My stay at Gudauri Lodge was a colossal disappointment, challenging its claimed 5-star status – a generous 3 stars would be an overestimation. The reception was shockingly unwelcoming, marked by staff displaying rudeness and a palpable eagerness for us to leave. Upon arrival, the lack of usual hospitality was striking. No one greeted us or offered assistance with our luggage, leaving us to navigate the hotel on our own. Surprisingly, there was no guidance about the room, and crucial details, such as the absence of a mini-bar, were not communicated. When we requested a basic iPhone charger or adaptor, the dismissive response offered only a slow, non-original charger at the reception, setting the tone for a dismal experience. Language barriers further exacerbated the problem, with staff demonstrating shockingly poor English skills. The only positive aspect was the housekeeping staff, who were the lone pleasant individuals in the hotel. This experience was beyond disappointing, especially considering the considerable amount spent for such abysmal service. On day one, the live cooking station proved an appalling experience. The chef's limited English proficiency was evident when, despite ordering a single omelette with specific ingredients in English, he prepared two omelettes, incorporating only one specified ingredient. Worse still, he deliberately refused to speak Russian, which I attempted to use for communication. Regrettably, I would have preferred to speak Ukrainian or English, but the chef's language barrier extended to these languages as well. The chef's distressing behavior reached an uncomfortable climax when he expressed his frustration by discarding the extra omelette right in front of us. This unnecessary scene, coupled with a general lack of inquiry into our needs, created a negative impression that even the breathtaking view and ambiance couldn't compensate for. On the second day, promised 8 am breakfast turned into a disaster by 8:30 am. A significant portion of the breakfast items, including the live cooking station for omelettes, remained unavailable. Instead of attending to their duties, employees casually chatted in the middle of the restaurant. Addressing the issue with the responsible person yielded a vague commitment to starting breakfast at 8:30 am, devoid of explanation or apology. My pleas for a solution were met with indifference, as if the readiness of breakfast was inconsequential. Despite being asked for our room number twice, no one seemed to care that we would be departing without breakfast. To compound the issue, my husband faced hostility due to an erroneous assumption about his nationality, leaving both of us feeling thoroughly unwelcome. I sincerely wanted our stay to be memorable, but the hateful, rude, and disrespectful behavior overshadowed any positive aspects. First impressions proved pivotal, and sadly, the initial encounter set the tone for the entire stay.
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