Grotta Gigante

We were excited about our trip to Trieste but that excitement ended when we checked into the Forum Boutique Hotel. While most of the staff were helpful, the Hotel Manager was not. Our first night there was miserable. The room was extremely small and the air conditioning (A/C) did not work. The room never got below 27 C (80 F). We didn't sleep all night and the next morning I complained to the Hotel Manager. When I did, he told me " The A/C is fine. That's just the way it is in Italy." I explained to him that wasn't realistic and we had not experienced this at any other hotel in Italy. He then went into a long explanation as to why they have to turn off the A/C as the City of Trieste regulates their energy consumption, needing updates units, etc. So after telling me that nothing was wrong, he explained to me why my air conditioning did not work. I asked him to refund my first night's stay and he refused instead offering me a small discount and a bottle of Prosecco??? I told him that was unacceptable and he said "There was nothing else he could do." My first cousin and his wife experienced the same issue with their air-conditioning. They refused to deal with Hotel Manager, walked out and checked into another hotel with air conditioning and enjoyed their stay. The Manager didn't charge them for their last 2 nights but charged us for all 3 nights. If your goal is sweating and frustration, this is the hotel for you.

It is a good family owned hotel. Nit luxurious though Service from reception excellent

Fabulous location in downtown Trieste. Very close to the cruise port from where we disembarked. Beautiful old restored building with all the modern conveniences that would be expected. Staff were so very helpful with arranging taxis, storing luggage and suggesting wonderful restaurants close by. Beautiful European breakfast was an additional bonus.