Hotele niedaleko Scavi Archeologici di Macchia, Circello

This was my second visit at Acquapetra. The first time I was impressed by the architecture, the great service and the overall acceptable prices for the Michelin star restaurant, bar and spa. We stayed in a standard room that was cute but small. This second visit I decided to go for a suite for two nights. Let's start with the positives: - The room was lovely. Great decor, spacious, over two floors with a great patio upstairs and a nice balcony downstairs. Two bathrooms. Perfect with even two kids if needed. There were some signs of wear and tear easily fixable (see photos) but overall no complaint about the room. - The food we had was great. There is no question that they use the best possible ingredients. - Some of the staff was trained, experienced and professional. Especially those also working at La Locanda del Borgo. Now the negatives: - We called and emailed to change the date of arrival. The staff we interacted with over the phone and email was unprofessional and clueless. How can a hotel that charges 300€ per night per room have someone responding on the phone who is rude, speaks no English and lacks the basic skills to work in hospitality. Not a great start! - As soon as we arrived the Aircon in the room wasn't working. I had to call twice and both times the person answering the phone was rude and unprofessional (must be the same person above). No apology, no explanation. Nothing! Ridicolous. It was eventually fixed but when it is 30° outside and the Aircon doesn't work you apologise, you don't act annoyed with your customer. - At times there was an unpleasant smell of sewage in the room. Of course I understand the resort is remote and they have their own sistems. Still, if you charge 5 star prices, you offer 5 stars standards. - Now to the breakfast service. Unfortunately, service was hit and miss. When served by personell from the Michelin star restaurant, it was spot on. Professional and competent. The other staff used to fill in had no clue. Inexperienced and unprofessional. I fell for them as they were polite, yet, the standard was low. Buffet food was great, though charging extra for pochet eggs felt like a robbery given the price of the room. - We had lunch there on our first day and I realised that prices have almost doubled since last time I visited. 35€ for pasta in the middle of nowhere? Come on! 12€ for a glass of local wine when restaurants outside sell the same at 3€? 6€ for a bottle of water? If everything was flawless I would understand the Four Season prices given the location and the subpar service , given most ingredients are local as are the wines, why overcharge your customer? - We had a lovely dinner with outstanding service on the second night but still, being charged 45€ for their own local Aglinico felt like a robbery. I am local, I know local prices. Double prices are understable in a hotel. When you go x4 though, it is just gridiness. - Though a Spritz was 15€, service by the pool was nonexistent. Is it reall

Stopping in Benevento for one night on my way travelling up Italy, I found myself in the Hotel Villa Traiano. Instantly taken with its old fashioned grandeur, I was met by some lovely staff and guided to my clean, very sizeable room that boasted a television, wardrobe, desk and decent sized bathroom, albeit the shower was a bit on the snug side. The room had various quirks that had clearly one been cutting edge such as a radio built into the wall, but personally I think stuff like that adds character, particularly given the aesthetic is mainly traditional. The location genuinely couldn’t be any better, or so it seemed. Located right on the edge of the city centre, acting as a perfect stopping point between the train station and everything you’d want to see. When travelling without car this type of detail is often overlooked. So why the doubt? And why the low score? Well to be honest this place was angling for a score between 4 and 5 out of 5, until I got in on Saturday night, and realised that my room was right above something resembling a nightclub or party venue, which played music LOUD. Truth be told I’m part intrigued by this place, which had a glass ceiling and actually looked really nice, almost wedding venue-style, but that didn’t really help me sleep. It’s a shame because this otherwise took the shine off of what was actually a really nice hotel. If that was some sort of one off party you can disregard this gripe, but if it’s a regular thing I’d be hesitant if you’re looking for a quiet night at the weekend