Having read the previous reviews, we were very pleased when we secured the last remaining lake view room available this summer, through Inghams on line. Our expectations were high. We were therefore most disappointed to find the essential lake view almost completely obscured by two large trees and that the small balcony (no space for a parasol), overlooked a gravelled courtyard which served as a car park. Adjacent to this was the hotel laundry. As the nights were hot and humid, we preferred to keep the window open but we soon discovered that the noise of cars coming and going, and chatter of the laundry staff as they started their day at 6 30am led to a rather disturbed sleep.
The room was very pleasant, and well furnished. The bathroom having the highest contemporary design and specification. When my husband had difficulty securing the plug lever, (thus preventing a seal in the basin), he reported it to the manager, expecting it to be fixed. He was therefore most surprised to be told that it was a 'designer' basin that lacked an overflow and to just let the water constantly run! Strangely, the same basin in the room next door had a fully functioning waste plug!
This, less than desirable situation, we put down to being the only room (108) available at the time of booking, but a couple of other issues seemed nothing other than penny pinching.
On requesting more shower gel, (there being only a very small volume left in the bottle), we were told that no replacement is normally supplied until the container has been emptied as 'it was a very expensive product.'
Also, apparently, our room only warranted the very basic, small, white bath towels, while other rooms on our floor were supplied with large, coloured, fluffy bath sheets. A minor detail maybe, but we did feel like second class citizens.
The staff were extremely pleasant and helpful, especially the waitresses. Breakfast offered a extensive choice of cold dishes, eggs (cooked to your liking) and bacon were available on request. Cake, served between 4 and 6, was also a welcome refreshment on returning from a day out. Unfortunately, the evening meal was another disappointment. Perhaps the previous reviews had heightened our expectations, but the main courses were not very well executed. On one occasion, my husband's choice of chicken could have come from the local Kentucky take-away and my braised lamb was so dry I couldn't cut through it! The vegetarian option lacked imagination too. Omelette or battered cauliflower with tar-tar sauce looked less than appealing. These views were shared by all of the half board guests we spoke with. Those choosing from the a la carte menu appeared to have a much more appetising selection, (perhaps not surprisingly at 45 euros for a 3 course meal). We looked on enviously as these diners were presented with the most colourful, mouthwatering dishes.
I can't pretend that these experiences didn't put a dampener on our holiday but I have to agree that the hotel is beautifully decorated, clean and very comfortable. My favourite place being the shaded deck area with comfy cushions to lounge on whilst reading a paperback.
Perhaps the essence of this report is that you only get what you pay for. Good reviews can be misleading, as they may just reflect the experiences of those who have paid a lot more for their accommodation and food. So, up grade your rooms if possible and if you are on a package deal, don't expect the evening meals to be anything special!