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IMO it's fair. True that a waiter at a table probably spends more time on you, but maintaining the infrastructure for room service, especially 24/7, is costly. In daytime, you can probably have kitchen staff squeeze it in between either prep or restaurant meals, but at night, you have to have someone available who wouldn't otherwise be there, and that holds true all day for the delivering staff.
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Originally Posted by Fabo.sk
(Post 36018803)
IMO it's fair. True that a waiter at a table probably spends more time on you, but maintaining the infrastructure for room service, especially 24/7, is costly. In daytime, you can probably have kitchen staff squeeze it in between either prep or restaurant meals, but at night, you have to have someone available who wouldn't otherwise be there, and that holds true all day for the delivering staff.
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Il Pellicano
As already mentioned, our boat trip could not take place. As compensation, we were offered a 50-minute couple's massage. In terms of value, this was a good deal - a massage like this is not cheap. I think it's around €360, which is of course absurd.
The spa is located below the main restaurant, I didn't take any photos. The massage was good so far, there was nothing to complain about. |
Vetulonia
After my enthusiasm for Roselle, I really wanted to see the second important archaeological site in the area, Vetulonia. We started at the Area Archeologica di Vetulonia Poggiarello Renzetti.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8dfe492f5f.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a7432938af.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0e7a85b7aa.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fd9725c486.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...26d8214446.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...04a8879d4a.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...135b382e7d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f9f2649640.jpg Considering that we had travelled well over an hour to get here, our enthusiasm was limited. Next, we drove to the Tomba della Pietrera. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...63376e5555.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8bed566d17.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...dd6d8bc0e1.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...288f31a4f1.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c95a7cea8f.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e409b64298.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...303d7895b5.jpg Also a very nice place. Finally, a short stop at the Tomba del Belvedere. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...05241e8d28.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fe8f183d38.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ddd2ed4567.jpg There is a museum in the village, but due to adverse circumstances we were unable to visit it and drove back to Porto Ercole. |
Il Pellicano
Time for our last dinner at the hotel.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...660dace3aa.jpg This time we chose from the barbecue menu. Homemade Maltagliati Pasta, Lobster, Courgettes, Cherry Tomatoes, Saffron and Basil. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d875f23e92.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1e80f153be.jpg It was quite good, but for €44 there could have been a bit more lobster. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. Salt crusted seabass and vegetables. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9c422b88c2.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f48102e11.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...66cdd5b25c.jpg Looks very good, what comes out is not that much. But the flavour was good, just like fish in a salt crust (or rather bread crust). For dessert we had Chianti soufflé from the star menu. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5ac6e6e617.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...58f8a9c671.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...df3325bdfa.jpg Even though I don't really like wine, it was delicious. It's quite a bit of money for what it offers. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...926a558dad.jpg |
Passalacqua
Now we said goodbye to Il Pellicano and headed for Lake Como. It was quite clear from the start that we would end our journey at Lake Como. I had my heart set on the Mandarin Oriental, but then someone at FT recommended the new Passalacqua. I had a look at it and liked it very much. The price of a junior suite at €2000 per night was on a par with a duplex at the Mandarin. In the end, the Passalaqua adds a 10% service charge, so it was 2200 €.
After booking, something interesting happened. The Passalacqua was voted the world's best hotel by "The World's 50 Best Hotels". As most people know, I don't think much of such lists, and there are some funny entries on this one. But so be it. Perhaps a few words about the hotel. The building is a palace and villa from the 18th century. The villa was once the home of Vincenzo Bellini and developed into a social meeting place in the 20th century. As in most hotels, Churchill was once a guest;) A few years ago, the villa was purchased by the family that also runs the Tremezzo. The latter is not necessarily a sign of quality, but I wanted to give it a try anyway. The hotel was then opened in 2022 and is said to be the owner's pet project. Incidentally, you can find a lot about the hotel on the internet, as they have relied heavily on influencers for marketing. It felt like all influencers who weren't 3 on the trees were invited for a free visit. That's how you become the world's best hotel. |
Passalacqua
On the way to Lake Como, it was already clear that it was going to be another rainy day. But we're used to that, I would never travel to this region at the same time as us.
