Gaby in Rimini

Very Disappointing Experience – Not Recommended

My stay at Hotel Gaby in Italy was extremely disappointing. This was a long-awaited family reunion—with relatives traveling from both the north and south of Germany, and myself flying in from Toronto, Canada. We chose this hotel based on its 3-star rating and weren’t expecting luxury—just decent hospitality and a comfortable stay.

We booked and paid in full for two standard rooms and one room for two adults and a 3-year-old, including breakfast. What we received was two regular rooms and a tiny, cramped “extension” room. This room had two small single beds and barely two feet of space between them—completely inadequate for what we paid and nothing close to what was described.

After a long journey, I decided not to complain right away and tried to make the best of it. Breakfast was buffet-style from 7:30 to 11:00, with typical continental options. Since we don’t get to see each other often, we enjoyed sitting together for 1–2 hours during breakfast—like many other guests.

Shockingly, two days before our departure, we were publicly scolded by (what appeared to be) the owner—an older woman—right outside the breakfast area. She accused us of going in and out, switching tables, and eating “all day,” which was simply not true and completely humiliating. We had only stepped out briefly to take care of a cranky toddler and use the restroom. I personally had two small plates—one with eggs, another with a slice of cake—and two coffees. Nothing excessive, and the buffet was neither busy nor running low.

When I tried to explain, she brushed it off, saying the kitchen staff had told her. No apology—just more cold, disrespectful treatment. We felt like we were being treated as a nuisance rather than welcomed guests. Is the expectation to sit, eat quickly, and leave—like we’re in a prison?

This experience completely soured our trip. The way we were treated was unacceptable, and the accommodation did not match what we had paid for. I would absolutely not recommend this hotel to anyone—especially not to fellow travelers from Canada or Germany looking for a warm and respectful environment in Italy.

The biggest problem was the communication with the staff. The staff is unorganised and unfriendly, the room too small, breakfast below average. The music from a bar next door was very loud, which is a big problem if you have small children.

I do not recommend this place.