Imperiale in Cattolica

We booked and paid in advance through Booking as requested by the hotel. Unfortunately, a few days before leaving, taking a control swab, I tested positive for COVID. Since I was no longer able to stay with them, I contacted them to understand how to obtain the refund and they told us that we had to request it from Booking and not from them, so I do but Booking confirms that the sum paid is already in the hotel's cash register and that afterwards contacting them too the hotel said they refuse to either refund or change dates.
I fear that with certain structures, legal avenues are the only solution to obtain justice.
This is not the first time we have stayed in Cattolica but it will certainly be the last time that we will rely on this hotel.
I advise against dishonesty and it will surely have the right publicity

We go to Cattolica every year on holiday, we had never found more rude management and staff. We had booked a four day stay at the hotel through Booking.com but sadly my boyfriend got sick with Covid. We tried to call to find out whether or not it was possible to get a refund OR move dates. By implementing a petty subterfuge, the management has discharged the responsibility on Booking.com, too bad that having spoken three times with the Booking assistance they confirmed that they have tried several times to talk to us to ask for a refund (even partial) or a change of dates and they categorically refused. It was enough to tell us directly that it was not possible to do anything other than invent an excuse to empty the barrel. Congratulations on your honesty.