Grand Hotel la Chiusa di Chietri

I suspect this hotel is older than it appears at first sight. The bedrooms are good, well provided and comfortable and look modern but the en-suite looked so dated and depressing in a mauve coloured marble. We went with Titan and when you go with a travel company, you are not sure what the hotel has been asked to provide as opposed to an independent traveller but we had an “all inclusive” buffet for breakfast and dinner and whilst there was plenty of choice, the constant battle at the buffet is very wearing. Too many large parties hitting the chaffing dishes at the same time frequently resulted in shortages and whilst they were replaced, it all adds up to an exhausting meal. It is not helped by some people piling their plate with food and coming back for seconds as if they have not had a meal for week! No not for me – I hate this cattle feeding. The food was acceptable with the occasional tasty dish but it would have been very nice to go somewhere different to escape the noisy “canteen” type environment but as far as I could ascertain, there were no close restaurants, despite what the hotel says, and we were effectively very isolated. The staff friendly and helpful but again, the public areas seem dated. This hotel would be OK for a one night stay after a long flight in my view.

As stated the hotel is isolated and set up for conferences, weddings, tours. Having said that, we found the staff (especially the waiting staff and bar staff) were friendly and helpful and cheerful, especially as they were run off their feet. The reception team were cheerless and had that couldn't be bothered attitude. Setting- Grounds and pool area lovely. We didn't use the pool but others told us it was very cold. You can hire towels but changing them costs 3e each time- something that should be included in a 4* hotel. Rooms- Having read previous reviews, we asked for one with a view ( rather than looking inwards at the other buildings) It was nice and light with a balcony and chairs/ table. Bed was large and very comfortable and room spacious. Dark and quiet at night too. No English TV channels, but a huge flat screen TV over the vanity area without a mirror. Bathroom - large and has a rainfall shower. Plenty of towels, but too dark. A/C was good the first half of the week (although you cannot adjust the temperature manually, you have to ring reception to change the stat!) the second half of the week, the A/C was running loudly all night, without cooling. We did report this but it was never rectified. I guess no one bothered as many guests only stay a night or 2. WIFI kept dropping out in the bedroom- you had to pick up the signal right at the bedroom door ( it was fine in public areas) Again , we reported this but we got a shrug of the shoulders from reception staff who said no one had ever had a problem! The towels were replaced daily and bedding changed once during the week, however the cleaning was under par. Neither the floors nor the units were cleaned all week. Ladies, take your own hairdryer ( its an old fashioned tube one in the bathroom) and an extension lead as the only mirror is on the wardrobe as you enter the bedroom. There's a quiet fridge in the room. Its safe to use the tap water to drink. Meals- We were part of a smallish group and sat in the smaller, quieter dining room. It was a relief as the main hall is HUGE and like a canteen. (This is where the breakfast buffet is set up) Evening meals were generally very nice. 3 courses , nouvelle cuisine style . You choose from 3 choices ( for each course ) the night before. The translation doesn't always work too well, but its lots of fun! Considering the huge numbers of meals produced, the kitchen does well, and the waiting staff are hardworking and smiley. Wines are reasonably priced, and the staff will save your bottle for you for the next evening. Breakfasts varied in that if you have an early start you may be jostling with huge parties of people ( some not so polite!) to collect your food and drinks. Coffee is typically Italian and very strong, but there are hot and cold milks to hand. There are cereals, fruit, honey, yogurt, pastries, scrambled egg, boiled eggs, cheeses and ham, and tomatoes. Bread, a toaster and butter and jams. Yes, there are sometimes waits for replenis

We stayed in this hotel as part of a tour with Titan. Rooms were small, gloomy with no view or balcony. bathrooms small, poorly lit and in need of upgrading. Restaurant service was appalling, woefully understaffed and mismanaged. Breakfast was chaotic, too many large coach parties, one couldn’t hear oneself think as noise level was unbearable. The overstretched waiters were rude and impatient. There were constant waits for fresh supplies of milk, teabags, hot water, coffee, etc. (The coffee was undrinkable anyway). the hotel is situated in the middle of nowhere, so there was no escape. There is no way that this hotel should be regarded as 4 star. If you book this independently you MAY have a different experience, But if you are part of a group expect the worst.

The hotel is a modern two-story complex, set in lovely countryside. The design is a bit eccentric, but the room itself was nicely laid out and clean, although the shampoo and bodywash bottles were empty when I arrived. The food was excellent, and the staff could not do enough for me; I particularly recommend the cocktails!