Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Carlton International Hotel, Italy - Your Dream Getaway!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Carlton International Hotel, Italy - My Dream Getaway… Almost! (A Really Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the beans on the Carlton International Hotel in Italy. Forget the perfectly manicured PR brochure – this is the real deal, warts and all, and honestly? It's mostly glorious. Prepare yourself for some serious wanderlust – and maybe a few chuckles along the way.
First of all, the title isn't lying. "Unbelievable Luxury" is definitely a thing here. But before you start picturing champagne waterfalls (though, wouldn't that be AMAZING?), let's get down to brass tacks and see if this place is really worth the hype.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good)
Let's be real, travel can be a pain for anyone with mobility issues. Thankfully, the Carlton International genuinely tries. Wheelchair accessible? Yes, generally. Elevators are plentiful, and I did spot some key accessibility features. However, Italy, in general, can be tricky. Things aren’t always perfectly smooth. Think charming cobblestone streets that can give your ankles a workout, okay? Remember, always double-check specific room accessibility before booking, just to be on the safe side. They've got an elevator, which is a lifesaver, and the doorman is incredibly helpful.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Eat Your Heart Out! (And I did!)
This is where the Carlton really shines. I'm a sucker for a good meal, and let me tell you, I didn’t starve.
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Everywhere!: They have multiple restaurants. I'm talking a proper Buffet in restaurant (don’t judge! I love variety!), an A la carte in restaurant, a Vegetarian restaurant (bonus points!), and a Western cuisine in restaurant. Seriously, the food options are next level.
- Breakfast Bonanza: The Breakfast [buffet] was legendary. Seriously. I’m not even a morning person, but I was practically bounding out of bed for the Asian breakfast (my weakness!), the selection of pastries, and the freshly squeezed orange juice. Okay, maybe I wasn't bounding, but the promise of breakfast definitely got me moving. They also offered a Breakfast takeaway service (genius!) for those late-night wanderers (or early-morning airport dashes).
- Coffee and Cocktails: A decent Coffee/tea in restaurant is a must for me, and they nailed it. Plus, there's a Poolside bar - hello, Happy hour! I indulged in a few (okay, maybe more than a few) Aperol spritzes and watched the sun melt into the Mediterranean. Bliss.
- Food Flexibility: They have Alternative meal arrangement option, which is a huge plus, and with the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, you know it's all done with care.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh lord, the desserts… (I'm still dreaming about the tiramisu.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe, Sound, and Sanitized
I'm a bit of a germaphobe (don't judge!), and the Carlton really impressed me in this department.
- Anti-viral cleaning products were clearly in use.
- Daily disinfection in common areas made me breathe a sigh of relief.
- Staff trained in safety protocol and the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter made me feel comfortable.
- The attention to Room sanitization between stays was a game-changer. Plus, the Room sanitization opt-out available shows they respect personal space.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere. Excellent.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services are clearly in place.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where the "luxury" really lives up to its name. Buckle up, it's spa time!
- Spa Day Dreams: Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage - you name it, they’ve got it. Oh, and the Body scrub and Body wrap options are a must-try. My skin has never felt so soft. Maybe. I was so relaxed in the Sauna that I almost passed out. Don’t be like me, drink plenty of water!
- Poolside Paradise: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with a Pool with view that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. You can practically taste the Mediterranean sunshine.
- Keep Moving: The Fitness center is pretty impressive, if you're into that sort of thing (I am, occasionally!). They've got a Gym/fitness, and a Foot bath for a post-workout relaxation session.
- Getting Around: They had Airport transfer, and I took full advantage, making arrival and departure a breeze. They even have Taxi service - because walking around in heels isn’t my gig.
Available in All Rooms: Your Cozy Hideaway
- The Room (aka My Sanctuary): The rooms are seriously comfortable. Air conditioning is a must-have, of course. Free Wi-Fi rocks. They also have all the basics – a comfy bed, a decent desk, and a desk.
- Extras that Matter: I loved the bathrobes, slippers, and the seemingly endless supply of bottled water. Plus, the coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver in the morning.
- Safety First: Each room had a Safety/security feature – and a Safe box in-room, of course.
- The Little Things: They had Wake-up service, Towels, and everything you can imagine.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost!)
- Convenient Perks: They offer Luggage storage, Concierge, and Daily housekeeping. Seriously, the staff were amazing—helpful, friendly, and genuinely seemed to care.
- Business Traveler Comfort: While I was there for leisure, I did spot some Business facilities, including Meeting/banquet facilities and Meeting stationery.
- Other Handy Stuff: A Convenience store, Dry cleaning, and Laundry service made life easy.
