Note added on: 27-08-2010
This last feedback is an astute reflection on the changes that have obviously occurred in between visits. Some of those changes are the result of conscious deliberation. Each point though, I think is valuable and deserves some reflection.
La Faula doesn´t fall within an area covered by ADSL. Apart from satellite coverage the only possibility for broadband access is using a connection to the Hutchinson 3 antenna that was placed in Povoletto two years ago. In these last two years mobile broadband has developed fast but it suffers from capacity constraints which are well known. Therefore we made the choice to provide guaranteed WiFi in the common dining area, and on the side of the house in which the bungalows are situated. Technically there is not currently the capacity to provide in-room WiFi to all rooms. This summer past 7 bedrooms, the yellow bungalow and one-half of the red bungalow had WiFi coverage.
We would expect that as mobile internet develops and improves so will our WiFi coverage.
Mosquitoes are a reality in Italy in the summer. Friuli, which has a cooler climate, is generally considered to have less of a mosquito problem. Certainly some guests are rarely bitten and other guests seem to be bitten more and suffer more from the bites. Having introduced this feedback system and having seen the request for more mosquito nets over the windows we did add nets on those first floor windows that could take them. For all rooms we provide little mosquito repellent ´appliances´. We tackle the mosquito problem also by dosing stagnant water sources and the like but I don´t think that we will ever manage to eliminate mosquitoes 100%.
The only bedrooms where the shutters open inwards are on the top floor of the house. In those two bedrooms the window sills are lower than 1.2 meters from the floor so the law obliges us to place child-proof bars to stop kids accidentally falling out. This precludes the use of outward opening shutters. It is hard to think of what we could do to allow the shutters to be closed with the windows open while respecting the law (and more importantly removing an obvious risk!).
At La Faula we have a local restaurant guide which is found on our website at www.faula.com/itinengv.php?iti=17 This guide is constantly printed-off by us and given to guests and copies are also left in dispensers in the rooms and in the main dining room. This guide recommends 13 local restaurants and contains the ´We Eat Here´ recommendation. I can only say that our ´Sunday night at the Al Collio´ pizzeria is pretty well-known (see the photo of the day for Saturday July 31 2010), so much so that guests often join us and ask us to book ahead of their arrival should it be a Sunday. The website has clear references to the kitchen being closed on Sunday.
The Illy coffee tabs were replaced by the Carrefour coffee tabs which cost considerably less. This was not, however, the reason for the change. Neither Luca nor myself like Illy Coffee which is extremely acidic. The Carrefour coffee tabs are made by Caffè Vergnano one of Italy´s premium coffee producers. We initially introduced the Carrefour coffee tabs while retaining the Illy ones. After a while almost no guests were drinking the Illy coffee so we eliminated it. I can only say that Illy coffee is extensively promoted in Austria but Carrefour supermarkets are not present. Numerous Austrian guests who use tabs, after trying the Carrefour brand, stocked-up on them and took them home!
The comments about the food are perceptive. As time has gone on we have tailored our dinners more specifically to the guests who are present in the Agriturismo. When we have more couples and less complete families with children we tend to cook more interesting and challenging dishes. When we are full with families with kids we try to produce food that is nutritious and enjoyable and that the whole family can eat. It is a real hassle for us and the parents when kids don´t like the dinners. On the other hand many families are really happy when something can be produced that the parents and the kids can enjoy together.
We do, however, want to know what people like and so during the winter will be implementing a system in the web site that will allow guests to tell us their food preferences ahead of time. This should allow us to better tailor our cooking to our guests likes. It should be mentioned that as a precursor to this system, and as a test, for a couple of weeks this August we did invite guests to peruse a menù of dishes that we prepare (21 First Courses, 13 Second Courses and 15 Desserts) and to write down their choices. What was incredible was the very close correlation between the choices - they were virtually identical notwithstanding the different nationalities present in the Agriturismo!
The comment on the wine is also perceptive and is congruent with the comments about the food. Until two years ago the wine strategy for La Faula was that mapped-out by a consulting winemaker who believed in heavy, complex and very oaked wines. These were the kind of wines that are likely, I guess, to appeal to someone who also likes interesting and maybe less commonly served food. However, they were wholly inappropriate for an Agriturismo with a broad clientèle such as that of La Faula. Since I took over the wine-making our wine sales have shot-up, in the last two years three of our wines have won silver awards at the Italian national organic wine competition (plus two distinctions) and our take-away sales by guests with cars has surpassed anything we could have expected. I would mention that the 2007 Merlot available in the Agriturismo (drink in) for €10 sells for €45 in a Michelin starred restaurant in Belgium and that we have been approached to provide samples to Marks & Spencer in the UK (although we are too small to ever contemplating supplying wine to such a behemoth!). Our winery is effectively empty as I write this.
There will, over time be space for the production of niche wines at La Faula but this is something that I intend to tackle only slowly.
I guess that nobody can accuse us of writing the Feedback of 26-08-2010! However, it is really very much appreciated and helpful as it shines a light on the ´nooks and crannies´ of La Faula as seen through a guest´s eyes and it also gives us the possibility to explain better those things that may be confusing, obscure or unclear. Thank You!
Feedback sent on: 26-08-2010
We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 12 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
Extend the wifi access areas
Try to reduce the biting insects
Fit insect nets to windows or modify windows to allow shutters to close but windows open for fresh air at night
It would be nice to have two or three strong recommendations for eating out on the night off and remind guests when it is. I forgot and would have gone to a nice restaurant for a long lunch rather than taking the kids out in the evening.
