Aussie Abroad

Review of Palazzo Versace

We were so looking forward to our 3 day getaway at...

We were so looking forward to our 3 day getaway at Palazzo Versace: so much so that we even had our car detailed in anticipation of the valet parking, but if you're planning to do the same, don't bother- valet parking has gone the way of service at this oversized motel.

Suspicions were raised the moment we set foot in the lobby as we waited to be acknowledged. We were eventually seen to (not welcomed) by the sullen individual behind the check-in desk, given the key to our room and told our luggage would be close behind.

Being newlyweds, we had booked what was called a 'romance' package only to find our room contained two single beds! We decided to wait until our luggage arrived to question a member of staff about our room allocation. We waited a long time! When our bags finally arrived we were told to call the front desk, which we did and were begrudgingly told they 'might be able to move us' and that they'd call back. Again we were left waiting. Four hours after arriving, we were finally moved to a more suitable room with lesser views but a bed for two.

Fortunately, we had a function to attend that evening which meant escaping the confusion, always slow and sometimes non existent service for a considerable amount of time.

The next day we availed of our $300 poolside cabana. We wandered down to the pool and asked which of the cabanas to occupy. The attendant seemed confused and lead us to the nearest one. We waited for him to return with our pre-purchased drinks and refreshments but he never came back. Eventually I got up and made my way over to their station where two attendants were talking and joking around. Once I got their attention, I asked where our drinks and fruit platter were. They reluctantly told me they didn't have record of our package. No wonder we hadn't seen them: they thought we were freeloading! I insisted we had paid $300 and wanted what we were promised. It was a very awkward conversation I should not have needed to have! They said they would find out and bring our items. Another hour went by and we still hadn't heard from them. The guests in the next cabana produced blow-up pool toys and they were there in a flash with the guests remarking 'wow, this is the most attentive you've been all day!'

Again I asked after our items and once again being told they knew nothing about it was forced to return to my room to get my receipt which I produced poolside and received what we had paid for without so much as an apology! Shortly after, having waited in excess of 5 hours, the weather turned and our day was ruined. I was so disgusted we left a day early never to return.