"Just returned from 3 nights at the Baglioni Resort Sardinia. Whilst we had a lovely break, it is definitely the beautiful beach and nice food that earns this hotel its luxury status. Starting with the positives - the beach is breathtaking, definitely where you will want to spend your time. The shuttle service works like clockwork, the water is clear and beautiful and it all feels very unspoilt. Food at the hotel was excellent, we had our daily breakfast in the Mirto restaurant and we had dinner at the Michelin star restaurant on our first night. Poolside food also great, highly recommend the prawn salad! I also had an issue staining a dress on my first night and after much explanation, housekeeping brought me the most magical stain removal spray that saved me! The Michelin star restaurant was also lovely, though we actually had a much more delightful meal and experience at Mares in town.
However, a number of things made the overall experience somewhat underwhelming and significantly unworthy of the hefty price tag attached to this hotel. Some points may seem minor but when it comes to international 5* hotels, especially one as expensive as this one, this resort doesn't measure up:
- we checked in at midday and as we expected our room wasn't ready. when I asked what time we should expect it to be ready, the receptionist said she didn't know. I said ok but isn't usual check in time at 3pm? She said yes. I found this happened frequently - staff couldn't answer questions without direction or suggestion from us about a solution. More importantly, she then proceeded to tell us we couldn't take our cases to the spa where we could change in order to use the facilities, and she had us rifling through our belongings in the lobby in front of everyone. When we tried to then give her the cases whilst we go change, we were 'shushed' so she could take a call. it was only then that a bellboy stepped in, took our cases to the spa and showed us where it was, where there was plenty of space, not a single person to disturb and we got ready in peace.
- we then went to the pool to relax after our flight, where there were no beds available (and none that could be wheeled out to accommodate the demand despite ample space). After some waiting around two beds became free (no umbrella) and we had to move again an hour or so after that to claim some with shade.
- We received a call when the room was ready and when we collected our room keys, we were shown to our rooms. At no point were we shown around the hotel, told about breakfast timings or location, shown where any amenities were, even told about the 'rooftop bar' and 'live music' (both of which we missed but were asked about in a hotel survey afterwards). We have no idea what else the hotel might have offered.
- in advance of our trip I sent an email to the hotel to verify our booking - I received no reply.
- my friend then called them in order to get some information. She enquired about the advertised hiking activity and was quoted north of 900 euros. To walk around.
- We were quoted 160 euros for an airport transfer. We paid 80 each way booking it ourselves.
- every taxi into san Teodoro cost us 50 euros. When I asked at reception what the cost would be (they booked them for us) I was told oh its on the meter, anywhere between 40-60 euros. There was never a meter. It felt strange they didn't know basic information despite it being clear its a small place and staff always knew the taxi drivers etc.
- breakfast always took over an hour (for two of us) due to slow service. Food was good (though the pastries are much more style over substance) and the coffee was lovely, but again they are understaffed and everything took an age.
Overall the hotel is beautiful, the beach is sublime and the food is tasty, but does this make a 5 star, luxury hotel of the world? Unfortunately not. The price tag does not match the service."
