So first of all, the hotel is in a wonderful location and had everything you need, a good gym though could use some heavier weights on some machines (or maybe... read more I'm just strong), lovely pools, a good games room, great rooms with great views. The water temperature in the shower was a bit temperamental but not a massive issue. Some more options in the minibar would be good but they covered the basics, my minibar didn't work so do check. The TVs aren't consistent and depends what one you get determines if it's any good, but not a big concern for myself. The issues began on day 1, when checking in we were advised to put any allergies we had on the checking in form. One of our party is coeliac so cannot eat gluten. The restaurant staff didn't know what this meant, most of the chefs were baffled. One chef taking us around the food saying "you can eat that, oh wait no don't" and the assistant restaurant manager bringing out pancakes, and 5 minutes later being told they contained gluten, by pure chance and suspicion they were not eaten by that point. Eating became a nightmare. We ventured up to the burger bar one lunch time having been assured from the head chef that a gluten free option was available. It was, however it took over an hour and a half for 4 out of 5 burgers to... So first of all, the hotel is in a wonderful location and had everything you need, a good gym though could use some heavier weights on some machines (or maybe I'm just strong), lovely pools, a good games room, great rooms with great views. The water temperature in the shower was a bit temperamental but not a massive issue. Some more options in the minibar would be good but they covered the basics, my minibar didn't work so do check. The TVs aren't consistent and depends what one you get determines if it's any good, but not a big concern for myself.
The issues began on day 1, when checking in we were advised to put any allergies we had on the checking in form. One of our party is coeliac so cannot eat gluten. The restaurant staff didn't know what this meant, most of the chefs were baffled. One chef taking us around the food saying "you can eat that, oh wait no don't" and the assistant restaurant manager bringing out pancakes, and 5 minutes later being told they contained gluten, by pure chance and suspicion they were not eaten by that point. Eating became a nightmare. We ventured up to the burger bar one lunch time having been assured from the head chef that a gluten free option was available. It was, however it took over an hour and a half for 4 out of 5 burgers to be made, and were delivered cold to the table and without fries. One of our party had waited long enough and had already left by this point. With all the burgers freezing cold, the blame was put on the fact there was a gluten free burger in the order. I wasn't sure whether to be angry at the blatant lie (gluten free burgers don't take any longer to cook and certainly not 90 minutes) or to laugh at the circus that was becoming mealtime. It was at this point the senior management stepped in and the head chef had to cook all of the gluten free meals, which was the saving grace of the restaurant. Aside from the gluten issues, there was an overwhelming amount of curry on offer every night that was so spicy I can only assume they have invented a genetically modified chilli to make them. Prepare to wait upwards of 10 minutes for basics to be replaced.
What was more baffling was everything on the room service menu, is not available to eat in the restaurant.
The breakfast service was pretty okay with a good variety on offer, but for some reason there seems to be a reluctance to offer tea and coffee. Not once was I offered coffee or tea, I had to ask for it every time. If it was that much of an issue please make it self service.
The water sport activities at the hotel look pretty good, until you have to have lived like a saint, have the whitest of teeth and be having a lucky day to use any of the pedalos, or kayaks. Some of our party did go on the glass bottom boat tour, I say some as we were told a maximum of 4 could go on it, later finding out the boat has capacity for 9. We did book to go snorkelling and dolphin watching, (at an extra cost) which I must admit was fantastic and as a bonus we did see a whale! Then we were dropped on some god forsaken deserted island for four hours and even though the hotel is on the beach, we couldn't be dropped off at the hotel beach. It had to be the flic en Flac beach a good 10 minute walk away. Was very confused and irritated by this.
One day we thought we'd venture out and go to the local nature park for some activities, we asked reception to book a taxi for us for 1:45 for 5 people. It was quickly agreed and was told it will be 1200 rupees. Seemed steep but fair enough. Until 1:45 came, and a taxi for 4 people turned up. To then be told we'd need a second taxi and it would be 1800 rupees. We asked reception to call another taxi for 5 people, i.e. a people carrier, and they said it's on it's way. They had called the same taxi company and the same two taxis turned up. By this point we were running late and had to just pay for receptions incompetence.
On the last day we had a late check out and concierge said they would come and collect the bags at 3:30 ready for our transfer. 3:30 came and went so we were left carrying the bags down the stairs. Only to be met about 100m from reception by the concierge telling us to put the bags down and he'd take them. I'm not really sure why, we'd done all the hard parts and just slowed us down at that point. I can't bemoan them too much, I did expect them to lose the bags in that 100m so I was surprised when they did reach reception.
There is a real distinct lack of professionalism and accountability at this hotel. Even down to a lack of consistency in uniform for most staff, some looked like they were on the beach, some looked like they were staff from other hotels, and some looked the part.
Amongst all this I must commend the general manager Manoj, and the head chef who did their utmost to make this trip wonderful. More
I visited Anelia Resort & Spa from Gujarat, India, and it was truly an amazing experience.
