Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione

Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste – Starhotels Collezione: A Comprehensive Review

The Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands as a beacon of historic grandeur and modern luxury on the waterfront of Trieste, Italy. Since its original opening in 1911 and a significant renovation in 2009, it has consistently garnered high praise for its exceptional service, prime location, and elegant ambiance, establishing itself as a top choice for travelers seeking a refined experience in this captivating city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful" or "exceptional." It boasts impressive average scores across various platforms, including a 9.2 for overall staff performance and 9.8 for location, and a 9.5 for cleanliness. The sentiment highlights an unforgettable experience, with many guests expressing a strong desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's "fantastic location," "amazing staff," and a "superb feel".

• Service: The service is frequently described as "truly exceptional," with staff members being "competent and friendly," going "above and beyond" to meet guest needs and offering personalized recommendations.
• Location: Its prime waterfront position, overlooking the Bay of Trieste, is a major draw. Guests appreciate being directly across from the cruise ship port and within easy walking distance of major attractions like Piazza Unità d'Italia, the historic Old Town, and vibrant dining and entertainment.
• Design: The hotel offers a captivating blend of classic design and modern comforts. Its grand lobby, adorned with stunning chandeliers and marble floors, exudes refined luxury. The recent renovation has updated the look to a contemporary elegance while preserving its historic charm. The building itself is a magnificent example of 19th-century architecture.
• Amenities: Highlights include a fitness center with Technogym equipment, a full-service spa offering massages, and a library that many guests find charming. Valet parking and free Wi-Fi are also appreciated amenities.

3. Room Quality

The 144 beautifully appointed rooms and suites are designed for comfort and relaxation, blending classic style with contemporary details. Guests describe them as "clean, comfortable, and spacious". Many rooms offer "breathtaking views of the harbour" or the Adriatic Sea, with some featuring private balconies that provide "tremendous" sunsets. The rooms include modern amenities like LCD televisions, wireless internet, and often feature luxurious materials such as Calacatta marble in the bathrooms, complete with My Starbeauty or ETRO toiletries. Tactile luxuries like feather beds contribute to a comfortable stay.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's dining options receive positive feedback, particularly the breakfast.

• Breakfast: The breakfast buffet is frequently praised as "outstanding," "very rich and tasty," and offers a wide range of choices, including options for vegans. It is often described as a great start to the day.
• Savoy Restaurant: The onsite Savoy Restaurant serves local and international cuisine with an elegant ambiance and attentive service. It's noted for its "sea-centric menu" and a setting that "transports diners back in time".
• Le Rive Lounge Bar: This dramatically styled cocktail bar, with its shell-shaped ceiling, offers panoramic views of the Gulf of Trieste, providing a perfect spot for a cocktail.
• Room Service: 24-hour room service is available for guests who prefer to dine in the comfort of their rooms.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Savoia Excelsior Palace consistently receives high ratings for their hospitality, scoring 9.2 and 9.3 across different platforms. Guests frequently highlight the staff as "super helpful and friendly," "polite and supportive," and "knowledgeable". The concierge service, in particular, is often commended for being "extremely kind and helpful," providing worthwhile suggestions for local attractions and dining. Many guests mention that the "high-end service" contributes significantly to an overall luxury experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is arguably one of its strongest assets, earning a remarkable 9.8 rating.

• Neighborhood: Situated "in the heart of Trieste City Centre," it offers guests a perfect base to explore the vibrant and historic area. It's nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Karst Plateau, surrounded by picturesque streets, elegant buildings, cafes, and shops.
• Attractions: Major landmarks such as Piazza Unità d'Italia and the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi are just a short walk away. Other nearby attractions include Miramare Castle, Museo d'Arte Orientale, and the historic Old Town.
• Transport: The hotel is conveniently located near the Trieste Centrale Train Station (within 10 minutes' walk), and local bus and tram stops are easily accessible. For those arriving by car, valet parking is available. While Trieste Airport has less frequency, the city's transport infrastructure, including train access, is considered very good.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxurious property, the Savoia Excelsior Palace Trieste generally offers "exceptional value for money". With an average price of around $252 per room, it is noted as being competitive, especially when considering the average hotel room price in Trieste is around $208. Guests often feel that the quality of service, location, and overall experience justify the cost, deeming it "fairly priced" and offering "excellent value for money". Room prices can vary, with deals sometimes available from around $134.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor issues have been occasionally mentioned by guests:

• Wi-Fi Speed: Some past reviews have pointed to slow Wi-Fi as a potential downside.
• Minor Plumbing Issues: Very minor issues with plumbing were reported in one instance, though they were immediately fixed.
• Concierge Knowledge (Isolated): One review mentioned a concierge could have been "a bit more knowledgeable about local restaurants, etc.".
• Parking Spot Confusion: There was an isolated report of a guest receiving a ticket due to parking restrictions in front of the hotel, suggesting clarity on parking rules might be helpful upon arrival.
• Crowded Lobby (During Events): During special events like the Trieste Film Festival, parts of the lobby, such as the library, can become busy, requiring guests to move.

Sources

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