Blumentag

What People are saying

Decent Hotel, But High Cost of Extras

bruceski61 on 08/03/2015 19:09

The hotel was quite comfortable and very quiet. The staff was exceptionally friendly. They picked us up from the train station, offered us daily shuttle service to their restaurant, and even offered us shuttle service for sightseeing around Paola and San Lucido, just a few km down the coast. We stayed during the off season, so the hotel was exceptionally quiet. They offered us a simple breakfast each day, even though we slept in past their normal breakfast hours. On our last evening, we asked about other restaurants we might try, because we wanted to try something more than their restaurant (which is actually owned and operated by their son, and is a short drive from the hotel). They were not able to recommend anything, but the owner did go out of her way to prepare her own homemade Bolognese sauce, which they then offered to us at their restaurant. Overall, their hospitality was quite outstanding. At the end of our stay, we were presented with a rather high add-on of €80 for shuttle service. I wasn't surprised to have an add-on for their shuttle service, but it certainly was much more than what I expected.

Their restaurant was small but very nice. Looking back, we were never offered a menu, but were told that "today's specialty is such-and-such, does that sound OK to you?" Of course, it seemed fine, so we just went with the specialty of the day. The food was exceptionally prepared, and the wine was also very nice. The restaurant owner (the hotel owner's son) was just as friendly and hospitable as the hotel owners. However, the bill was more than what we would have spent had we eaten elsewhere. There was no mention of cost until we were ready to leave. Although the cost of the meal was high, I'm sure it was worth the very good quality and exceptional service -- we were just not accustomed to paying those prices for a meal, and we felt a bit taken advantage of, especially since there was nothing else around. In fairness, we should have asked in advance.

As others have mentioned, the hotel is just a few short blocks from the sea, very easy to walk. Unfortunately, the rest of the town, including restaurants and shopping, is up the hill, and without a vehicle, not easy to get to.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay there, and the staff truly was exceptionally friendly and helpful. I would recommend this hotel to other travelers with the caveat that if you want access to restaurants and shopping, you should be prepared with your own transportation.

Check your bill

DjangoC on 17/06/2012 16:27

My employers booked me into the Albergo Blumentag for a six night stay, but then changed my itinerary to five days, and contacted the hotel in good time to tell them about this change. When I arrived I was asked when I checked in if I was staying for six days, and confirmed that I was only staying for five - I double checked this and confirmed to the hotel the following day that I was staying five nights.

When I left, five days later, I was charged for a six night stay - an extra €70 for time I hadn't spent in the hotel. The manager didn't tell me that he was doing this until *after* he'd taken my credit card payment. In a hurry, and with a train to catch, there wasn't much I could do about it, though I protested very strongly.

The following day, I got my employers' Italian office to ring Albergo Blumentag and they were able to get a very grudging refund, with the hotel claiming I only said I was leaving a day early on the day I left - which was completely untrue.What the hotel tried to do was certainly sharp practice, and I'd advise anyone staying there to check their bill very carefully before paying. I recommended to my employers that we didn't use them in future.

The actual hotel is OK - rooms at the front have balconies (with a view of the sea over rooftops), and they're clean and comfortable, if a little cramped. The staff are polite, but they won't bother to make any real effort to be helpful, or go the extra mile. And, as one of the other reviewers said, breakfasts are cheap and nasty, with no variety.

The other thing about Paola is that it's a very hilly town, with the main town centre a stiff climb from the seafront, and the Santurio de San Francesco, the main attraction, higher still. Blumentag is at sea level, so if you want to be close to a choice of shops and restaurants and near the Santurio, I'd definitely look elsewhere. Blumentag is not too far from the station, but getting there involves walking part of the way along a fast road with no pavements/sidewalks, so again I'd look somewhere else - there are several hotels nearer the station.

A week in Paola

gardner82 on 17/10/2011 20:14

While visiting family in southern we were fortunate enough to stay at Blumentag. The staff were exceedingly helpful, kind and friendly; making the stay that much more enjoyable. The hotel was very clean and you can't beat its proximity to the beach. Will definitely be staying there again on return visits.

Bella bella Blumentag

BoatgirlSouthJersey on 23/10/2008 17:07

Our stay at the Hotel Blumentag was part of a vacation to Italy which included visiting relatives in Calabria then joining a guided
tour of the major cities. We were welcomed by the owners who were warm, lively and generous. They, along with their staff truly made us feel as if we were a part of THEIR family. They recommended restaurants, gave us tours of the area and
answered our many questions. There were 7 of us traveling
together, so there were plenty of questions. The desk manager
spoke English which was a help when our limited Italian
was insufficient.
This lovely hotel is located within walking distance of the train
station, restaurants, shops and the Sea. It is only 4 years old
so it has all the modern conveniences, but with the charm
of a seaside boutique hotel. They serve a continental breakfast
in a cheery breakfast room bordered by a beautiful courtyard
typical of Southern Italy. The property is abudant with tropical
foliage, potted plants all beautifully arranged. (The owners
previously had a florist shop).
The rooms were brightly decorated and immaculately clean.
I am quite fussy about cleanliness but had no issues with
the condition of the rooms. There were also some efficiency
type rooms which would be great for longer stays.
This hotel is owner operated and it is evident that this family
is quite proud of their establishment. They really went the
extra mile to make sure our stay was as pleasant as possible.
By the time we left, we all hugged and kissed goodbye with
promises to return again in the future and I certainly would....