Residenza Solferino

Mr. Paolo was lovely and really attentive to what guests need. The place was clean, tidy, and well looked after, and I especially recommend it if you're traveling with a pet. Parking was excellent, with hail protection nets, and the pool made afternoons relaxing after mornings at the beach. The Green Line shuttle bus stops right outside the residence, and there's a washing machine too. It was very quiet, and the other residents were polite and not noisy, unlike places I've stayed before.

The setting at Residenza Solferino in Castiglioncello is lovely, and that's a real strength of the place. My sister-in-law Isabella and I saw plenty of potential, but there are some things that need attention. The outdoor gym was the biggest practical concern. The equipment was very old, rusty, and unusable, while the floor mats were dirty and visibly worn. It needs proper upkeep and ideally newer equipment, or the gym should be removed. We also found problems with cleanliness in places, especially the bathroom and kitchen shelves. More care after the accommodation has been unused would make for a more comfortable stay. There was a wall-mounted hairdryer in the bathroom, but it didn't work. When we asked, the owner said a hairdryer wasn't listed in the contract, though she did lend us one. If an amenity isn't included, showing it there can give guests the wrong impression, so it should be made clear what is actually available. We also found the welcome lacking in warmth. We'd told the owners ahead of time that we'd arrive on Sunday instead of Saturday, and asked for a small discount for the unused night. The response was that it was already a favor to inconvenience the staff by opening the door for us on Sunday. We expected more understanding and attentiveness, whatever the arrival day. A kinder approach would help guests feel at ease. With better hospitality, more attention to cleaning, and a serious update to the gym area, this could be an excellent destination. The location is stunning, and we hope these suggestions help improve the service.

The best part for us was the cool evenings. The place sits high up in Castiglioncello, and we could relax in the shared garden on the swing listening to the trees move in the wind. Our 5-bedroom apartment was lovely, with a patio facing the garden where we ate. The pool was beautiful and well maintained, and my youngest daughter was thrilled with the big trampoline. We took the city shuttle from the center to Quercetano beach. It runs every 45 minutes, and the ride takes about 25 minutes, though it brings you down to the beach in just 1 minute. The facility was clean and well organized. Mrs. Mariella was attentive and kind, welcoming us with coffee and water when we arrived earlier than expected. A gentleman also helped unload our luggage with a trolley. We had a great time and recommend the place. The one cost I'd question is the €50 electricity charge. We didn't use the air conditioning, so it seems high. Maybe it could vary depending on whether the air is used.

Our two large dogs were treated like little princes, thanks to the reliable garden fencing at the apartment Residenza Solferino offered us. I booked with a big group of friends, and we'd been assured the enclosure would be secure. That let us enjoy the pool, tennis courts, and barbecues for our evening meals. Most of the fish for dinner was kindly provided by the owner of the Residenza.