I Monasteri Golf Resort

This beautiful property, set in a tranquil rural area, offers a peaceful retreat for guests seeking relaxation amidst expansive grounds. Its signature feature is the stunning conversion of an old monastery, providing a unique and charming ambiance, complemented by a large and inviting swimming pool. While the resort is particularly well-suited for couples desiring a quiet escape and golfers looking to enjoy the greens, some aspects of the experience are mixed. Guests frequently comment on the varied quality of room comfort and cleanliness, as well as the inconsistent service from staff. To ensure a more comfortable stay, visitors should be prepared for the hotel's remote location, which necessitates having a car, and consider bringing insect repellent due to the natural surroundings.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort features a beautiful and well-maintained swimming pool area, consistently praised for its cleanliness and relaxing atmosphere, though some guests noted limited operating hours. The golf course is a prominent amenity, with many appreciating its design and scenic views, but numerous reviews highlight its poor condition, citing issues like weeds, bumpy greens, and general lack of upkeep. The spa facilities receive mixed to negative feedback, often described as run-down, dirty, or even closed for maintenance, with limited access and expensive treatments. Guests frequently report problems with the air conditioning in rooms, which is often centrally controlled and not functioning effectively, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. Wi-Fi connectivity is also mentioned as being problematic or slow by some visitors.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed. While some guests found their rooms spacious, modern, and generally clean, a significant number reported issues such as mold in bathrooms, thousands of tiny ants crawling on walls and beds, dirty floors, and stained headrests. Many experienced problems with broken fixtures, including non-functional televisions, showers that flood the bathroom, and safes. Guests also noted a lack of standard in-room amenities, such as a telephone, iron, bathrobes, slippers, or sufficient toiletries. Bed comfort also varied, with some finding them comfortable, while others mentioned thin pillows or two single beds pushed together.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast service generally receives positive reviews, with guests appreciating the wide variety of options, including fresh fruits, pastries, and local specialties, served in a pleasant setting. However, some noted issues with overcrowding, slow replenishment of items, and the presence of flies. In contrast, the dinner experience at the main restaurant is frequently criticized. Many guests found the food quality to be poor, describing dishes as pre-cooked, lacking flavor, or unappetizing, with a limited menu and high prices. Service at dinner was also often described as disorganized or slow. The bar and pool bar facilities offered limited options, with some guests finding drinks overpriced and served in plastic cups.

Location & Accessibility
The resort's remote location in a rural area is a consistent theme in guest feedback. While this provides a peaceful and tranquil environment, it means the property is far from major towns and attractions, necessitating the use of a car for all excursions. Guests often mention the dark and poorly lit roads leading to the hotel, making nighttime navigation challenging. The distance from Syracuse and other points of interest means travel time is a significant factor. Parking is available on-site, though some guests found it to be a considerable distance from the reception area, with certain spots reserved for golfers.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are highly varied. Many reviews highlight instances of unhelpful, rude, or unprepared reception staff, leading to slow check-in processes and a general lack of responsiveness to guest concerns. Some guests reported difficulties communicating due to language barriers and a perceived disinterest in resolving issues. Housekeeping services also received criticism, with complaints about infrequent cleaning and lack of towel changes. Conversely, other guests praised certain staff members for being friendly, attentive, and professional, particularly at breakfast, by the pool, or in the restaurant, indicating an inconsistent level of service across different departments.

Additional Information
A frequently mentioned point of contention among guests is the hotel's towel policy, where only one towel is provided for the entire stay, including for the pool and spa, with additional clean towels incurring an extra charge. This policy, along with other instances of charging for amenities typically included in a luxury stay, such as omelets at breakfast or bottled water in rooms, left many guests feeling that the resort was excessively focused on generating additional revenue. While the property does offer a pet-friendly policy, some guests noted challenges in finding suitable areas for pets.