Relais San Giuliano

Relais San Giuliano in Viagrande, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, is consistently lauded as a serene and luxurious boutique hotel offering an exceptional experience. Guests frequently highlight its blend of historical charm, modern comfort, outstanding service, and beautiful grounds.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Relais San Giuliano consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback. It boasts an "Exceptional" rating of 9.2 out of 10 from over 279 reviews on Booking.com, and a remarkable 19.7 out of 20 from verified Michelin Guide guests. HotelsCombined also rates it 9.2 out of 10 from 383 reviews. The general sentiment describes the property as a "hidden gem" and a "serene oasis of luxury and tranquility," perfect for romantic getaways or peaceful relaxation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Relais San Giuliano:

• Exceptional Service & Staff: The attentive, warm, and friendly staff are frequently cited as a major highlight, going above and beyond to make guests feel special.
• Stunning Design & Grounds: The hotel is praised for its beautifully renovated 18th-century noble estate, which masterfully blends historical allure with contemporary design. The peaceful ambiance extends to its gorgeous gardens and impressive outdoor swimming pool area.
• Gourmet Dining: The on-site restaurant, "I Palici," receives high acclaim for its fantastic and excellent food, with some guests suggesting it's worthy of a Michelin star.
• Tranquil Atmosphere: With only 12 to 15 rooms, the hotel offers a private and quiet stay, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of their surroundings.
• Wellness Facilities: The property includes a spa with a hammam, Finnish sauna, Jacuzzi, and a gym, contributing to a relaxing experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Relais San Giuliano are described as beautiful, spacious, and luxuriously designed with a distinct Italian charm and contemporary flair. Each room is unique, incorporating traditional local materials like wood and terracotta, balanced with modern comforts. Amenities typically include air conditioning, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, desk, free Wi-Fi, minibar, and refrigerator. Some units offer terraces, garden views, or even bathtubs next to the bed, and several are soundproofed for added tranquility. Available room types range from Standard and Superior Double Rooms to Family Junior Suites, Suites, and Executive Suites, accommodating various needs.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel's restaurant, "I Palici," is a significant draw, celebrated for its Sicilian and contemporary cuisine that honors regional heritage, with a notable emphasis on plant-based options. Guests have described dinner as "fantastic" and "beyond excellent". A continental breakfast buffet is served each morning, often enjoyed in a garden-side setting and generally described as delicious and excellent. There is also a stylish lounge bar located in the ancient palmento (wine press) for drinks and relaxation.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Relais San Giuliano consistently receives top marks, with staff rating 9.5 out of 10 on Booking.com and 19.6 out of 20 on Tablet Hotels. Guests frequently use words like "exceptional," "attentive," "warm," "friendly," and "kind" to describe the team. Many appreciate the personalized welcome and the staff's dedication to making every guest feel special and cared for. The concierge team is highly effective, offering fabulous recommendations and assistance with planning stays and events.

6. Location & Accessibility

Relais San Giuliano is strategically located in Viagrande, at the foot of Mount Etna, placing it within the region's renowned wine belt. It's described as a tranquil base for exploring the area's rich history, natural beauty, and local attractions. The hotel is approximately 15 kilometers (about a 30-minute drive) from Catania and its Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), and about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Taormina. Nearby attractions also include charming seaside villages like Aci Trezza and Aci Castello, as well as the Museo dell'Etna. While the property offers a peaceful retreat, guests note that a car or taxis are necessary to explore the wider area, as "not much to see within walking distance". The hotel provides private parking, including an underground garage, and offers shuttle services for an additional charge.

7. Value & Pricing

Relais San Giuliano is considered to offer "exceptional value for money" and "affordable luxury". The average room price is around $191, which is notably lower than the average $251 for hotels in Viagrande. Booking.com rates its "Value for money" at 8.7 out of 10. While prices can vary, examples include Standard rooms from $316, Superior rooms from $423, and Deluxe rooms from $501-$503 per night. Many guests find it to be a much better value than comparable hotels in Catania.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Breakfast Selection: One guest felt the self-serve continental breakfast, while fine, "lacked the selection typical of other hotels of the same caliber," and that eggs required an extra request and charge.
• Bathroom Privacy: A specific concern was raised about the lack of privacy in one room's bathroom, which might be less convenient for more than two guests sharing a room.
• Restaurant Menu: One review described the restaurant menu as "slightly pretentious".
• Room Size: A guest staying in a junior suite found it "a bit small" for two people on each split level.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. michelin.com
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4. hotelscombined.com
5. agoda.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. booking.com
8. justsicily.co.uk
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10. lasiciliadiulisse.it
11. relais-sangiuliano.it
12. michelin.com
13. fincahotels.com
14. greatsmallhotels.com
15. myboutiquehotel.com
16. relais-sangiuliano.it
17. momondo.com