Villa Pia Lipiano - what to make to the extremely varied reviews??

[Astrophe]

If you've been, can you comment on:

The state/quality of the toys and play areas.

The quality and quantity of the food.

The friendliness of the staff, and how flexible they are regarding small childrens needs (eg, could a 5 year old come and have a cuddle and chat during adults dinner?).

Any other comments welcome.
Thanks :)

bump for UK time :)

Ive never been but I do remember the name well as me and my friends looked at this place but read this however many rave about it

www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Hotel_Review-g1438692-d255260-Reviews-Villa_Pia-Lippiano_Umbria.html

problem is, there are some really bad reviws there as well! What to do?

another bump

Well, I have had a look and it seems that it is like a ski-chalet in that you live at close quarters, but you don't go out skiing all day and for some people that is all a bit too much company at once!

I went in 2007 when DS was just 5, we really enjoyed it but not sure I'd go back. Hmm, I know that sounds a contradiction.

It is very much a House Party style atmosphere an as such the play area, toys etc were more what you would find at a friends house rather than you would expect in a purpose built kids club. I suppose "shabby chic" best describes it. Not great for crawling or just toddling ones as loads of gravel to fall on.

Food was very good, with lunch being the highlight in our experience, seemed a better standard then dinner (might just have been different chefs). Plenty of food to go round as well! It was great being able to help yourself to food & drink from the fridge during the day as well (enough for childrens snacks).

Dinner is relaxed, no problem with children appearing although most were fast asleep through exhaustion!

I wasn't that taken with the pool, it was in need of a refurb. Nice tennis court.

BranchingOut described it nicely i.e. same idea as a catered ski chalet. We'd done several of those so found the dinner party concept of dinner fine, but I think we realised we'd grown out of love with it. It is a bit exhausting having to make polite conversation all the time.

thanks, thats really helpful. DH particularly is going off the idea. I think it would be great if some friends came with us though...

Broadly agrees with orienteerer, went year before last and going again with friends this yr. Personally was quite happy to talk to others at meal times, not really an issue but personal choice I suppose. No children appeared. Everyone, had baby monitors and went up if a problem.

I am not a mega fussy mum nor overly relaxed. We purposely have left out the crawling stage, agree with gravel. Also loads of steps so prob better for confident walkers or babes in arms. Everything was clean if not brand new. V similar to other places in my opinion.

Food was great all round and I am a food snob. Classes, art and cooking for kids and adults also fun.

I don't think it would suit if you are v cautious about what your children do or want them up late. Dinner is at 8.

Many of the folk we met are regular returners and I could see us going a couple of times if not every year.

Ps the staff are wonderful with the kids, we arrived. Late and when one of ours was I'll they did all they could to help. I think like all Italians they love children and whilst folk use monitors they listen out and let folk know if any problems.

thanks K75, sounds like you loved it :)

We were there with our 15 month old in the autumn and loved it. Like a villa holiday in a beautiful setting, but with no cooking or cleaning to do (and babysitters on hand so you can get some time to yourselves). Loads of fantastic day trips nearby, but we were just as happy chilling out with a cappucino in the garden whilst we watched DS play with his new friends.

The state/quality of the toys and play areas: there was loads of stuff for DS to play with (smaller toys as well as lots of bigger playground equipment) and there was a good playground area for older children as well. Equipment is well used, but absolutely fine (I understand they replace lots of the equipment on a regular basis). Good classes, including cookery and craft classes for kids. We

The quality and quantity of the food: good, home-style Tuscan cooking (ie not fancy restaurant style). Plenty of choice, and plenty of it. We're foodies, and found it more than adequate, although it was nice to get out to a couple of local restaurants for a change of scene.

The friendliness of the staff, and how flexible they are regarding small childrens needs: Staff extremely friendly across the board. I didn't notice any kids at the grown-up dinner, but I can't imagine it would be a problem if your 5 year old wanted a cuddle and a chat (although, to be honest, we welcomed the chance to have a bit of child-free time).

We will almost certainly return. I think you have to be a fairly social kind of person to really enjoy it, although I know a few people took evening meals in their rooms on a couple of occasions, so that's always an option if the daily communal dinners get a bit much. We had read a few of the bad reviews on Trip Advisor before we went and were a bit worried because of this; needlessly so, as it turned out.

thanks for that redgecko. Yes, it was trip advisor that has the bad reviews that worried me.

I don't imagine I'd want my kids at the adult dinner, but someone mentioned in a review that their child was made to feel unwelcome (or something - can't quite remember) when they came for a chat. But what you describe sounds lovely!