We recently stayed at Torre Rinalda camping and noticed some similarities with other reviews. Our intention is not to criticize, but rather to provide positive feedback based on our own experience. We believe that many guests are becoming disappointed due to unspoken expectations.
The 4-star rating in Italy can be confusing for foreign visitors, as it does not necessarily reflect the quality. The star system for campsites in Italy is more of a checklist, focusing on the presence of certain facilities rather than considering their age.
As guests of the camping, we booked a pitch and discovered that the minimum package is for 3 people. This means that when you travel with just 2 people, which is quite normal, you end up paying 1/3 more for your stay.
The price is quite high considering the services included. For the basic price, you get a decent pitch with 3A electricity, cold water, access to toilets and sinks for brushing teeth or shaving, and cold showers.
To use the basic swimming pool, there is an additional fee of 4 euros per person, per day. These tickets must be purchased at the administration reception, which is located at the other end of the campsite.
We requested a 6A upgrade for our camper, but were told at the entry reception that it was not possible for stays less than 5 nights. However, upon reading the rules on our pitch, we discovered that the staff had been misinformed. A 6A upgrade is indeed possible, but only 10A is available for stays of 5 nights or longer.
For hot showers, you need to buy coins that provide 1.5 minutes of warm water. However, the shower starts with cold water for the first 5-10 seconds, so effectively, the time is even shorter. It is not possible to extend the time for hot showers without leaving the shower cabins. We wondered if the female staff had ever been asked to shower on the campsite and wash their hair with shampoo and conditioner within 1.5 minutes.
We stayed at the beginning of August and noticed that most of the non-permanent pitches were empty. Despite reservation notes, many guests did not seem to arrive on the first days of their reservation. In reality, only 20-30% of the non-permanent pitches were occupied, which is unusually low for this time of year and type of campsite.
During our stay, we had to load money onto a campsite debit card, which we found convenient as it eliminated the need for change and such.
We observed a significant difference in the friendliness of the staff, and we couldn't find a clear reason for this disparity. The staff at the entry reception and administration reception were kind and helpful, but they also strictly adhered to the campsite policies. While this is not necessarily an issue, certain policies did prevent guests from having a carefree and enjoyable stay. This became evident when we tried to book a bed and umbrella on the beach. Despite the campsite having plenty of open spaces, all the beach beds were already reserved. As spontaneous guests, we had no chance of getting a bed and umbrella during the peak season.
We were alarmed by the campsite's response to other reviews, as they seemed to interpret any feedback that didn't meet their standards as a threat. They consistently replied to these reviews without engaging in any dialogue with the previous guests.
We agree with other guests who believe that this campsite has great potential, but the current management is not utilizing it effectively. It is up to the management to investigate the issues that occur within the campsite and address them. Specifically, they should focus on improving the friendliness of the staff and ensuring that guests have an unforgettable stay. Unfortunately, we did not experience this during our time there.
