Hotel Première Abano in Abano Terme

First of all, we were never informed that hotel staff might enter our room without permission during our absence. Shortly after checking in, we went out for a short lunch. When we returned, it was clear that someone had been in our room.

The curtains had been closed (we had left them open), the wardrobe was shut (we had clothes drying inside), the lamp was turned on, and the bedspread had been removed.
When we reported this to the reception, they claimed it was “procedure” — that cleaning staff enter in the morning and again after 3 PM to “prepare rooms for sleeping.” The receptionist even tried to justify this by saying that it’s “standard practice in five-star hotels.”
This is simply not true — no reputable hotel enters a guest’s room without consent, especially not without prior notice.

This policy was never communicated to us, and we believe no one should enter a guest’s room without their clear consent — especially not so soon after check-in.

Instead of an apology or a professional response, we were met with rudeness from the reception and a total lack of accountability from hotel management.
The manager refused to come speak to us in person at first, trying to “handle it over the phone,” which was completely unprofessional and showed a lack of respect.
Only after multiple requests did he finally show up — just to say, “No, I won’t sign anything,” with no further explanation.

We had been told that a refund of €250 would be issued, and a document was stamped to confirm this — yet we were denied a signature and never received the document.
Refusing to sign or confirm the refund in writing shows clear bad faith and dishonest intent.

We have not received any refund at all. We feel completely scammed.
This hotel provides no security for guests’ belongings, demonstrates zero professionalism, and does not deserve its five-star rating.

We are taking legal action.
We strongly advise others: stay away from this hotel.

Disappointing experience despite a lovely setting
I was genuinely surprised by the many enthusiastic reviews. The setting is indeed attractive, and the facilities are well maintained — but that’s about where the positives end.
There are plenty of wide-open spaces, yet hardly any staff in sight. Even something as simple as getting a towel felt like a solo mission.
The bistro? Sadly lacking in atmosphere, charm, and culinary interest. Poolside service? None. And the one waiter we did encounter seemed to be having a very bad day — or perhaps just doesn’t enjoy the job.

Evening entertainment consisted of some rather outdated music that gave the odd impression we’d stumbled into a 1950s time capsule.

In short, it’s a place with potential, but far from the relaxing and attentive experience one might expect. I won’t be returning