breakfast was in the same room, also buffet-style, with sweet and savory options. It was a bit disappointing and sparse, especially for anyone with food intolerances or following a vegetarian or vegan diet. Since I'm lactose intolerant, I stuck to black coffee and toast with jam.

The restaurant was the one bright spot: we ate really well, and the portions were generous. The rest of the stay was problem after problem, with excuses each time. When we left, nobody even apologized for the initial trouble or asked how things had gone. They don't care about their customers. We'd booked and paid €12 a day for parking. After an interminable journey, we arrived hungry and were told another customer had "stolen" our spot. Instead of sorting it out, they gave us a ticket and told us to look for a space on the city's blue lines. On August 18 at 2:30 pm, we obviously couldn't find one. We asked to use the spot we'd reserved, and the annoyed receptionist had to make several calls to get cars moved. Eventually we parked, but they treated us as if we were the ones at fault. Our room was completely DIRTY, with months' worth of dirt, not just a few days' worth. The common areas were just as bad, except for the restaurant. The cleaning lady also came into our room twice while we were inside, UNCONCEIVABLE! Then there was the "flying poop" episode. There were dogs at the hotel, and perhaps one had a problem and sat on the adjoining balcony gap, leaving poop on our balcony. When we told another receptionist, she didn't seem mortified. Instead, she claimed a storm with strong winds the night before must have carried it there. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. On departure day, we asked for packed lunches to make up for the first lunch we'd missed. The same receptionist from the poop incident made a fuss because it was supposedly too late to report. Too late to make a measly sandwich with a slice of ham and cheese, an apple, and half a liter of water to make up for a €20 lunch. In the end, the lunches were made.

I've been coming here for over 15 years and still don't get tired of it. It feels like home. Mariagrazia keeps things fresh and brings new ideas each year to both the dining room and reception, with great attention to detail. It's very well organized, and the furnishings are unique. The rooms are beautiful, spacious, and clean. The reception staff are kind, the cleaners are friendly and always smiling, and everyone is helpful. The buffet just goes on and on, and the food is wonderful. It's especially convenient with children, thanks to the games room and the exceptional entertainers. For me, it's a five-star hotel.

The food was fabulous, with different options every day and really good ingredients. The seafood starters were excellent. The waiters and waitresses were friendly, excellent, and very helpful, and I felt welcome and cared for by the whole staff during my five-day stay. I'm six months pregnant, and everyone made me feel comfortable. The location is strategic, and the quality for the price was excellent. We'll definitely come back next year!