- Family Friendly? Yes, in fact there are Kids facilities and a Babysitting service, if you are traveling with little ones.
For the Kids: More Than Just a Pool!
The hotel is definitely Family/child friendly.
Getting Around:
- Parking: They offer a Car park [free of charge], so you don’t have to worry about parking fees. They also have a Car park [on-site].
A Couple of Minor Quirks (Because No Place is Perfect):
- My One Small Complaint (And It’s Trivial): The internet, while Free Wi-Fi, wasn’t always lightning fast in the room. (Sorry, world, I needed my Insta fix!)
- Pets allowed unavailable: I was a bit bummed that pets weren't allowed. I love animals.
The Verdict: Book it Now! (But Read This First)
The Carlton International Hotel is, hands down, a fantastic choice. It’s a beautiful place with amazing food, a killer spa which I’d be happy to never leave, and staff who genuinely care about your experience. Is it perfect? Nope. But the imperfections are easily outweighed by the sheer luxury and joy of being there.
Here's My Honest Advice Before You Book:
- Double-Check Accessibility: If you have any specific mobility needs, confirm the room's accessibility before you book.
- Embrace the Indulgence: Treat yourself to a spa day. You deserve it!
- Get Ready to Eat: Seriously, the food is incredible. Book some extra workouts beforehand.
- Be Flexible: Italy is charming, but sometimes things don't run perfectly.
My Offer to You: Book Your Dream Getaway Now!
Book your stay at the Carlton International Hotel today and enjoy:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a breathtaking ocean view! (Based on availability)
- A free bottle of Prosecco upon arrival! (Because, why not?)
- Guaranteed late check-out! (So you can savor every last moment of your dreamy getaway)
- Access a free online course to learn the basics of Italian cuisine for all guests!
Don't wait! Unbelievable luxury and a truly unforgettable experience awaits! Click here to [insert booking link] and start planning your Italian escape!
Madison Getaway: Unbeatable Comfort Inn & Suites Deals!
Alright, strap in buttercups, because this Italian adventure, specifically at the Hotel Carlton International in Italy, is about to be a rollercoaster of emotions, spaghetti stains, and questionable fashion choices. This isn’t your perfectly curated Instagram travel diary, honey. This is real life. Buckle up.
Day 1: Arrival & That Pesky Luggage Situation (aka "The Great Suitcase Heist")
10:00 AM (ish) - The Flight from Hell (or, "Why Did I Book the Budget Airline?") Okay, let's just say Ryanair. Need I say more? The flight was late, the seats were tiny, and the guy next to me spent the entire flight eating crisps like a prehistoric beast, crumbing my leg the entire time. Ugh.
1:00 PM (ish) - Arriving in Italy! (Sort Of) Landed! Rome, baby! Except… where's my luggage? Apparently, "lost in transit" is the new chic accessory. Cue the internal screaming. I’m wearing the same questionable travel outfit for the next few days. Wonderful.
3:00 PM - Hotel Carlton International - First Impressions, and Instant Regret Finally, the Hotel Carlton. It looks… okay. A little faded glamour, a touch of… let’s call it "vintage charm." The lobby smells faintly of old books and something vaguely floral. The receptionist, bless her heart, is wearing a leopard print scarf and seems slightly overwhelmed. I get to my room, and it’s… let’s just say, the air conditioning seems to be on permanent vacation. The view, though – a charming courtyard with laundry hanging across it. Okay, not ideal, but still, Italy!
4:00 PM - The Search for Water… and Maybe a Snack. I wander out, desperate for hydration in this sweltering heat. I find a tiny, utterly charming bakery around the corner. The smells! The pastries! I basically inhale a croissant and a cappuccino. Pure bliss. Then, back to the hotel room. More water. And another croissant. Don't judge me.
6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster, aka 'The Bruschetta Incident' The hotel restaurant. Sounds fancy, right? It wasn't. My bruschetta arrived looking like something a toddler had played with and the pasta was overcooked. Emotional Reaction: Mild devastation. I ended up ordering pizza from a place around the corner. It was glorious.
9:00 PM - Bedtime… or an attempt at. Still no luggage! Ugh. I fall asleep dreaming of my lost suitcase and a decent night's sleep.
Day 2: Rome-ing Around (and Possibly Getting Lost)
8:00 AM - Breakfast… Again, But with a Twist. The hotel breakfast is… well, it's there. I attempt a sad, cold slice of toast. Thankfully, there's coffee. Lots and lots of coffee. I meet some friendly Italian locals who offer me some tips on where to go.
