"Before booking this hotel (the family's 1st holiday in 3 years since two of my boys were diagnosed coeliac) I specifically contacted the hotel to confirm that it was suitable for guests with coeliac disease.
I was assured that it was, and I relied on that assurance when making my booking.
Unfortunately, our experience showed that this was not the case.
On the first morning, my youngest son, who has coeliac disease, was exposed to gluten after using the toaster located beside the hotel's so-called "gluten-free" breakfast area.
The gluten-free section was positioned directly within the main bread area, with gluten-containing breads immediately above and beside it.
I have never seen a gluten-free station arranged in such an unsafe manner. I attach photographs showing this setup for both mornings.
While we were at breakfast, we witnessed another guest placing regular bread into the same toaster. We immediately raised this with a member of the kitchen staff, both breakfast staff assured us that "the toaster will be okay." This advice was completely incorrect, and unsafe food practice for ceoliacs.
As a result of this cross-contamination, my son became seriously ill, suffering from vomiting, diarrhoea, severe stomach cramps, chills and sweating. This effectively ruined the remainder of his holiday.
I reported the incident to reception immediately that morning and explained the seriousness of what had happened. The Receptionist took notes and assured me the matter would be addressed.
The following morning, I returned to see whether the unsafe breakfast arrangement had been changed. It had not. (photo attached)
When I raised the issue again, reception told me there was a separate gluten-free toaster behind the kitchen. However, when we had raised concerns with the kitchen staff on the morning of the incident, this option was never offered, my older son was present, so now it appears the hotel staff are being untrustworthy, trying to cover themselves. Surely the hotel has a duty of care to all residents????
We were explicitly told the shared toaster was safe to use (one staff member even came out from behind the counter to show me how to use it!!!) My other son, who also has coeliac disease, was never informed that a separate toaster existed, at this point we decided to forgo breakfast.
Given these facts, I find it extremely concerning that this information was only provided after my son had become ill. I also find it very untrustworthy from the Hotel and this information was NOT provided even though they say it was... had it been advised, I would not be giving this review!
Additionally all other food offered at breakfast was via a self service option, due to cross-contamination risk, this is also not a suitable way to offer a gluten free breakfast. We noted other residents 'double dipping' food tongs in gluten and non gluten dishes, thereby cross-contaminating the gf food!
Reception also advised that all gluten-free breakfast items were individually sealed. While the limited gluten-free products available were indeed sealed, the selection consisted only of a small pack of mini cupcakes and a packet of chocolate crackers. This is the gluten free breakfast made available at €17.50 each!!! Hardly a substantial breakfast.
Additionally, these items were displayed directly underneath and beside open gluten-containing bread rolls and other bakery products, creating an unacceptable risk of cross-contamination.
Following this incident, we informed the hotel that we would not be eating there as we no longer had any confidence in their ability to provide a safe meal for our family.
At no point during our stay did anyone come to check on the health of my child or be of any assistance to us."