Once again, our satnav located the hotel who knows where, so we followed the signs. We drove through narrow streets until we arrived at this entrance. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f0511c8686.jpg On the right, you passed a church with a private cemetery, but it was always closed. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a4213d1a9e.jpg I only photographed the actual gate at night. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...827e349775.jpg The entrance from the inside. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f8d32733b.jpg From the parking lot: https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...7ceaacb4ee.jpg The property is not small and leads down to the lake. Here is a map: https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...05cd769ce2.jpg The check-in was quick. We were asked if we wanted to eat at the hotel in the evening and were told several times that it was a fine dining restaurant. OK, I think we'll survive that, I'd heard of something like that before. Apart from that, they did a lot of things right here and made an effort. |
Passalacqua
As can be seen on the plan, there are 2 parallel houses. Contrary to what you might expect from the name, the better rooms are in the villa and the somewhat simpler ones in the palazzo. There is also no lake view from there.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5abade41f3.jpg There is a flower stand at the back of the villa. Like many Four Seasons, the emphasis is on lots of fresh flowers. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e694a780b8.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...37f79af333.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2724d8905b.jpg The front view. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a164e39a72.jpg From the side. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0ec1bf09d1.jpg The main entrance has a beautiful iron gate. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...79cd5cbab3.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...745ce25313.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4b26357183.jpg However, you usually enter the hotel through the bar, as this is the closest entrance to the driveway or parking lot. |
Passalacqua
The interior of the villa is really beautifully done, a lot of attention has been paid to detail. Let's start in the bar, which consists of 2 rooms. One is the actual bar room with a beautiful fireplace.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5724fb0180.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cdc7ed531e.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9e0ff598bb.jpg There is also a second room with seating. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1c4a5a6654.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...517de8537d.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d83f767d87.jpg Next to it is the library with a striking chandelier. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...85b58fb01b.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4eb1247554.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0beff0cef0.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6282cbfaef.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a1deaa36db.jpg This leads to a hallway from which you can also access the upper floors. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...57c1a9e597.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12a81db852.jpg |
Passalacqua
The last room in this suite is the reception. The large cupboard in which the keys were stored was amusing.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b7d3555703.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bd45780e83.jpg The central part of the first floor is the large staircase, which led to 2 rooms. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f24872c488.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f81f91c4e6.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...5cdf45aec3.jpg The public toilets are located on the sides. https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...088e4984c8.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a756d1780.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0768ce53f0.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b721244659.jpg Behind it is a small salon. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...46fadd9967.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ad2632c3bc.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a2c80210d8.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1b4a1d3dc6.jpg The following room is the first of the gastronomic area, but it was not used. A thoroughly impressive room. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3c8c9cf6d8.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8aeb9b1aa7.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ae234bf647.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...052193dae9.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e516c1cfb6.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b16b109f3c.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3b4b19eed0.jpg |
Passalacqua
Attached was the actual restaurant, which consisted of 2 adjoining rooms.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d1a299f4db.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0dd7538d2a.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...825558ed6e.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ed3a52aa4a.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d794047611.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...36f970ec06.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4c3c362084.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ca2bd908e6.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...138565be55.jpg The many small details such as porcelain figurines were impressive. You don't necessarily have to like them, but it shows a great deal of effort. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...4af08b74fc.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bfdced7ef7.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a607c59f5.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...59d25fdc78.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...bfa6790a71.jpg |
Passalacqua
The last two rooms are 2 kitchen rooms. The first is mainly used to present the breakfast buffet.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...32212c069a.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cbb807d1e3.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e858b6b9f4.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9a3a5170df.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a14f573596.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...d2b1834f5e.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c734e3b609.jpg After breakfast there is a small (free) cake buffet. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fb5f0f1061.jpg Next to it is the kitchen, where the food (at least for breakfast) is prepared. https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...fefe720d16.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...22d052762e.jpg |
Passalacqua
Let's take our keys to the room called Zaira.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...1659e4ec11.jpg You can take the elevator or one of the stairs. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2ae674db17.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...28efb8046d.jpg There was a somewhat oddly placed seating area right next to the room. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e4c37915c4.jpg Our door. https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...6bda9817c1.jpg |
Passalacqua
Let's go to our junior suite. First the floorplan.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a9cef7c990.jpg First of all, we stood in a small hallway with a cabinet containing the free minibar with some really unusual items. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...202ff00c27.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cd3044322a.jpg The Junior Suite is a large room that is visually separated into living and sleeping areas. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...cb2f599016.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...573e04d4a6.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c5217533e0.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...39de5cb357.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3e1630d028.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...28d0c65cfa.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...08a2e19bf0.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...61d18a1b2b.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...67148f6b1f.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...2a47b66c46.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...35be806dc9.jpg Here, too, many details dominate, and some of the furniture is refurbished antiques. While I prefer a decent two-room suite, the room was large enough and basically offered everything you could possibly need. There is also a lake view, which was also nice. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9578dbed61.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...3f7fe09482.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...80fe8399e3.jpg https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...52ed6a5e3f.jpg Also nice at night. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...9868475902.jpg There are not only beautiful things to see..... https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0b9b418d67.jpg The dressing area is located between the bedroom and bathroom. https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...b0d2d62a6c.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f0bb42291d.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...0fc668680f.jpg The bathroom was large for a start. The furnishings are opulent, with chandeliers, murals and marble slabs cut from a single block. https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...483b8f6c73.jpg https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ece26497b5.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...e6771286b1.jpg https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...12fb94959b.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...ce51eae212.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...286ac738ee.jpg These crates were a special feature. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...a64928440b.jpg It contained the entire Dyson hair care range. Very practical, but certainly also a good advertisement for the manufacturer. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...c0d51ce551.jpg The view from the bathroom was of the palazzo opposite and the street above. https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...f41f5e9ede.jpg The junior suite was really well done, you could be satisfied. Whether it is now worth €2000 or now €3000 in the low season is another question. |
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