9:00 AM - The Colosseum! (and the sheer volume of humanity) Okay, the Colosseum. Wow. Absolutely amazing. I take a million pictures (because, duh!). It's crowded, loud, and hot, but utterly breathtaking. There's a kid running around screaming. Someone almost trips over my foot. I squeeze through the throngs of tourists. It's a sensory overload, and I love it. I learn that I am not particularly good at taking photos of the Colosseum's architecture.
12:00 PM - The Trevi Fountain - Coin Toss, and Wishes (Hopes and Dreams) - And the Swarms of People. The Trevi Fountain! Beautiful, iconic. Pure tourist pandemonium. I try, and fail. I don't get to toss a coin into it. The line to toss coins is longer than the queue to the Vatican. I end up just admiring it from afar, taking way too many photos and wishing I’d brought a better lens. I make a wish anyway: for my luggage to miraculously reappear and for the hotel air conditioning to start working.
2:00 PM - Lunch - A Triumph! and the discovery of a new love, Cacio e Pepe. I discover a tiny, family-run trattoria tucked away on a side street. The cacio e pepe! Heavenly. Simple, perfect, and bursting with flavour. I also discover I could happily eat pasta twice a day for the rest of my life.
4:00 PM - The Vatican (briefly) - Overwhelmed. We attempted to do the Vatican. The sheer size of it… I ended up overwhelmed and in a crowd of thousands, so I left. Too many people. I bought a postcard, though.
7:00 PM - Dinner – Pizza Perfection, Version 2.0. Another pizza, this time from a different place. Finding the perfect pizza is the challenge. It's a quest. I feel like I found it.
9:00 PM - Back to the Hotel - Still Luggage-less. Sigh. Try to sleep. Fail. Pray to the travel gods to return my suitcase. I try to sleep. I fail.
Day 3: Florence… Wait, is it Florence?
7:00 AM - Early Train Adventure Goodbye, Rome! Hello, Florence! Or, at least, the train to Florence. This is a moment of pure joy, that's what I think. Except, I leave a key, and I don't know where I leave it.
10:00 AM - THE UFFIZI! (and the 'David' Encounter): This deserves more time. This is my peak moment. This is where everything became worth it. The Uffizi. The art! OMG. And then… David. Michelangelo's David. Jaw dropped. Speechless. I stood there, probably longer than I should have, just staring. It's a religious experience. The colours, the detail… I was changed!
12:00 PM - Lunch - The Florentine Steak Debacle (and a lesson in asking about prices) Okay, maybe I should have seen the price beforehand, The Florentine steak. A mistake was made. The steak was incredible. The bill… not so much. Deep breaths. I paid it, but I vowed to eat pizza until I got home.
3:00 PM - Climb to the Top of the Duomo (Florence's Dome of Fire): It looked easy, but I have never been so out of breath in my life! The view from the top of the Duomo? Worth it. Absolutely breathtaking.
6:00 PM - The Ponte Vecchio - A Bridge Too Far (for my budget) The Ponte Vecchio. Beautiful, but also filled with expensive jewellery. I admire from afar.
8:00 PM - Dinner - Pizza, Glorious Pizza (and a moment of existential dread) Pizza again! I find a tiny place with a wood-fired oven. Pure bliss. I start wondering if I’ll ever see my luggage again.
9:00 PM - Bedtime. Pray. Sleep. I'm starting to think I'll never see my luggage. Again.
Day 4: Farewell (and Luggage Hope!)
8:00 AM - Farewell Breakfast. Hopefully, the luggage will be waiting for me.
9:00 AM - More exploring around Florence! More gelato and more wandering!
12:00 PM - Travel home.
Later - Return Home, in the Same Clothes, and with No Luggage. (The Sequel) The saga continues.
Final Thoughts:
Italy is chaotic, beautiful, and utterly captivating. The Hotel Carlton was exactly what I'd expect. Even without my luggage, it was the experience of a lifetime. I will be back. And I will be bringing a lot more clothes.
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Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Carlton International Hotel, Italy - Your Dream Getaway? (Let's Get Real!)
Is the Carlton International *REALLY* as amazing as it looks online? Because, frankly, sometimes those photos...you know...
Okay, deep breaths. Let's tackle this head-on. The photos? Yeah, they're stunning. And yes, the Carlton International is largely – and I mean, *largely* – as beautiful as the pictures portray. The lobby alone? Forget about it. It’s like stepping into a movie set. Seriously. I spent a solid ten minutes just wandering around, slack-jawed and bumping into things. (Don't judge, the marble floors were *gleaming*.)
But here’s the thing: reality is… well, reality. The sunlight glinting off the Mediterranean from your balcony is, in fact, as breathtaking as it seems. But there's also the tiny, slightly chipped tile in the bathroom. The kind of tiny imperfection that reminds you you're human, and not some kind of flawlessly sculpted god. It’s still beautiful, just… real.
