Appartamenti a Vignarca - Località Perelli

Elena was fantastic, extremely kind, and always available to answer questions. We also really appreciated the barbecue area with its large outdoor tables and sofas, plus the onsite parking. The property clearly caters to people with dogs, with an outdoor shower and a dedicated dog-walking area. We stayed on the first floor, with immediate access to the large courtyard below, which was essential for our dog. The welcoming, spacious house was comfortable for four adults, though six could sleep there too, with a bunk in the hallway and a sofa that converts to a bed. The heat was our biggest problem. In this hot, humid summer area, I find it unacceptable to rent out a holiday apartment without air conditioning. On days when it was 37-38°C outside, the thermostat inside showed 32°C, even though we tried to get air moving and make shade. We asked for a fan, but it did little or nothing. The bathroom had no window and only a small fan, so after our daily showers it became almost unbearably hot. Other apartments in the building had air conditioning, but guests had to pay a daily extra charge to use it. I find that unacceptable too, as it's a basic part of hospitality in a hotel. There were no basic supplies in the apartment: no oil, salt, sugar, sink sponge, or hand soap. We were given only two rolls of toilet paper. We couldn't even wash our hands when we arrived, so we had to go grocery shopping straight away. It would be much easier to leave behind what previous guests have bought, like sponges and dish or hand soap. Instead, it seems that almost new or barely used products may be thrown away, which is sad and wasteful. I've travelled extensively in Italy and abroad, and this small detail causes a lot of discomfort and frustration when it would take very little to make it a positive. Lastly, for a place designed for dog owners, I think it's dangerous that there's no gate between the car entrance and parking area and the courtyard where the dogs roam. Dogs could come and go without anyone noticing. I also don't think it makes sense to charge dog owners an extra fee at such a pet-friendly property.

The ground floor was lovely, with a small garden both in front and behind the apartment. Everything else was perfect: very clean, with good parking, and a strategic spot for getting around. The public and private beaches are about 2 kilometres away, reachable by car or bike. It sits among fields in the countryside, so insects may be around. I don't see that as a problem, just normal for the location. Watch out for the speed cameras, there are several.

After an hour of trying the key, the door finally opened, but by then it was already night. We had booked two apartments on Booking.com for a weekend in October, two nights for five friends. On the first evening, the key for one apartment wouldn't turn and seemed stuck. We called the contact number and got voicemail, left a message, and still haven't had a call back today. We've stayed in apartments many times, but never had such an unprofessional experience. Any hospitality business, whether a hotel, guesthouse, B&B, campsite, or apartment, must have an emergency contact number.

Pierangela gave us such a warm welcome and managed the property really well, making us feel at home. The apartments were clean and functional, and we had a wonderful, completely peaceful holiday. The location is excellent. For anyone travelling with a dog, it's a great place to stay, with a beautiful dog-friendly beach just two kilometres away. We'll be back.