Want to take advantage of the Marriott STARS program to receive extra perks (like breakfast, upgrades, and a resort credit) at Cala Di Volpe while paying the standard rate? [email protected] more details. He may even be able to help if you already have a stay booked.
Continue reading: Review: Hotel Cala Di Volpe Porto Cervo
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I know there's another blogger who delights in calling you a "rich weirdo" but this content is interesting and aspirational. I'm having a great time reading it. Can't wait for your RC Kyoto review. Especially hoping you'll book it on FHR because it was the better deal, somehow
You have a pretty skewed concept of value from how most people live. 500 Euros a night in September isn't all that cheap, and those buffet prices are insane. It also seems kind of sad to travel to a nice destination and eat the hotel most of the time. That being said, this is a helpful review and confirms I'm not missing much of anything.
I love Italy, and I'm glad you enjoyed your trip. Maybe your most appropriate quote is that the pictures don't do the resort justice. The lobby looks worn, and that room looks just old enough to be dumpy without being charming.
The views are beautiful, but there are 100 coastal hotels in Croatia with views just as stunning, and at 1\4 the price.
Very very interesting review. I insisted on the Platinum Suite Upgrade and got a stunning suite from the second day. I found Service to be average for these sky-high prices, compared to the Ritz Carlton or Mandarin. At least the front desk seemed to be arrogant and that's a turn off for me when I spend my summer holiday there.
I can see the charm and whimsy in the common spaces and the exterior, but the room and bathroom look like an 1980s beach house. The bathroom in particular looks terribly tacky. I don't see why anyone with the kind of money needed to stay here in high season would tolerate those rooms.
That's where they filmed James Bond's, "The Spy Who Loved Me". Thanks for the review, 40 years later!
What Carlos said. It looks deserted and really dull. I also agree with the Croatia statement. Our coastal hotel in Dubrovnik (Rixos Libertas) was so much more interesting, though it looked like a cruise ship on the outside.
Glad to know it is still a wonderful experience. Have stayed several times ( first when still part of the Aga Khan hotels and later after sold to CIGA)). Glad SPG maintaining the standards as it (along with other three Aga Khan hotels) were unique and quite luxurious. If you ever have a chance to stay in hotels part of the Aga Khan group or formerly part of the group they are always spectacular in terms of architecture and creature comforts (the hotel division is run by his brother who is very focused on making architectural statements). So pleased you enjoyed as I have in the past.
@Gortondemond Why would anyone want to enrich the Aga Khan group? Just as I would not knowingly enrich the Sands group for very plain reasons.
No way in hell would I be paying close to 400 Euros for this place... if the rooms were a bit better maybe.. but nope...the surroundings are not enough to make up for the crappy room IMO. 400-500 Euros is at the top end of what I would pay for a hotel, 1/2 board is great but no way would I pay 200 Euros a person for a buffet lunch. 100-150 with champagne is max what I would pay for a champagne brunch/lunch. Do they not have simpler ala carte options?
Compare to the luxury hotels in Japan, how would you compare these hotels in Italy? Many of the luxury hotels in Japan are also very calm, offer fantastic service, and have stellar food.
All that CC pimping should help offset some of the exorbitant prices that you were charged...
Fantastic review, why you paid 380 euro a night for this bathroom, bedroom and flinstons hotel is beyond me. This makes me seriously doubt your objectivity in general.
My sis went there for her 10th wedding anniversary. The property was nice, but not for the value my brother in law and she spent. She found the property to lack value for money and actually quite boring after the second day.
In contrast, the Galleria in Milan was equally expensive, but a truly spectacular property.
It would be awesome if you could review some of the lesser known ultra-luxury properties such as those run by the Taj Group or the Oberoi Group. I stay at hotels a lot (I don't own an apartment) and I consistently find myself drawn to the Taj and Oberoi hotels and resorts whenever I have free time.
@Samantha A. - The Oberoi hotels are fantastic (mind-blowing) but freaking expensive especially since there is no way to redeem points or even link to a loyalty account, which is contrary to this blog's vision.
Having said that, it didn't prevent my wife and I from indulging ourselves at two of their properties: the Vanyavilas for seven nights followed by the Wildflower Hall for six nights with a private jet to transport us between the two properties provided by Oberoi! What a spectacular way to see the wildlife in India.
http://www.oberoihotels.com/aviation
Wow they must have seen you coming! That hotel looks like something out of the Flintstones mate. Well done for talking it up but good grief what a disappointment. Don't let Ford choose in future!
people notice my comment, you base your comments on your own preferences by do you have to diss him for his, he has his own taste. let him be...
If you even remotely like this hotel, I'd suggest Hacienda Vista Hermosa in Tequesquitengo, Mexico, about 20 minutes outside of Cuernavaca. Rooms only run about $70USD-$100USD/night.
It was built around 1530 (not a typo) by Hernán Cortés, the Spanish explorer. Quite an amazing place, but it's the real deal. 5-star, it is not, BUT the history of the place can't be ignored. Modern life disappears when you get there. When I was there, it was spotlessly clean and the rooms were serviceable.
I should note that not all of the rooms have aircon. Our room was one which lacked AC, but with the large fans I didn't mind it, surprisingly. BUT beware if you're booking in one of the rare warm months.
Agree with previous comments, Dalmatian coast is equally stunning as Italian coast and not nearly as expensive at this moment (though the price is rising each year). Which may explain why Italians account one of the largest source of tourism in Croatia.
Exactly ten years ago I spent five nights there with my wife during our Italy honey moon trip. Looking at the pictures absolutely nothing has changed since then. The room, décor, art work everything is exactly how I recall it. We both felt at the time that the resort was not worth it. It was only 20k points or rather 80k for five nights at the time.