And the crowds? Oh, the crowds. Be prepared for them. Luxury comes at a premium, and a premium attracts...well, everyone. Especially during high season. So, yes, go in expecting a touch of “elbow-to-elbow elegance”. But the sunsets? Worth it. Completely worth it. Even if you have to battle a selfie stick for the perfect shot.
Okay, so the lobby's great. But what about the rooms? Are they cramped? Do they smell faintly of old money and regret? (Asking for a friend… who is me…)
Cramped? No. Not unless you specifically book the broom closet. The rooms (at least the ones I saw – I’m not *that* rich) are spacious, airy, and beautifully appointed. Think plush carpets, ridiculously comfortable beds, and balconies overlooking – you guessed it – that glorious Mediterranean. (Seriously, I could have lived on that balcony, just breathing in the sea air, and been perfectly content.)
As for the "old money and regret" smell? Hahaha! No. Thankfully, no. The rooms are fresh, impeccably clean, and surprisingly modern. The only regret I encountered was the one I felt when checking the bill at the end of my stay. But hey, you only live once, right?
And let me tell you about the bed. Oh, the bed! I’m pretty sure it was made of clouds and dreams. I slept like a log, which is a miracle considering how much wine I consumed. (Don't judge! It was Italy!) Seriously, the beds alone are worth the price of admission.
The food! Don't even get me started. Is it Michelin-star amazing? Or just… expensive?
Alright, let's dissect the food situation. It's not Michelin-star *every single dish*, alright? But the main restaurant, *The Belvedere*, is *incredibly* good. Like, melt-in-your-mouth good. The pasta? Absolutely divine. The seafood? Fresh and cooked perfectly. And the desserts...oh, the desserts made me weep a little bit with joy. (Okay, maybe a lot.)
It *is* expensive. Let's be honest. You're paying for the view (which is, again, spectacular), the service (impeccable, generally), and the sheer *experience* of being there. But there are also more casual dining options. The rooftop bar, for example, has some fantastic (and slightly less wallet-destroying) snacks and cocktails. And trust me, sipping an Aperol Spritz as the sun sets over the sea is a memory you'll cherish forever.
One minor disappointment: the breakfast buffet. Don't get me wrong, it's good. Really good. But after the dinner prices, I was expecting… a breakfast buffet staffed by cherubs, serving ambrosia and unicorn tears. It wasn’t *quite* that. Still, the pastries were phenomenal.
What about the service? Do they actually *care* about you, or are they just going through the motions?
Okay, so the service. This is where the Carlton International *truly* shines. Honestly. The staff actually *seem* to care. They’re attentive, friendly, and go above and beyond to make your stay memorable. One time, I accidentally locked myself on my balcony (don't ask.) and they had someone there within minutes. I felt like a total idiot, but they didn't bat an eyelid – just a polite smile and a quick fix.
I think a big part of it is the culture. They’re genuinely hospitable. They remember your name. They go the extra mile. One waiter, bless his heart, remembered I liked my espresso macchiato with a double shot. Double shot! That's service! I even felt guilty for *not* tipping more. (Okay, maybe I didn't *feel* guilty…but I did appreciate it.)
And I'll tell you a little secret... I dropped my wedding ring down the drain! Panicked might be an understatement. I swear they disassembled the whole bathroom to find the ring. They were, like, superheroes, and saved my marriage! (or at least, saved me from a rather uncomfortable conversation with my husband!). The service is truly first-class.
Is the pool as amazing as it looks in the photos? And do you have to fight for a sun lounger?
The pool… it’s stunning. Okay? Absolutely stunning. It’s infinity-edged, overlooking the Mediterranean, and just… *sigh*. It's perfect for that Instagram shot we're all secretly dreaming of. And yes, I took it. Several. Don’t judge!
The sun lounger situation... that's where things get a little…interesting. If you're the kind of person who likes to wake up at the crack of dawn to “reserve” your spot with a towel, well, you'll fit right in. (I’m not that person. I like my sleep.) But even if you're a lazy slug like me, you can usually find a spot, especially if you’re flexible about where you sit. Just be aware that during peak season, it can be a bit of a battle. I'd recommend going in the early evening - it is also more beautiful.
Pro-tip: The pool bar makes a *mean* cocktail. And even if you *do* have to fight for a lounger, the views are worth it. Trust me.
Is it worth the price tag? Be honest!
Okay, the million-dollar question. Is it worth it? Honestly… it depends. If money is no object, then absolutely. Go. Now. Book it. Don't even think twice. You won't regret it.
