While the hotel itself is undeniably beautiful, our experience unfortunately did not match the surroundings, nor did it align with the overwhelmingly positive reviews we had read on Google and TripAdvisor.
Our dining experience in particular fell significantly short of expectations--especially considering the three Michelin star rating. I have dined at many Michelin-starred restaurants, including many with three stars, and unfortunately, this was well below even one-star standards in terms of both cuisine and service. For context, in the week prior to our visit, we dined at two different two-Michelin-starred restaurants, both of which provided far superior culinary experiences.
Below is a summary of the issues we encountered:
* Wine pairing: Poorly matched and inadequately explained. The sommelier's descriptions were difficult to hear, and the selections seemed obscure and mismatched to the dishes (e.g., a Nebbiolo-style red with fish). The pairing did not represent good value and gave the impression of cost-cutting rather than quality.
* Lack of flexibility: We were told the wine pairing could not be removed from the package despite my partner being unwell and not wanting to drink alcohol. This was a disappointing and rigid approach in the circumstances.
* Menu inflexibility: Requests for alternative dishes, despite the kitchen clearly having the necessary ingredients (e.g. beef rather than lamb), were declined without explanation.
* Dismissive communication: Staff made confusing remarks, such as referencing an inability to send frogs' legs to our room--despite no such request ever having being made.
* Basic service failures: Salt and pepper were repeatedly removed from our table, requiring us to request them multiple times. Staff also made multiple attempts to clear unfinished wine glasses.
* Unacknowledged departure: My partner left mid-meal due to illness and dissatisfaction. It would have been appropriate and appreciated had some gesture at least been made in respect of this.
* When I asked for one more of the small Petit fours croissants a few minutes after they were brought out, I was told the kitchen was closed. These are clearly pre-prepared items, so this response felt unnecessarily inflexible. I also pointed out that my partner's petit fours (included in her dinnner) had not been served, but was again told the kitchen was closed, with no further explanation provided or resolution offered.
Altogether, the experience felt frustrating and at times petty. This was surprising and disappointing given the cost. For €2,500 for dinner and overnight accommodation, we expected a refined and memorable experience. Unfortunately, this was not delivered. The service was inflexible, inattentive, and lacking in the generosity and professionalism one expects at a three Michelin star venue.
The hotel side of our stay was somewhat better. Overall staff were professional and helpful, although at 1,500 euros per night, one would expect that. However, there were concerning lapses. There appeared to be no "Do Not Disturb" sign in the room, and as a result, a cleaner entered without knocking while my partner was still asleep. Even if it was close to check-out time, we had not yet left, and this lack of basic courtesy and privacy was unacceptable. It is not appropriate to walk in without knocking. We could easily have been in a private or vulnerable situation. read more
