La Punta Dell'Iceberg

Our vacation was wasted, and this was the worst experience I've had. We'd booked three weeks in advance, but a week before the trip I called to ask how to get the keys and sort out the other details. He said he didn't know anything. After telling me it was fine and we'd speak the next day, he didn't answer until later, when he called to say the property was no longer available.

The apartment is about 20 square meters, tucked at the back of the large Rialto residence, around five minutes from Pian de Valli. It's in an upstairs spot that's hard to reach. The residence itself seemed in fairly good shape, but its old bar and other services are closed. A cracked entrance door lets in plenty of air, which must be cold in winter. Inside, there's a fireplace beside a roughly handmade sofa bed, with a fold-down bed above it. That bed is also handmade, resting on a support at one end and held to the ceiling by a carabiner and a hook that doesn't seem strong enough. A small peninsula divides the kitchenette, which has a dishwasher, fridge, and oven. The bathroom includes a small washing machine, foot baths, and a three-head shower. One side head worked well. There's also a boiler and independent heating. The place is suited to two, though it can technically sleep four. Meals mean two stools and a folding table. Sergio manages it and seemed fairly reliable. You can book through him or other sites. For New Year's Eve, he first quoted €450 for two adults, then raised it to €550, and eventually settled at €500 after an argument. Payment was by Postepay top-ups, with no invoice. Breakfast was offered, with juice, milk, jam, toast, and Eurospin croissants. Cleanliness was the biggest problem. Everything was dusty and dirty, including dishes with dried-on food and a stained sofa bed. We used up the wood that was there on the first day. When I told Sergio, he said the fireplace was for company, not heating. Later his son Paolo brought me the keys to a bench with more wood, and admitted he'd forgotten to leave them with me. The owner's photos and description give a somewhat misleading impression. Sergio and Paolo are both good people, but managing a place remotely doesn't work.

Sergio was incredibly kind, and we hope to come back soon. The renovated property in the lovely Rialto Residence, below Mount Terminilletto, makes clever use of its small space and is very well equipped. It's ideal for two, though four can fit if everyone is comfortable. We especially liked the bathroom, with its stone sensory shower, LED lights, and Kneipp basins to keep your feet comfortable.

Mr. Sergio was kind and helpful, and we had a lovely stay. The accommodation feels very welcoming.