"I would like to begin by acknowledging the positive aspects of the hotel. The property itself is clean, well maintained, and situated in an excellent location with truly stunning views across the bay. However, beyond these points, our experience was overwhelmingly negative and fell significantly below the standards I would expect from a hotel for which I paid almost £4,000 for a week's stay.
Firstly, the balconies are exceptionally small and uncomfortable. They are advertised as a feature of the rooms, yet it is difficult for even two people to sit on them comfortably.
The pool arrangements were also disappointing. The pool does not open until 10:00am and closes as early as 5:00pm each day. I understand that the surrounding area is later used for evening dining, but it takes very little time to prepare a handful of tables and chairs, and dinner service does not begin until much later in the evening. Restricting pool access so significantly seems unreasonable for paying guests.
In addition, there are simply not enough sunbeds for the number of guests staying at the hotel. The beds are positioned extremely close together, with barely enough room to walk between them, creating an overcrowded and uncomfortable environment.
Unfortunately, these issues were minor compared with the attitude and behaviour of the staff. In over 50 years of travelling and holidaying, I can honestly say that this was the worst group of hotel staff I have ever encountered.
Without exception, staff members appeared miserable, rude, slow, unhelpful, and at times openly hostile towards guests. Rather than creating a welcoming holiday atmosphere, they made guests feel as though they were an inconvenience.
The service at breakfast was particularly poor. Despite the hotel operating a table service system for hot and cold drinks, staff rarely came to take orders. When we approached the bar to order drinks ourselves, we were repeatedly told in a rude manner to return to our table and wait for service. Even then, nobody would come for extended periods. On the occasions when we were eventually able to place an order, the drinks would often sit on the bar unattended for considerable lengths of time before being brought to us. If we attempted to collect them ourselves, staff would immediately insist that they would bring them over, yet often failed to do so promptly.
Every single morning, my coffee arrived only lukewarm. Despite specifically asking on numerous occasions for it to be served hot, this simple request was never fulfilled. Whenever I raised the issue, I was met with visible frustration, frowns, and dismissive responses rather than any attempt to resolve the problem.
The breakfast offering itself was underwhelming. The buffet selection was small, the food was average at best, and the toaster provided for guests was wholly inadequate, often failing to toast bread properly.
Perhaps the most disappointing incident occurred when I returned to the hotel after a day out while eating a packet of crisps. I was approached aggressively by the hotel's General Manager and told that I was not permitted to eat them on the terrace due to the hotel's policy prohibiting outside food and drink.
I fully understand and respect such policies. However, the manner in which this was handled was entirely unacceptable. Rather than politely informing me of the rule, I was confronted in an aggressive and embarrassing manner in full view of other guests. It felt humiliating and completely disproportionate to the situation. I was eating a packet of crisps, not knowingly causing any issue. A courteous explanation would have been sufficient. The hotel does not even sell crisps itself. Instead, I was made to feel as though I had committed a serious offence.
Sadly, this appeared to be a recurring theme with the General Manager. He seemed more focused on enforcing minor rules and asserting authority than ensuring guests enjoyed their holiday experience.
What I found most astonishing was the complete absence of any hospitality. During our entire seven-day stay, not once did the General Manager or any member of staff ask:
Whether we were enjoying our holiday;
Whether our room was satisfactory;
Whether everything was meeting our expectations; or
Whether there was anything they could do to improve our stay.
These are basic standards of customer service and hospitality. Instead, each day felt like an exercise in avoiding confrontation and walking on eggshells.
The greatest disappointment is that this hotel has the potential to be excellent. The location, views and facilities provide a strong foundation. However, they are completely overshadowed by staff whose attitude toward guests is wholly unsuited to the hospitality industry.
I left feeling frustrated, disappointed and relieved to be leaving. It is rare that I feel compelled to submit a formal complaint following a holiday, but the standard of service was so exceptionally poor that I believe management should be made fully aware of the impact it is having on guests.
Based on my experience, I would not recommend the Admiral Hotel to friends, family, or fellow travellers. The hotel's greatest weakness is not its facilities, but the behaviour and attitude of the people responsible for delivering the guest experience.
I look forward to receiving your response.
Yours faithfully,
Richard Meli"
