Le Cattedrali Relais by Laqua Collection

Le Cattedrali Relais by Laqua Collection, Asti, Italy: A Sanctuary of Luxury and Gastronomy

Le Cattedrali Relais by Laqua Collection, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the picturesque Monferrato hills of Asti, Italy, consistently earns exceptional praise from guests, establishing itself as a premier luxury destination. This 5-star relais is celebrated for its stunning design, world-class dining, impeccable service, and serene natural setting.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Le Cattedrali Relais is overwhelmingly positive, with an exceptional overall rating of 9.6 out of 10. Guests frequently describe their experience as "perfect" and "exceptional," highlighting a truly luxurious and relaxing stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features. The hotel's "absolutely perfect design" and beautiful surrounding scenery are frequently mentioned. The magnificent pool area, the excellent modern restaurant, and the state-of-the-art spa facilities, including a "stunning" sauna, are significant draws. The property also boasts an impressive art and music collection, a helipad, padel and pickleball courts, and a kitchen garden.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Le Cattedrali Relais are described as refined, spacious, and characterized by an abundance of natural light. Large windows create a continuous dialogue between the interior and the surrounding nature, offering serene forest or mountain views. Many rooms feature exposed roofs, enhancing their harmonious design. Bathrooms are well-appointed with soaking tubs and oversized walk-in showers. Standard amenities include air conditioning, TV, a sound system, minibar, wine cooler, Nespresso coffee machine, tea-making facilities, bathrobes, slippers, and premium Ex Voto Paris bath products. While the design is modern and sophisticated, some guests have noted that it can feel a bit "cold and sterile," and the technologically advanced light control panels might be confusing to operate.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Le Cattedrali Relais is a major highlight, especially the Michelin-starred restaurant overseen by the renowned Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. The restaurant offers a sophisticated gastronomic journey with modern Italian cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine cellar featuring over 2000 labels from Italy and beyond. For more casual fare, there is also a bistro that serves lunch and poolside snacks. Breakfast is a "bountiful" and high-quality affair, with options ranging from continental and American to traditional Italian, including local specialties, fresh pastries, and even champagne.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff receive nearly perfect scores (9.9 out of 10), consistently described as extremely friendly, gentle, helpful, competent, professional, and attentive. Guests appreciate the staff's dedication to providing an exceptional and personalized experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Le Cattedrali Relais is ideally situated just outside Asti, amidst the rolling Monferrato hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This idyllic, rural location is praised for its gorgeous natural setting, characterized by hills, woods, truffle-rich forests, and grape-laden vineyards. The hotel is conveniently located near the Paleontological Park of Asti. While offering a secluded escape, it remains accessible, with Cuneo International Airport approximately 50-81 km away. Free on-site private parking is available for guests.

7. Value & Pricing

As a 5-star luxury relais and a Michelin Key Selected property, Le Cattedrali Relais operates at a premium price point. While exact price ranges vary, an example booking showed a price of EUR 364.88, indicating a high-end experience. Despite the cost, the hotel receives a strong "Value for money" rating of 9.1, suggesting that guests feel the exceptional quality of the experience justifies the price.

8. Common Complaints

Few recurring complaints are noted for this highly-rated property. Some guests have expressed that the modern room design can be perceived as slightly "cold and sterile." Additionally, the advanced light control panels in the rooms, while technologically sophisticated, have been reported as potentially confusing. A minor point of feedback also includes the possibility of the hotel's ambient fragrance being too strong for some.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
3. fodors.com
4. mrandmrssmith.com
5. lecattedrali.com
6. lecattedrali.com
7. hotelspiedmont.com