GARDENIA

We had a mixed experience during our stay at Hotel Gardenia overall – with some real plus points, but also points that one should know before booking. We are aware that one cannot expect upscale amenities at a hotel in this price range and that one has to make compromises here and there. In our opinion, however, the line was clearly crossed on some points. Positive: The transfer to the hotel was organized, we were picked up at the bottom of the mountain – that was pleasant, as we did not have to lug our suitcases up. The staff speaks German and is relatively friendly. The view is really beautiful due to the elevated location on the mountain and is one of the highlights of the hotel. The pool was clean, the refrigerator in the room works perfectly, and it is cleaned six times a week (if desired). Less good: Unfortunately, the reception was poorly organized: Our room reservation was simply not known, which made for an unnecessarily bumpy start. We had to wait over half an hour to get clarity on whether we would even get a room at all, and then the room still had to be cleaned, so we had to wait almost 1 hour in the midday sun. We were not even offered a drink – and that really costs nothing but a little attention. The air conditioning was the next shortcoming. It only cools when you are in the room. So, after returning from an excursion, it takes a while each time until it becomes comfortable. In addition, it can only be set to 22 degrees, which we were only told about afterwards, combined with the note that we would incur costs of €300 in the event of a defect. It never really cooled down much anyway. We were quite surprised that guests are supposedly held liable for the wear and tear of hotel equipment. Hygiene in the room was barely acceptable: The sheets were stained, and the duvet had small holes. We found the beds and pillows to be not very comfortable. The balcony was only cleaned superficially during the daily cleaning. Unfortunately, the pool loungers were also heavily soiled with bird droppings. However, clean bed linen and wiped-down loungers are not a question of the room rate, but of standards. The highlight was our last day of the stay, when 2 very large cockroaches crawled into our room through the air conditioning, which unfortunately made our last night anything but pleasant. Breakfast was okay, although the glasses were often not clean and drinks are not chilled. Refilling can take a while, but that is understandable given the low staffing levels. We highly recommend a rental car, scooter, or quad bike. This makes shopping much easier and you can get to the beach quickly. The hotel helps with the arrangements and provides a parking space. Those who take care of it themselves, however, will find cheaper offers. Conclusion: A low price and a great view are offset by noticeable deficits in hygiene, equipment, and organization. For the low price, one cannot and should not expect a four-star level – however, in our opinion, cleanliness, functioning organization at check-in, and an insect-free room belong to the minimum standard even in this category. Those who are undemanding and are primarily looking for an inexpensive starting point for excursions might be well-served here – for a relaxing hotel vacation, we would rather recommend something else.

We left after 1 night. The Mood was not nice, the air conditioning hardly did it, the breakfast meagre, too little shade.

The hotel offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea immediately upon arrival, it looks like in the photos. A closer look at the hotel reveals some corners that need repair. Otherwise, the complex looks clean, the pool looks well maintained and most of the loungers are clean and invite you to linger. The rooms are small but functionally furnished, you can't expect excessive luxury when booking 2*. Because they're clean. Negative is that the owners seem committed, but are often very rugged and distant. The booked air conditioning may be set to a maximum of 22°, "because otherwise it would break and we would have to pay up to 4000€". Also the breakfast is rather not recommended, it is full, but nothing more. The path to the beach comes with 700m, but if you want to have a nice beach, you have to walk much further. In general, it is advisable to organize a means of transport. All in all: 2* to sleep is enough.