Hotel Genoves

For our last couple of nights in Piriapolis, we switched to the Genovese after spending a few days strolling the Ramblas. Glad we did. We had a room facing the beach, with a breezy balcony and a great view. The pool and spa area out back was nice, and the staff were helpful. They also lend out beach umbrellas and sand chairs. I'd spend a few extra dollars for a front-facing room to enjoy the sunsets. Recommended.

Okay.

The hotel is so quiet, which made it easy to rest and switch off. Staff were exceptionally friendly and always ready to help, and breakfast had plenty of variety. There are rooms at different sizes and prices, so it can suit couples or families. I especially enjoyed the beautiful terrace and the spectacular view over the waterfront promenade. The two swimming pools were very well maintained and lovely to relax by at any time of day. I'd recommend it in winter or peak season. A place to enjoy all year.

Our Valentine's weekend with my partner turned into a nightmare. We had booked and paid for two nights, February 13th and 14th, but at 10 p.m. on Friday the 13th, after we'd come all the way from Montevideo, the hotel said they couldn't find our reservation. We had booked a few weeks earlier, and the reservation clearly said February. It seems Osvaldo, the hotel manager, had put us down for Friday, March 13th and 14th instead. A mistake can happen. The first solution offered was to put us up for Friday and refund Saturday, since they were full that night. We weren't happy about sorting it out the next day, but accepted that as reasonable. We only asked to pay the amount we'd originally agreed on. We weren't asking for a free night or a discount coupon. Osvaldo had apparently shifted our weekend to a different month because March also has a Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th. The same dates also fall in November this year, 2026, August 2027, and October 2028, among others. It had always been clear that our booking was for February. Minutes later, Osvaldo called back and said staying that night meant paying the exorbitant February rate. If we didn't, he said he'd call the police and kick us out. He spoke arrogantly, refused to own the mistake, and blamed us for his misunderstanding. Threatening us with the police and demanding a ridiculous extra amount was unbelievable. I've stayed at the hotel several times for chess tournaments and had planned to return for one from March 6th to 8th. After this, I never want to set foot there again, and I encourage others considering it to do the same. I was shocked by his attitude, especially after having been there several times. How much could they even have made from that room if they sold it with only two hours of daylight left, $70? Congratulations. This experience says a lot about how they treat people. They threaten guests and play with their time and money, with no empathy or humanity. We left, asked for a refund for both nights, and went to another hotel. They need to own their mistakes and show more humanity. I won't go into the blonde receptionist, who also did nothing to help. One star is already more than this place deserves. Incompetents.