Ecoresort le Sirene - Caroli Hotels

We stayed here for 3 nights in August as part of a trip around Puglia. Positives: -Eco resort with recycling everywhere. -Private beach. Beach was nice and we didn’t have to pay the ridiculous cost of hiring sunbeds on public beaches in Italy. -Room had a lovely sea view. -On-site pizza restaurant was very nice. -Family and pet friendly Negatives: -Small room with tiny balcony -Our main light was broken and flickering. We complained FOUR times and it wasn’t resolved before we checked out. -Everything was chargeable. For example 20 EUR to borrow a beach towel, 2 EUR, lollipops at reception 1 EUR -No iron in room or one you can borrow (you have to pay for laundry services -They advertise spa services on their website and partner websites which you can book with however you need to call the massage therapist who is not onsite and arrange this yourself. I asked reception about this and was told to sort out myself. As a minimum I would have expected reception to do this for me. -Breakfast buffet is very limited. Hot food was only scrambled egg/ hard boiled egg and there was only one option of fresh fruit that was the same every morning and no vegetable options. If you’ve vegan you will go hungry. -Beach sun beds are reserved on the front row despite them being empty most days. We were not even advised that they could be reserved or how they could be reserved as an option. -Mandatory swim hats for the pool. I’ve traveled quite a bit and this is the first time I’ve seen this. Unnecessary. -Staff were not the most helpful. There was a schedule of events and services throughout the week, none of which were explained to us and the schedule (self discovered) was only available in Italian. Pool and beach staff very unfriendly. I would however like to point out that the cleaners and car park attendant were very friendly and helpful. -Rooms were dated and need updating. -The TINIEST shower I’ve ever been in Overall I would not stay here again especially for the price we paid.

I gave this a 5-star rating just to get it noticed - my actual rating is closer to zero stars. I have traveled for decades to more than 100 countries; my stay at the Caroli Le Sirene was my worst hotel experience in memory. It was extraordinarily crowded with hundreds of highly vocal and unconstrained ~10 year old boys who were in town for a soccer tournament. The noise level was constant and almost painful. Hotel services were stretched beyond breaking; the staff were pleasant but clearly overwhelmed by the chaos. I was not able to get into the restaurant for dinner because of the crowds of children, so went to bed hungry. I had no breakfast for the same reason. I booked a queen bed but was given a short and narrow single bed. Parking space in the private hotel lot was not available; I parked in the street and hauled my luggage to the hotel. The mini-bar fridge did not work, so no cold water or other drinks. The safe in the room did not work, and initial battery changes did not solve the problem. Sometime during the night, the toilet ceased to function. I left after one night, and would not recommend this hotel.