Alba Living Room

The hotel's location is convenient for getting around and for meals. Breakfast downstairs was fairly complete, and both lunch and dinner in the restaurant overlooking the harbor were more than acceptable. Reception staff were friendly enough. Still, over our four days there, they never managed to find a Schuko outlet for the hairdryer. The pool looked more like an insect repellent than somewhere to swim. At check-in, we had to pay 5 euros per person per day for a Club Card that came with entertainment that didn't exist and beach service with an umbrella, deckchair, and sunbed per room. On that same beach, an umbrella and two sunbeds cost 14 euros a day. The building is old, run down, and poorly maintained. The sign outside says Hotel Albano, not Alba Living Room, so don't panic if you arrive and don't see the other name. You'll be assigned a room eventually. First, there's an elevator with no sensors, so you risk being caught by the doors. The corridor has condensation forming on its false ceiling because of the ventilation, with drops falling on you. The rooms are very basic, and cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired. There's no proper place for clothes, so you'd need to keep them in your suitcase for a longer stay. Our two-panel sliding wardrobe was missing a door. We did at least have a sea view, but with no outside shutters, the sun came straight through the window at 6 a.m. and woke us up unless we were still drunk from the night before.

Some of the staff were really kind and welcoming: Libera, Nicola, Sofia, and Alessia. The hotel has a lot going for it because of its location, but it's badly managed and disorganized, and complaints don't seem to get taken responsibility for. It calls itself the Alba Boutique Hotel or Alba Living Room Hotel, so check reviews for those names too. The place is Hotel Albano. Food was often worse than hospital food, both in what was offered and how it was cooked. Once my son's pasta came plain, with coarse salt added at the end. Ingredients often seemed cheap. Cleaning was poor, and sheets and towels were often stained and worn, but they still reported stains or extra tears on things that ought to be thrown away and asked for compensation. The renovation was only partly done. Our room had no counter space and plaster was coming off the balcony, though other rooms were worse. We chose this hotel because it had been advertised as family-friendly, whether by the travel agency or the hotel itself, and feel cheated. There's no entertainment or kids' club, though a fee is charged for the club, and the pool can't be used. The beach, not far from the hotel, is the only place that works for children. It's a shame.

The harbor view and the fine sandy beaches nearby are lovely, with clear sea and shallow water. You have to walk about fifty meters before it's deep enough to swim, so it's perfect for children. Breakfast at the hotel was the one good part. Otherwise, this was a ruined holiday and a waste of money, especially for families. The staff were friendly, but the property needs updating. We bought a central two-week holiday package for August 2025 at the Albano Hotel or Alba Living Hotel, Via Scalo Marittimo 33 in Rodi Garganico, through Tourland in Rome. They also contacted us under the names Cristoforo Travel and GB Viaggi, so we assume they work together. We expected a full service. After paying the Club Card, there was no entertainment, mini-club, or kids' games. Beach umbrellas were included, but two sun loungers and an umbrella in the same row the hotel assigned cost €10 a day directly, €140 total versus the €288 membership fee. That felt like a real rip-off. The VIVA restaurant disappointed us in every way: mediocre food and no children's menu. They changed very little, and did it badly, only after we protested. It was 500 meters away at the end of the marina, an unpleasant walk at 1 p.m. in the sun. The setting and view were great, and the wait staff deserve credit, but some dishes made you want to leave. For the first few days, still and sparkling microfiltered water came from a dispenser, but something was wrong with the filters and it was undrinkable. We were told bottled water would cost extra, then they changed their minds. Changing dishes was impossible. There was never fries or pizza for the children, and no ketchup or mayonnaise either. The room design was questionable: the shower was open in the room, while the toilet and bidet were in a small room that was only closed at the bottom and open above. Smells and sounds travelled into the room. The ceilings were peeling, leaving debris on the floor, and the wardrobe had broken doors and drawers. Whenever we raised an issue, staff threw up their hands, maybe out of frustration with the complaints or maybe as if praying. We asked TOURLAND, GB Viaggi, or Cristoforo Travel for at least the difference in the Club Card price, but heard nothing back. We also saw families who booked quadruple rooms put into double or triple rooms if they were lucky, or sent to lower-quality places, even a campsite outside town. It seemed to be because the hotel had overbooked. The pool was a tub at the entrance that looked more like a foot fountain. I never saw anyone use it. I absolutely wouldn't recommend it for a family looking for somewhere child-friendly. Oddly, every negative review seems to be followed immediately by a positive one. Who knows.

We stayed with our two children from July 19th to August 2nd, and had a great time overall. The restaurant by the sea was beautiful, and Nautilus beach club was lovely and well kept. Breakfast was good, thanks in particular to Libera and Davide, who were friendly and helpful. Chef Gianni deserves a special mention for making lunch and dinner enjoyable, and for being kind too. The dining room staff were excellent and friendly, especially Nicola, who served us and put up with us for 15 days. There are a few little things that could be improved. Thank you for everything. Family from Milan (Francesco, Isabella, Andrea, and Davide)