Honestly I didn't want to write a review about my recent stay at the Borgo Egnazia, but after I read an article in one of my favorite blogs "the you have been Upgraded" I decided to do so.
So let's get the situation clear: Me and Lukas (Mr. Beverage Executive) wanted to spend some days in a luxe getaway with our girlfriends and friends, and we finally were a group of six people. Soon, I remembered back to my amazing stay at Borgo Egnazia in 2013 - such a luxurious and dazzling property, famous for the wedding of Justin Timberlake! We booked a Three-Bedroom Villa, which was just that perfect for us.
After a 12-hours drive from the STANGLWIRT (including an overnight at the G Hotel in Ancona - not worth noticing), we entered the heavy iron gates of Borgo Egnazia. Together with the men from the front desk, we drove to our Private Villa. Amazingly vast, with private pool (not heated), two huge living rooms with dining table, kitchen, rooftop terrace and 3 bedrooms with en-suite bath each. Until we planned to go to the spa, everything was fine. From then the first accident happened:
1.) Wanting to relax, we first had to be stuck in an elevator for 5 minutes which is not bad, but just shocking that this happens - it was the first time and I believe this should never ever happen in a Leading Hotel property and if these Upper luxe hotels should offer a compensation: the only thing we got was a bottle of still water and an apology via a telephone call! By the way I hate still water and I do not like the San Benedetto - I am a San Pellegrino and think all Leading Hotels should offer more expensive water!
2.) We booked the Villa for two persons including half board. Fact: It was not possible to book the Villa for 6 Persons, due to the fact that the hotel has the same price for 2 to 6 people - but just the breakfast rate and not the half board. So at the first day we had to experience that instead of 2.200€ we would pay 3.080€! So me and Lukas tried to negotiate with the hotel and they offered us to have one dinner for six at the hotel and that's it. This was a booking mistake and it's simply our fault.
3.) After our post on Instagram, the management was thrilled to chat with us. I would lie if I say it was a nice conversation, however we removed the critical text about the Spa under our shot of the Spa area and were happy that the problem was solved. Unfortunately we did not hear any kind of apology for the inconveniences we have experienced until then.
4.) The Spa was closed in the early afternoon and reopened again at 4.00 pm! So people have to leave the spa during lunch break.
5.) Two of the tree pools (two in the Corte areal and one in the Borgo) was shut down due to refurbishment - never knew how long it lasts, but it hasn't been finished until our departure and the only open pool was simply too cold as it was not heated.
6.) After a phenomenal dinner on the First evening, we decided to finish our holiday with a dinner at the Gourmet Restaurant again on the last evening. This was a very bad idea: While the starters were as good as on the first evening, the Spaghetti and Risotto were terrible, the main course (swordfish) either too much cooked or really really raw (!!). Nevertheless the dessert was somehow similar to the one on the first evening. While we guessed that we pay 55.00€ for the menu as promised by the front desk manager, the staff changed their mind and told us they never said this to us! Well this is unfriendly guest treatment at it's best!
7.) We felt that the staff did not take us serious (God knows why) and personally, I never felt as welcome as I wished. During our stay there were only German, English, American and Indian guests - no Italian guests, which often can be a sign in Italy. Always look where the locals go ;-)!
Dear Leading Hotels, this is not the first time I experience such inconveniences, eg San Domenico Palace, but when a FAMILY resort like the Borgo Egnazia treats its younger guests in such a rude and arrogant way, there must be a problem of hospitality management.
Due to the fact that our stay was not sponsored in any way, this review is an expression of our feelings and experiences about our so called "Private" Easter Holidays - just seeking for relaxation and not being on the tablet typing the review of a luxury hotel.
As a note on the bottom, we would have had the possibility to contact the management (he gave us his business card), but we simply had the feeling that we were underrated as young unknown backpackers, which we definitely aren't.
