Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda

I’ve never been treated so poorly by hotel staff. There was no mention of a minimum spend, and when we brought it up, the manager raised his voice and told us to go ahead and leave a bad review, arrogant, agressive, no apology, no professionalism. Worse, he behaved in a way toward my friend that crossed personal and professional boundaries, making her deeply uncomfortable. This hotel is now firmly on my blacklist, and I absolutely do not recommend it. Proceed with caution.

We were shocked and disgusted by how we were treated. Four of us arrived for what we clearly explained would be a quick drink — just an aperitif. Instead, we were met with completely inappropriate behavior: the manager touched my friend (which is beyond unprofessional and unacceptable) and assured us we’d get a table. After just a couple of drinks, we asked for the bill. Without a word, a rude and dismissive waiter dropped it on our table. To our complete shock, they added €368 to the bill — supposedly because of a “minimum spend” of €120 per person. At NO point were we told about this. Not by the manager when we arrived, not by the waiter when we ordered, and not even when the bill came. It was deliberately hidden. We were never informed — no verbal notice, no heads-up. Absolutely nothing. When we questioned this, the staff were arrogant, aggressive, and completely unhelpful. They claimed there were signs at the entrance and on the menu — but we arrived by boat, did not go through any entrance, and saw no such signs. As it’s famous for the Bellini we did not open the menu where we could have seen this minimum spend. Even when we explained this, they doubled down and treated us with disrespect and hostility. They tried to force us to pay this hidden charge without any explanation or warning. This felt like a complete scam, targeting young women who came for a simple drink — and were instead ambushed with an outrageous charge that was never disclosed. This is not just bad service. This is manipulative, dishonest, and deeply inappropriate behavior — from both the manager and the staff. It completely ruined our evening and left us feeling taken advantage of and disrespected. Do not go here. There are plenty of better, more honest places where you will be treated with decency. This place is a trap.

Tourist scam. Manager was rude and aggressive. We stopped in for a quick drink before dinner, just 2 drinks each, no food. The waiter told us it was a 50 euro minimum per person, which we agreed to. Then the bill came: 600 euros for 5 people. When we questioned it, the manager came over and was a complete a-hole. dismissive, rude, and totally uninterested in resolving anything. He just kept saying “it’s on the menu” and walked away. No apology. No explanation. Just attitude. Had we been told it was 120 euro minimum per person, we either would’ve made this our full dinner or never sat down to begin with. This was blatant bait-and-switch. Nothing about this place is honest. They prey on tourists and act smug when you push back. We’ll be disputing the charge with Amex and reporting this place everywhere. Do not go here. You’ll get ripped off and disrespected.

I honestly don't understand the pricing wisdom of the geniuses that run this hotel. They charge a fortune for the room which, to be fair, if you don't like it, don't book! However, once you get over the exorbitant room rate, don't charge €15 for a tiny Cola Zero or €18 for a double espresso. That is simply slapping the consumer in the face. I honestly would rather you charge a higher room rate and have all these minor amenities included. It would leave a much better feel for guests. Given how popular your hotel is, once you book in advance the pricing sting is taken out of the stay far in advance and expectations are high. But, then it is stupid prices for soft drinks, coffee, Padel and water sports. It all leaves a bad taste. A child can't have a soft drink anywhere in the property less than €15. Do you really need that F&B margin to survive? Price it into the room!!! I fully understand paying for alcohol. I'd gladly pay the extra cost for cocktails in your fantastic bar. That is a pure option and not all are alcohol drinkers. Your business psychologists are clearly caught between luxury European and American pay-for-every extra (as it is Marriott). I guarantee you that 90% of your negative reviews would go away by a room rate that includes (at a minimum) soft drinks and coffee. Same goes for tennis, water sports and Padel. Don't advertise great facilities if they are not included. For all your seemingly sophistication, you are missing some basic consumer fundamentals. Also, a tip on checkout for the hotel staff? Seriously? What a joke! Offer it to your wait staff or lunch bills. Why to the overall organisation? Back to business school....