4/10
The location is good. The view is spectacular.
For the price ( luxury pricing) there are several changes we would recommend. The alternative would be to reduce the price. However at this time the property is not good value when compared to similarly priced rental properties.
To increase the value we recommend:
- the welcome needs improvement. One hour of intense discussion standing in the study (this could all have been said by email) was not pleasant after a long day of travelling. Instead welcome guests with a drink and invite them to sit down to rest.
- the advertised wine tasting at nearby Martin Codax vineyard never happened, and we are still confused as to why this was included in the price, but we did not get it. Another vineyard was offered but was then not open.
- pool and loungers would improve the experience. We were surprised to find there was no pool after the direct message from the owner said that there was a private pool at the property.
- Improve the furnishings. Replace all old portraits and religious art with stylish modern art. Ensure all mattresses and bedding are comfortable. Bathrooms could benefit from modernizing.
- include air conditioning units for bedrooms in summer months. It was very hot in July so we had to leave the windows open, which meant a very noisy night due to local dogs barking at all hours. A poor sleep environment gave a not-so-great experience. Bedrooms could also benefit from black-out curtains.
- the laundry dryer doesn’t work, and the laundry room needs a clean from big cobwebs.
- The children’s room with bunkbeds had creepy old dolls in it (they reminded our kids of the dolls in horror movies lol) The other children's room had an effigy of a crucified Christ bleeding and dying, it was scary in numerous ways.
- the property manager was very eager and kind, but we found that on one occasion he did not give enough notice for us to arrange our plans, plus he can't speak english which made communication complicated.
In conclusion, at half the price, it is a great place and we would recommend the villa. For the price we were charged, we imagine other guests will expect luxury, which means more attention to the details of comfort and quality is needed to earn a five star review.
Claire P.
7 nachten verbleven in juli 2022