We just returned from our vacation; we were first in Abruzzo and then we finished the remaining days in Umbria, right at the Relais Convento Santa Croce.
Unfortunately, it was not a stay as we had expected; the descriptions both on booking and on their site are not reliable.
Those who manage the property do not value the location at all; upon our arrival, a very unwelcoming lady at the reception, who did not even introduce herself, immediately requested payment, which was very strange.
She did not introduce us to the services of the relais; we had read about the possibility of using the outdoor hot tub and being able to have dinner outside with a beautiful view.
Instead, we found ourselves having dinner in a small room, without air conditioning, with closed windows and stifling heat. The proposed menu, certainly of quality, but little appropriate for the very hot temperatures of these days: a very hot lentil soup and a very caloric Chianina cheek on potato rösti that lost its characteristic crunchiness because it was covered by the meat and its juices, definitely incorrect plating... we left the dinner, we were really suffering.
I am a chef, I highly recommend reviewing the menu and contextualizing it to the season; that one is truly unacceptable.
In the bathroom we did not find the bath mat and in the fridge we found, instead, a bottle of water half-opened.
The common areas were very hot, not air-conditioned, and the outdoor ones in the back were poorly maintained.
The building itself is very beautiful and evocative, the breakfast area and outdoor patio were better maintained.
There is no bar available to have an aperitif, a coffee, or a cold drink.
On the other hand, there is an espresso machine in the room and every morning they restock it with a couple of capsules. Comfortable bed and good quality linens.
The few staff members we met were certainly very polite and competent.
A special appreciation goes to the maître d' and the lady who takes care of breakfast.
Catering and hospitality are part of my job and I can guarantee that I have expertise in this regard; the property has great potential, but those who manage it do not make the most of it, leaving the guest a bit abandoned to themselves.
Finally, at the time of booking, half-board was priced at $25 per person, while upon payment before leaving they asked for $35.
