La Casa di Babbai

We left glad to be going home, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here or return myself. The rooms are nice and very clean, and there are good beach options: the east, north, and west coasts are roughly 45 minutes to an hour and a half away. The village is very quiet, with one restaurant and a café. The winding drive is typical for the island, but coming back in the evening can be tiring. The main problem was how the owner treated us. With a 9.5 Booking rating, we expected a much better experience. We felt unwelcome, as if we were being reprimanded just for being in the building. Nearly every evening, the owner came in to check on us and point out something different that wasn’t up to her standards. Her manner felt like a stern teacher dealing with naughty children, and it made us uncomfortable. Our things were repeatedly moved by the cleaner: from shelf to shelf, bathroom to bedroom, or into drawers we didn’t use. We put them back where they were useful to us, but they’d be moved again. Nothing was obstructing the cleaning, and after several days it was strange to keep finding my skincare bag somewhere else. We were also told off for putting food in the fridge after taking out the water and Coke cans to make space. A note was left about this as if we’d done something wrong. It’s a 3* hotel, and I expect to be able to use the fridge. Water won’t spoil in the heat. At check-in, we chose breakfast for 8.30, with 8 or 9 also offered. One day we asked for 8 to fit a boat trip, but it turned into a negotiation. We were told it was uncomfortable for the host and not possible, and that we’d get only a minimal breakfast if we insisted. Breakfast was minimal anyway: no fruit or vegetables, a couple of supermarket cheeses, a few slices of toast, and one croissant each. A second coffee costs extra. It felt inflexible, especially since many hotels would offer a packed breakfast. Even small things became a telling-off. A stain on the tablecloth brought a disappointed look and a wagging finger. When we carried wet swimwear out to dry, a few drops landed on the stone staircase, which is washed with water daily. The owner pointed it out and made us apologise, although we were the only guests and it was about 39 degrees, so the water had evaporated by then. She came in each night to check when we’d returned and raise that day’s issue. We felt we had to keep apologising. It’s a 3* hotel, and I’ve never been treated this way at one before. They need to address their attitude. It wasn’t professional.