Martellus

Anyone have any experience at this property? Apparently it's all-inclusive retreat in the middle of nowhere at a former monastery. Seems to be a good redemption deal at cat 4 prices?

SkiAdcock

Can't answer the OP's question, but sounds interesting if one wants to get away & unplug. Wonder if Celluzze means teeny-tiny. Hotel website:

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/trav...design-hotels/

"Located in the center of Italy, Eremito hotel is surrounded by 3,000 hectares of protected natural reserve in Umbria. The austere aesthetic aims to provide guests with an “old luxury”—plenty of quiet and space to reflect and rejuvenate, sans Wi-Fi, phone, and television. There are strict check in hours between 3 and 7 pm. Considered the spiritual focal point of the country thanks to wonderful monasteries in the area, Umbria is a fitting choice for this Italian eco-resort. Built from a mix of the latest bio and old materials from the region, the innovative sustainable structure invokes the cells of monasteries, so much so that rooms are called “Celluzze” in the spirit of those ancient monk quarters. The kitchen serves up a vegetarian menu, also inspired by ancient monastic traditions, with ingredients sourced from local organic farms. The spa area features a heated pool dug from the rock and a stone steam room. It’s the perfect place to unwind while listening to Gregorian chants."

SkiAdcock

Martellus

Apparently the hotel charges an 89 euro per person per night surcharge if one books via points. I've checked the hotel website and apparently the only option to pay by cash is the full board option. This does seem a bit disingenuous to me - I thought the who Al Maha thing a few months back caused a big debate because Marriott doesn't allow hotels to treat paid bookings differently than award bookings? Unless design hotels are excepted?

SkiAdcock

From what I've read on FT, Design Hotels pretty much do their own thing & barely participate in MAR Bonvoy.

Cheers.

SanDiego1K

I'm intrigued for a single night stay, but the check in window is tricky and the rooms look barely bigger than the mattress.

thomasito

Would say this place isn't ideal or meant to be for a single night stay.

Its not a traditional hotel and the Marriott website should make this better clear.
E.g. there is dinner at a set time and you cannot choose from a menu. During dinner it is not allowed to speak. They call it "Silent Dinner: Dinner is served observing silence."
This can be a wonderful and unique experience; for others quite a shock; and most-likely not for the average Marriott client who is looking for a lounge, upgrades and free wifi (not even a phone signal at this hotel).

Better check their official website: Vacanze in Monastero, Vacanze Spirituali | Eremito

KosherKimchee

No Italian eats a meal in silence, what an obvious way to mock tourists. Pass.

thomasito

But the owner (an Italian) decided to offer dinner this way, so it should be respected. He wanted to add a spiritual aspect to the experience and the whole place is very similar to a monastery.