A Great Choice

Guest: Mel (Madrid Spain)
Date of Stay: 11/05/11 Review Submitted: 11/20/11

This property was not only well-located for our oenotourism, but it was among the best & most charming of VRBO properties we've stayed in. The owners were lovely people & VERY accomodating and helpful, the kitchen was perfect for concocting our truffled pasta/eggs or morning coffee, the apartment was warm and nicely decorated (NO nasty ikea cast-offs here!), the bed was comfy---all good. Locally, our visit coincided with a fairly extensive Barbera wine tasting, and the Cafe Roma restaurant made yummy food with fairly priced wines. Alba, Asti, Barolo & Barbaresco towns were easily nearby. So many Michelin restaurants were within a 25 minute drive. It was great!!

Owner response:Hey Chuck & Mel, it was great having you here and those wine tasting adventures will be long remember by us as well! Don't be surprised at all to see us over your way next year, we're anxious to explore Spain further and hope to share more wine adventures with both of you there as well. Take care for now, see you soon.

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway.

We'll be back and back and back

Guest: Matt and Nat (Hobart, Australia)
Date of Stay: 09/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/08/11

This is now the second time we have stayed at John and Angela's apartment and won't be the last. We were initially attracted to their property due to the close vicinty of a cheese festival held in the region. However there is so much to attract any traveller to this region. The apartment is ideal for the self sufficient traveller who, like us, heads out to forage and enjoy local food and of course wine. John and Angela's knowledge of the area is exceptional and they offer great advice and guidence should you want it. John and Angela are happy leave you to your own or be engaging, depending on you. The view and surrounding area is breathtaking, we were happy just sitting in their garden with a bottle of Barbera and some yummy cheese ! Thank you again for a lovely holiday, Cheese 2013??

Owner response:Hi Matt and Nat, it always has been and certainly always will be an immense pleasure having both of you here and we'll be looking forward to that Cheese 2013 for sure!! Thanks so much, see you soon. John & Angela

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Perfect Accomodation

Guest: Mary and Patrick (Port Ludlow, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/05/11 Review Submitted: 10/31/11

Everything about the property was exactly as described, as well as being clean and well maintained. The location was perfect. Each day we drove to a different village to taste the food and wine. John was helpful in directing us so that we got to local restaurants and services. Having him on site was a huge improvement over other rentals we have used in the past. We would definitely recommend the property to friends or anyone wishing to be in the heart of the Piedmont. Thanks, John for a great stay.

Owner response:Hi Pat & Mary, it was truly a pleasure having you here and very much hope to see both of you again in the near future. Take care for now. Most kind regards, John

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing, people with disabilities, romantic getaway.

Major problems await you!

Guest: disappointed (CA)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 10/04/11

We stayed there in August 2011. Upon entering the apt. you are immediately asked for the rent for the week. The owner then goes into elaborate detail what to do with the trash. After 1 night we realized the mattress and pillows stink of dampness/mustiness. My nose was itchy and my husband c/o a headache. We told the owner, he offered no explanation. Five days later he told us the apartment is subterranean.No wonder we felt poorly the whole time we were there.We noticed holes are drilled in the mortar under the apt to get rid of the dampness and smell, but they do not correct the problem. This is from a person who states he was a contractor in CA. There was no disclosure on website or in emails about subterranean. The corners of the shower and door frame closest to the shower are black from mold. The door into the apartment is within inches of a wall where there are hundreds are bees in the foilage.It is impossible to enter the apt without getting in direct contact with the bees. I spilled 1 tab. of balsamic vinegar on the outside bricks. The owner was furious! He stated I was negligent to his property. The sun was fading the stain over the next few days, but he charged us for it anyway. The owner complains repetitively about previous tenants and their negligence and slovenliness to his property. He is constantly in your face looking for infractions that he can correct. He stated he rarely returns the whole deposit. At 10:30PM one night he played the drums above our bedroom for what seemed like forever, most likely about 1/2 an hour. Another evening he is heard screaming at 11PM, "Oh,my god, oh my god." He left the property for several days and told us how to handling the keys, etc. We did as instructed, took off sheets, put all used towels in the shower stall, closed shutters, and placed key in mailbox. Within a few days we began receiving emails about us staying and extra day, and he was going to take the money out of our deposit. We contacted the B&B we stayed in to confirm that we had left his property as agreed upon.There were no oral or written instructions on the use of the phone for emergencies. The owner's wife states her husband is a perfectionist, obsessive/compulsive may be more appropriate. We only received a partial refund, after we threaten him with a lawsuit. This is our worst experience in 25 years of traveling to Europe. Never again will we stay at this place and I hope you don't either.

