Vedetta Relais

Vedetta Relais, nestled on a panoramic hilltop in Scarlino, Italy, offers a luxurious and unique retreat in the heart of the Maremma region of Tuscany. This Michelin Key Selected property consistently receives high praise for its exceptional service, stunning views, and elegantly designed accommodations.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Vedetta Relais generally receives "Wonderful" to "Exceptional" ratings from guests, with an average score of 9.1 out of 10 on platforms like Booking.com. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with many guests describing it as a "niche gem" and a "truly magnificent discovery" offering an "out-of-earth experience". It's highly recommended for couples seeking a regenerating vacation amidst nature, gourmet experiences, and endless relaxation.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Vedetta Relais for several standout features:

• Stunning Location and Views: Perched 150 meters above sea level on Poggio La Forcola, the Relais offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Gulf of Follonica, stretching from Elba to the Argentario peninsula. Sunsets are frequently highlighted as "breathtaking".
• Exceptional Service and Hospitality: The staff, including the owner Anna Barberini, are repeatedly described as "super great and friendly," "welcoming," "professional," and "attentive". The atmosphere is often noted as being personal and charming, treating guests like friends.
• Unique Design and Character: The hotel, a skillfully restored old farm, blends modern design with family heirlooms and 18th-century antiques, creating accommodations with distinct personality. Each of the 6-8 Junior Suites is uniquely themed and named after a character from the owner's memories.
• Tranquility and Privacy: The property, surrounded by woodlands and olive groves, offers a high degree of privacy and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal escape.
• Gourmet Dining: The restaurant is highly praised, with guests enjoying the quality of dishes made with premium local and seasonal products.

3. Room Quality

Vedetta Relais offers 6 to 8 Junior Suites, each thoughtfully designed and spacious. The rooms are characterized by a blend of antique furnishings and modern design elements, often incorporating fine materials like limestone, travertine, marble, and chestnut parquet flooring.

Key aspects of room quality include:

• Comfort: Rooms are well-equipped with king-size beds, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can even choose their preferred pillow from a selection (e.g., goose-feathers, aloe-scented, anallergic).
• Design and Amenities: Each suite has a unique character, with some featuring large windows for panoramic views, sitting areas with sofas, stone bathrooms, satellite TV and SKY, safes, kettles with infusions, bathrobes, hairdryers, and olive oil courtesy lines. Some suites even offer specific experiences, like watching the woods from the shower or storing clothes in an 18th-century dresser.
• Privacy: Both the suites and glamping tents offer absolute privacy.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Vedetta Relais is a significant highlight for many guests.

• Breakfast: A delicious breakfast is served until late morning, featuring organic produce from local farms, homemade cakes, and biscuits. Special offerings for dietary requirements are available upon request. Some guests have noted that the breakfast basket delivery to glamping tents, a previously enjoyed service, might not always be available anymore.
• Restaurant (RossoCorbezzolo): The on-site restaurant, RossoCorbezzolo, is highly rated for its "very good" and "exceptional" food. The chef, Remo Maestrini, creatively revisits local seasonal and garden products, which are then paired with a selection of Maremma DOC wines recommended by Sommelier Letizia Montemaggi. Guests praise the quality of the dishes and the wine selection.
• Additional Offerings: Homemade biscuits and seasonal fruits are consistently available in the lounge.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Vedetta Relais is consistently described as outstanding. The staff receives exceptional ratings, with a score of 9.6 out of 10 on Booking.com.

• Hospitality: Guests frequently highlight the staff's professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness. The owner, Anna Barberini, is often mentioned for her warm welcome and presence, contributing to a feeling of being treated like friends.
• Personalized Touches: The Relais goes the extra mile with personalized services, such as offering a pillow menu and allowing guests to choose their breakfast time. There is 24-hour concierge service for both suites and glamping options.
• Problem Resolution: One review noted a problem with a bad smell in a room that was "resolved immediately," demonstrating responsive service.

6. Location & Accessibility

Vedetta Relais boasts an "excellent" and "suggestive" location.

• Panoramic Hilltop: Situated on Poggio La Forcola, guests enjoy stunning views of the Maremma countryside and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
• Proximity to Attractions:
  • It is a small charming hotel near the medieval village of Scarlino. The Centro Storico di Scarlino is approximately 2-3 kilometers away.
  • The property is a 5-minute drive from the sea and a 10-minute drive from Follonica.
  • Castiglione della Pescaia is about a 30-minute drive.
  • Punta Ala is around 20 kilometers away.
  • Piombino, with ferry services to Elba Island, is about 40 kilometers away.
• Activities: The location allows for various activities, including swimming in the pool, horseback riding, sailing in the Gulf of Follonica, visiting medieval towns, on-site archery, walks through olive groves, and wine tasting.
• Transport: While offering a secluded feel, the hotel provides free parking and bike rental. However, one guest noted that the 2 km unpaved road leading to the property can be narrow and challenging for two cars to pass. Pisa International Airport is approximately 58 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Vedetta Relais is often perceived as a luxury experience, and pricing reflects this.

• Price Range: Rates start from approximately 190.00 EUR. Other sources show prices starting from around 170 EUR or 201 EUR, or even $356, depending on the room type and booking platform.
• Value Perception: While some guests consider it "in order but too expensive" or "too expensive for the service it offers", many find the experience to be well worth the cost due to the high quality of service, unique atmosphere, and stunning location. It's generally rated "Very good" for value for money (8.3 out of 10) on some platforms.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Access Road: The narrow, unpaved 2 km road leading to the Relais can be challenging, especially for two cars passing each other.
• Breakfast Basket Availability: One review mentioned the discontinuation of breakfast baskets for glamping tents, which was a favored service.
• Value Perception (Minority View): A few guests found the overall cost to be high for the perceived services, particularly concerning the restaurant.
• Minor Cleanliness Issues: One review mentioned "some cobwebs in the shower".
• Finding the Location: Some guests initially found it "difficult to find the place".

Sources

1. booking.com
2. booking.com
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4. charmingtuscany.com
5. secretplaces.com
6. michelin.com
7. thehotelguru.com
8. relaistoscana.com
9. holidaycheck.de
10. charminly.com
11. italytraveller.com
12. priceline.com
13. mypethotel.it
14. charmingtuscany.com
15. booking.com
16. restaurantguru.it
17. tuscanyitalyhotels.com
18. trip.com
19. trivago.co.uk
20. kayak.it