In troubled economic times they are necessary, I know - BUT not at expense of services to paying guests in a 5 star. !!!± This is one of my favorite hotels in the world. I've stayed there 4/5 times and my wife 3 times.. In Italy on business - afterwards we stayed in Otranto, Puglia ( Hotel Palazzo Papaleo - now one of my. favorites also - see separate review, top drawer !!)) but drove for 5 hours before returning through Napels to Sorrento for one night rest. We were received wonderfully at gate by a wonderful calm and polite gentleman, but at end of avenue had to wait 5 minutes in car until someone noticed us and moved a wedding party out of the way of our car. Then an outside bell man, shouted "have you your passport " at me several times as I got out and stretched to enjoy wonderful gardens, and " have you bags" slightly put out, we went inside to the more familiar and friendly faces of concierges . At reception desk, we were asked if this was our first time after taking our details ( surely they could have checked?) even after we explained that it certainly wasn't, we were told that we would be " shown the hotel facilities " before being taken to our room, we said no need since ( as we had said) we had visited many times.... The room was great ( an upgrade - presumably because others were taken by wedding guests / compensation ) We asked for dinner reservations and were "told they would see what could be done ..(?)" I headed for pool for a rest after drive and my wife to a quiet spot to read, but given Wedding she sat in the room....... Pool was mercifully uncrowded save for 6 /7 very loud and drunk american couples shouting while holding drinks in shallow end. But pool service was super as usual. Returned to be told NO eating facilities in hotel because of Wedding !! We said we woulds settle for the pool area but that was not available either.......We were sent to a nearby restaurant where food and service were excellent, but not what we expected. Very loud and full . Returned to bed as wandering wedding guests were a nuisance in hotel facilities and terrace was jammed. Breakfast was usual superb service and selection. Car ready bang on time and we left next morning - not quite as restored and rested as I had expected, nevertheless I will be back next year , probably several times. BUT first I will ask if hotel has a wedding and is it full.......... DJS
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