Owner response:As is clearly the case, evident by all the other completely positive reviews, this was undoubtedly a worst case scenario of the incredibly ugly American that typically refuses to take responsibility for their actions. This tirade of negativity is all based on their latter comments about damage they negligently caused to my property which by the way I am still having to deal with but have generously opted to refund all but $76.30 of their deposit. (this had nothing to do with their childish threat of a law suit but typical for someone of this caliber) I have spent several hours and approximately 37 Euro, about $50, worth of product trying to repair their negligence, which was grossly understated in their assessment, but just as this was grossly understated, so to were all the other statements grossly overstated to the point of being flat out lies and complete fabrication, most of which I will not even dignify with a response. Strange that while they were here everything was fine until they got drunk, a common occurrence with them, which then led to their supposed "accident". Kind of like driving drunk, hitting a phone pole then trying to sue the phone company for having the pole there. You can judge for yourself. Obviously when one rents to people from all over the world, over a period of time you're going to run into someone that has an attitude that is not possible to please. The feeling is mutual with regard to this being a horrible experience and one I certainly hope never to repeat.

Recommended for:

Truffles and More truffles!

Guest: aimee (mallorca)
Date of Stay: 10/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/11/11

what a WONDERFUL experience! beautiful setting, incredible villa and amazing people.. John and Angela were awesome so helpful and super knowlegable about the region. I was exposed to so much food and great wine i honestly cannot wait to come back thanks you thank you XOX

Owner response:Hey Aimee & Mitzi, it was wonderful having you and very much look forward to your return soon!! Please stay in touch. John & Angela

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A wonderful place to experience Piedmont's rustic charm and culture

Guest: Chuck and Deryl (Saratoga, California)
Date of Stay: 11/12/10 Review Submitted: 12/15/10

We enthusiastically and highly recommend Casa Beriot as a home away from home in Piedmont. The apartment was all of what we had expected and more from the listing information - ideal location for motor trips to the many attractions of the region, close to a charming town; clean, attractive and comfortable accommodations; and sweeping views of the countryside. Beyond our expectations was the helpfulness of the owner, John. His advice on Italian culture, arrangement of winery and truffle tours and restaurtant recommendations was invaluable to us. Most important, John was always there when and if needed, but never in a interfering or intrusive way. While there, we experienced a medical emergency that was potentially serious but fortunately turned out to be rather minor. John was helpful beyond any expectation during that "emergency" and we were comforted to known that he was there to help in any way that he could. If you want a beautiful, quite home-base in an area that is full of good food, great wine, historic sites, and rich in the Italian culture, Casa Beriot is just the spot.

Owner response:Hi Chuck and Deryl, thanks so much for your very warm and kind words, it was certainly a delight having you and we hope to see you again some time, maybe also in your neck of the woods as I've been thinking a lot about a trip to northern California, especially to check out your wine production! Please take good care and do stay in touch. Most kind regards, John & Angela

Recommended for:Age 55+, adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children.

A wonderful place to stay

Guest: Mark and Deb (Charleston, WV USA)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

We would highly recommend this rental. The apartment was quiet, comfortable and completely furnished with everything you might need. John was a wonderful host and provided recommendations on vineyards, restaurants and other sites to see. The grounds are outstanding with beautiful views of the vineyards on the property and across the rolling landscape. What an incredible sight to wake up to. Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards are nearby and an easy drive.

Owner response:Ciao Mark and Deb, thanks so much for the kind words, it was certainly a pleasure having you here and I certainly hope to see both of you again either here in Piedmont or maybe even down your way near Cortona. All the best.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

Guest: slomartire in nc (Siler City, North Carolina, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/18/09 Review Submitted: 05/18/09

A delightful property -- beautifully appointed, very comfortable, in a simply gorgeous setting that serves as the perfect base for exploring Piemonte. John and Angela are incredible hosts -- helpful, accommodating, and always willing to provide recommendations and directions. This is absolutely my favorite VRBO property! The perfect Italian holiday.

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Guest: Owen Powell (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

A perfectly appointed apartment in a gorgeous setting...no detail has been overlooked and every choice is appropriate to the setting, down to the linens and kitchen gear. The villa has been meticulously restored amid terraces and gardens designed to preserve the views across the surrounding vineyards. We enjoy cooking en suite as much as exploring the many nearby trattoria and restaurants; the owners are happy to recommend their favorites and help with reservations and directions. Costigliole is a charming village within walking distance and provides the basics; the villa is close to larger Alba and Asti for more intense shopping. Once a month nearby NIzza Monferato offers a huge open air antique market that should not be missed. The location is an ideal launch point for exploring all of Piemonte and Liguria. The finest of Piemonte's winemakers are within a short drive. It's most tempting though, just to enjoy the sun, breezes and views from the terrace. We've made several visits and are making plans for another.

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Guest: Donna & Frank Pensa (Jamestown, R.I. USA)
Date of Stay: 04/26/09 Review Submitted: 04/26/09

Wonderful apartment in a beautiful location! The apartment is modern , very comfortable and beautifully appointed. Great kitchen and a garden that is perfect for dining, reading or just enjoying views of the hills and the vineyards.This was one of the best places we've stayed! The town is small and there are many day trips which are easily accessible. Great spot!

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