Relais Almaranto

Relais Almaranto: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis in Piedmont

Relais Almaranto in Calamandrana, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience amidst the stunning vineyards of the Monferrato region. It is lauded for its blend of historical charm and modern design, exceptional service, and superb culinary offerings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Relais Almaranto is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 on Google based on 98 reviews, and scores of 9.6 for cleanliness and 8.0 for amenities on Hotels.com. Michelin Guide guests also rate it highly with an 18.6/20 score. Guests frequently describe their stays as "outstanding," "wonderful," and "fantastic," highlighting a sense of complete satisfaction and often expressing a desire to return.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Relais Almaranto:

• Stunning Location & Views: Nestled in the UNESCO-designated Monferrato hills, the hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of vineyards and hazelnut groves, especially at sunset.
• Exceptional Service & Staff: The staff is frequently described as "fantastic," "nice," "very kind," "helpful," "available," and "prepared," providing a welcoming and attentive experience. The owners are also noted for their personal touch and dedication to guest satisfaction.
• Elegant Design & Ambiance: The property blends centuries-old character with modern and contemporary furniture, offering an atmosphere of "intelligent luxury" with attention to detail throughout, from rooms to common areas, including a charming swimming pool area.
• Superb Amenities: Highlights include a large, beautiful seasonal outdoor pool with loungers and umbrellas, a poolside bar, a 24-hour fitness center, and lush gardens. The hotel also features a wine cellar with over 200 labels, a cooking school, and facilities for events. Free Wi-Fi and ample parking are also appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The 23 rooms and suites are consistently praised for their quality, comfort, and design. They are described as "beautifully designed," "modern and comfortable," "very clean and tidy," and "well-appointed with high quality fittings." Many rooms feature private terraces or direct access to gardens, offering an enhanced sense of space and connection to the beautiful surroundings. Bathrooms are often noted as spacious, with amenities such as walk-in rain showers, and some suites even boast roll-top or whirlpool bathtubs, combining historical charm with up-to-date comforts. Comfortable beds and nice linens are also highlighted. Rooms are soundproofed and include free toiletries and safes.

4. Dining Experience

Relais Almaranto offers a highly-rated dining experience with two restaurants: the more formal ADAGIO Ristorante Gourmet and the bistro-style Anima. Both serve exquisitely crafted Piedmontese and Italian cuisine, often with pool views or views of the sunset over the hills. Guests praise the food as "exceptional," "unique and delicious," and "very high standard," with a great price/quality ratio. The hotel also sources ingredients from its own vegetable garden.

Breakfast, which is often complimentary, is described as "rich," "delicious," and "beautiful," featuring quality products including homemade cakes, local hazelnuts, and jams. Options typically include continental, buffet, à la carte, and Italian styles, accommodating various dietary needs like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. A poolside bar and private dining options, including wine tours and picnics, further enhance the culinary offerings.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Relais Almaranto consistently receives outstanding feedback. Guests frequently commend the staff for being "fantastic," "so nice," "very friendly," "helpful," "available," and "prepared." They are noted for their kindness, attentiveness, and dedication to ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The owners themselves are often present and engage with guests, contributing to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. There's a strong sense that the staff goes above and beyond to please guests and create a holistic experience of food, wine, and relaxation.

6. Location & Accessibility

Relais Almaranto is ideally situated in Calamandrana, within the picturesque and UNESCO-listed Monferrato region of Piedmont. This central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area, which is famous for its vineyards and renowned Nizza DOCG wines. Nearby attractions include the towns of Nizza Monferrato, Canelli (with its UNESCO-designated wine cathedrals), Alba, La Morra, Barolo, and Neive, all easily reachable within a short drive. The hotel is approximately 90 minutes from four airports in Milan, Genoa, and Turin, making it relatively accessible for international travelers. Free on-site parking is available for guests.

7. Value & Pricing

While specific price ranges vary, Relais Almaranto is generally considered to offer an "outstanding blend of quality and value," with prices starting from around US$214. Given the luxurious amenities, exceptional service, and high-quality dining, guests often perceive the experience to be well worth the cost. Booking directly with the hotel can offer benefits such as free cancellation on flexible rates, complimentary breakfast, a welcome drink, and a discount on evening dining.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor criticisms have been noted:

• One guest mentioned being asked to pay for empty glasses, which they found off-putting.
• Another guest reported loud party music late at night, even from a room on the opposite side of the building from the restaurant, suggesting potential noise issues for some rooms.
• The outdoor swimming pool is seasonal and unheated, typically closed from October through March.
• Some older reviews, from when the hotel recently opened, indicated that some concepts were still being finalized, though more recent reviews suggest a very complete and polished experience.

Sources

1. hotels.com
2. google.ie
3. michelin.com
4. michelin.com
5. trip.com
6. almaranto.it
7. langhe-experience.it
8. almaranto.it
9. booking.com
10. tablethotels.com
11. hotelspiedmont.com
12. hoteles.com
13. almaranto.it