Hotel La Rocca Resort & Spa

I came here and to Italy for the first time. The hotel was nice but I got played about so much and VALENTINA and concierge reception staff were so rude and didn’t make my stay pleasurable at all! They messed us about with our room on arrival and to ask for a few hours late checkout when we were paying 800 euros a night was an argument in the reception area, also we asked for the manager who just didn’t show up and the assistant manager was just as rude. There was no trying to help or be polite and professional to their guests. They ruined my last day and stay at the hotel. However Mohammed, Andrea and the gentleman at breakfast were kind and polite. If this is a 5* hotel they need to get better staff to reflect that! The rudeness should not be tolerated by any guest who are trying to enjoy their holiday. Any future guests be aware. Otherwise the building and hotel was nice.

This hotel has all the ingredients except two fundamentals, it isn’t on a beach and it isn’t within walking distance of any restaurants/shops. The rooms are on a cycle of refurbishment - our friends were in a refurbished room (very good) and we weren’t (not so good). Linens are top drawer and maid service 5 star with turndown, bottled water, prompt room clean etc. Garden and sea views from the rooms were good. The pool is lovely as is the breakfast and a sundowner on the terrace was served with lots of nibbles and treats which was a nice touch -service in all areas was very good. There isn’t a concierge but the reception staff were always helpful and very pleasant. However, the hotel cannot change its position. There is free and plentiful car parking and a shuttle is provided to the beach (until late to bring back diners from the beach restaurant) and in to Baja Sardinia (15 minutes journey - ceases at 8pm). The shuttle is a Mercedes people carrier with full air con and was always available so they do it in style. The hotel organised a taxi back from Baia Sardinia after we had dinner - €30. Porto Cervo is a 25-30 minute drive and there are many options to go over to the islands. The beach is shale but plenty of sun beds with generous space. The beach restaurant has a spectacular setting with an amazing view of the sunset but it is very expensive and average food. For example, a sea bass for 3 people baked in salt €192 (just for the fish) and €90 for 4 prawns and 4 langoustine. Side dishes €12 for a small plate of aubergine, courgette and fennel and €10 for around 10 small poorly cooked roast potatoes. Over €600 for 4 people - this may be acceptable for very high end dining, but this wasn’t. In summary, the hotel is fine with good service but try to confirm a refurbished room. It is generally very good - but no more than what you would expect at this level. However, be aware that you are driving or using the shuttle to go anywhere - and by all means go to the beach restaurant for the beautiful setting, which comes at a price.