Donna Elena - Epoque Residence

The central location is the one good thing here. We didn’t feel safe, and the room had almost no privacy. The outside door opens automatically, so anyone can get in. There’s a code for the inner door, but every room uses the same one, and it’s often left open. Our room had a creaky, partly broken glass interior door that was off its hinges. It was hard to lock, and you had to bang it to get it shut. When other guests returned at night, it was noisy, and you felt exposed to anyone outside. There was no proper bathroom door, just a cute pseudo-antique door attached to a curtain rod. You had to slide the curtain/door across to get even a little privacy, and it wouldn’t lock. It was embarrassing and unhygienic, with the toilet right beside the table where you’re meant to eat. I can’t believe this was allowed. There weren’t really any services. We paid a lot because breakfast was supposedly included, but the voucher only covered certain economy pastries that were never available. We later found out it was worth €3, and could be used for coffee or cappuccino. Other pastries started at €5, so we had to pay extra ourselves. The bakery is delicious, no complaint there, but the terms weren’t explained until we arrived. If you’re lucky, you might get a basic pastry and coffee included. We weren’t. We used both vouchers at once and paid another €6 for breakfast, which would have cost less elsewhere without vouchers. They advertise breakfast at a renowned pastry shop, which is technically true, but don’t tell you the conditions upfront. Great marketing, I guess. The heat pump remote had no batteries, so we had to buy some, and there was no heat. There was no drinking water or bathrobe either, though bathrobes were listed as amenities in the booking. We paid as if this were a proper residence hotel and got a room like a student apartment. When we asked for a partial refund, they said problems can happen, and that the heat pump, which is an air conditioner, was more than enough to heat the place, even though it was -2 degrees Celsius. The responses to our complaints were beyond comment. I’d totally advise against staying here unless you’re booking at a budget rate. You don’t feel safe, the heating doesn’t work, the listed amenities are ridiculous, and management seems very sketchy.

The host was so helpful and welcoming, even though we checked in at the last minute. She helped us with a few things, and her English was good. The room and bathroom were beautiful, right in the center of Asti, with nice restaurants just around the corner and everything within walking distance. The building itself is very quiet. You can hear a little street noise, but given the central spot it really wasn’t bad, and it didn’t bother us. I’d absolutely recommend it.

We arrived at the last minute, and Helena was accommodating and honest. The quoted price wasn’t correct, but we got very lucky. Her apartment is right in the historic center, with a lovely living room and bedroom, decorated with good taste. There were beautiful dishes ready for snacks and breakfast.