Gigi Suites&Apartments

The location is the one real plus. Everything else was disappointing for the price, and I wish we’d paid more attention to the Google reviews than the Booking.com ones. Breakfast was included when we booked, with no room-only option, so we expected something proper for a 4-star property. One morning the bar was closed, and we got a basic box with a muffin, yogurt, a few pieces of toast, and packaged triangular sandwiches like you’d find at a gas station. There was no fresh bread or fruit, no fresh orange juice, and not even milk for coffee. In the room, the only coffee was instant, with a kettle instead of a proper machine. The box wasn’t even up to Ibis Budget breakfast standards. If a cheaper room-only rate had been available, this would have been a different matter. When we complained, we were told the box was equivalent to the usual breakfast and that the rate was lower because breakfast couldn’t be served. That wasn’t made clear at booking, and afterwards we couldn’t find any meaningful price difference. The room also had several problems. The door rattled in drafts all night, so we had to wedge something against it to sleep. We could hear neighbors and people walking around because the sound insulation was poor. One bedside lamp didn’t work, the toilet paper holder was loose, the shower faucet looked badly repaired, and several switches were loose and crooked. The mattress gave little support, and the curtains let in too much daylight to sleep in the morning. To me, this felt like a 2-star hotel at best, based on the room, upkeep, comfort, facilities, and breakfast. It doesn’t feel like 4-star accommodation and is far too expensive for what it offers. We wouldn’t stay again or recommend it.

A lovely waterfront spot, beautifully set up, but overpriced.

The room was lovely, clean, had a nice view, and we slept well. We stayed for one night, but getting checked in was confusing: no messages had come through, and it took us a while to realize we had to ask the bar staff. While waiting, we ordered cappuccinos and waited an hour without getting them. Breakfast is in the café, where you order from a menu rather than a buffet. The choice was limited but okay. We had to repeat our order several times, and the waiter forgot half of it. Other guests were frustrated with the slow, inefficient service too. The electrical outlets could use tightening. It’s fine for one night, but for the price, we’d choose somewhere else.

The lakefront setting is fantastic, and restaurants, the harbor, and other attractions are under a 5-minute walk away. Breakfast was included and tasty, though the bar was closed on Wednesdays. A table for hotel guests was kept in a darker area at the back, where we were alone both times. On both days we asked to sit near the front, but despite empty tables we were told those seats weren’t for hotel guests. The second day, dishes were piled on every table except ours. When we raised it, we were told we had to wait until the tables were cleared and then sit at the back. We left to eat elsewhere and told the hotel, but never got a reply. The room was only 20 square meters and cost CHF 200 a night, which didn’t feel worthwhile. Hotel La Palma offers considerably more luxury, including a rooftop bar and beach area, for less. Worse, on one of our two days the room wasn’t cleaned. When we asked, we were told it was probably our fault because we’d turned the door sign upside down. The service was the biggest disappointment. It was far too expensive, and we wouldn’t recommend the hotel.