Relais Valcalepio

With the Smart Box, it turned out we could only stay overnight and have breakfast. My partner and I had received it as a gift for a midweek night with breakfast included. A week before we were due to arrive, I called and a very kind young woman said pool access was part of the package and that wine tastings might be possible. She said she’d call back to confirm, but never did. When I rang again two days before check-in, a kind young man told me the pool was off limits because of a wedding and tastings weren’t available either. So none of the hotel services were accessible. I’m beginning to wonder if guests using Smart Box midweek, because they work on weekends, are treated like second-class guests. The owners should improve the Smart Box service or stop offering it.

In that 35-degree heat, we couldn’t even get anyone to bring us what we needed. After the room was opened, we were left pretty much on our own and didn’t see anyone again. They shouldn’t take guests when there’s no staff. The room itself was very comfortable and the setting was lovely, surrounded by greenery. I stayed one night with two friends on a Smartbox package, and we did use the pool.

What a mess. I had a Smartbox for “sins of gluttony,” and after seeing that they offered accommodation too, I booked through booking. I messaged to reserve the date for our “sins of gluttony.” They gave me the available days and times and asked for the codes, then a week later said they no longer offered that Smartbox option. They also advertised a swimming pool, so I was glad I checked by message, but they said I couldn’t use it because it was for weddings.

Parking was a little awkward, but the prices were reasonable, especially since we bought it on Groupon. Dinner was an organized murder mystery evening with a fixed menu. The food was excellent, and even with the crowd, service was quick and attentive. The outside looked very nice, and the place felt welcoming.