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
The Illy coffee was replaced with Carrefour coffee, although I understand the cost difference
Over the last few years, the food has become normalised for families and is not as specialised as it used to be. It would be nice to see some risks taken on special menus once or twice a week to surprise guests so that they can experience something different.
And I didn't really like:
The wine (surprisingly) was not as good as I remembered. At €10, I was not motivated to drink it and preferred the wider selection at Carrefour. I tended to drink beer as a result.
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
The outdoor cinema is a great innovation
The guest astronomer was a thrill that I will remember as was the harpist last time I visited - it´s nights like these that make La Faula unique
Access to wifi was helpful but would appreciate it being extended
I thought that the Volunteers were:
Very nice as usual and part of the lovely character of La Faula
All considered La Faula offers good value for money.
Feedback sent on: 25-08-2010We have stayed at La Faula Once and the longest stay was for 7 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
Perhaps even more & different animals?
I´m speaking of our childs perspective, they never get enough.
But I know, this makes also an awful lot of work.
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
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And I didn't really like:
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On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
The nice and open minded atmosphere in your house.
The spirit you give to this place.
The nice ambiente of the rooms, in the main house as well in the bungalows (very well equipped and arranged carefully).
The self-service corner with wine and beverage stimulates the desire to taste all of your wines.
We appreciated very much our stay and would like to come back one day. But there are also quite a lot of white spots on our map of Italy to discover. But you will anyway be recommended!
I thought that the Volunteers were:
very kind and molto simpatico
All considered La Faula offers good value for money.
Feedback sent on: 22-08-2010We have stayed at La Faula Once and the longest stay was for 11 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
Have plastic Sun Loungers -which are softer and more comfortable
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
And I didn't really like:
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
The easy going way- the Girls absolutely loved it and want to come back which means that we will !!!!!!!!!
It takes a while to adjust to the different approach but over time grows on you !!!
NO COMPLAINTS
I thought that the Volunteers were:
Excellent (Georgina loved being allowed to take part and insists that she will return)
All considered La Faula is maybe even cheaper than what we had expected for the quality.
Feedback sent on: 13-06-2010We have stayed at La Faula Once and the longest stay was for 0 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
- provide a sandbox/ sandpit for the kids (seperated from the dogs ;-) - but maybe the kids will take the golf club "sandboxes" anyway ;-)
- provide a swing (or even better 2- to avoid loud discussions among the kids)
(these things might get you even more relaxed parents/ guests than now ;-)
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
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And I didn't really like:
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On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
your charming and warmhearted house
your tasty dinners
your uncomplicated and family-friendly transaction
Pauls entertainment & Lucas capability
You 2 really make a great job!
I thought that the Volunteers were:
All considered La Faula offers good value for money.
Feedback sent on: 13-06-2010We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 3 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
offer a bit more of cheese and sausage for breakfast and the price for your homemade dinner (19€!) compared to a meal in a pizeria is too expensive - even if it´s a nice place to eat. (your other prices are okay)
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
you have this wonderful pool!
and that you are there!
And I didn't really like:
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
I really enjoy the whole package any time we come!
It is really cool for kids!
I thought that the Volunteers were:
All considered La Faula has the right prices for the quality.
Feedback sent on: 18-03-2010We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 5 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
find a way to heat the pool or the pool for babies - the water is usually a bit chilly for little children.
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
There was nothing we really didn´t like - sorry;)
And I didn't really like:
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
the style of the rooms, the friendliness of everybody,
I thought that the Volunteers were:
A nice bonus - makes La Faula more "international" in this rural part of Italy - it´s alwasy nice to get to know people from all over the world, so keep on having volunteers!
All considered La Faula offers good value for money.
Feedback sent on: 28-12-2009We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 21 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
Paul and Luca should always be proud of the excellent and unique service that they provide and always display this pride at every opportunity. Equally, most guests come repeatedly to Faula because they have stong feelings of affection for Paul and Luca. This means that if they are experiencing problems with guests or need help from guests, they should feel good about making this clear. Most guests will feel reinforced by such honesty and feel even stronger about being in the Faula family. Those who are mad enough not to wish to belong to this group would probably not return anyway. Further, guests have no option but to drink Faula wine and beer. This is acceptable so long as the wine is as good for the money as that obtainable elsewhere and, in the case of whites and beer, is properly chilled. Investment in a new wine fridge would be a good idea, although this problem has markedly improved over the last year. Finally, guests who have lots of experience and interest in various aspects of the history of the local region might like to take other interested guests on half day or even day tours. Such excursions are a good idea for obvious reasons and involving repeating guests in this way would make it possible for Paul or Luca to do more of the same. Such helpers would have to be willing to use their own cars but I do not think that this would be a problem. Equally, if guests have interesting areas of expertise, they could be encouraged to give small talks or lead related discussions with other guests who express an interest. It should be remembered in this regard that many guests return regularly and these particularly might feel they had the time for such stimulation.
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
We do not see enough of Luca because he works so hard. However, it is understandable that since there is little that can be done about this, it is probably an absurd request. Many guests worry about the level of responsibility that both Paul and Luca work must shoulder and they need to give them both positive reinforcement for doing such a fine job. Paul and Luca need to visibly take good care of themselves and each other. Further, as the dogs get older, there is a real concern about young children and there should be more explicit rules about related contact. Finally, the films that are now on offer in the evening are an excellent idea and guests should be encouraged to bring their own offerings during their stay. However, there are times when some films are not suitable for children and the showings should not interfere with the potential for other activities (e.g. reading to children or simply reading) of guests who do not wish to watch them.
And I didn't really like:
I hated the fact that however long I stay at Faula, I at some point have to leave. I feel this way at the end of every stay. I could solve this problem through buying the property but I can´t afford it and would not know how to manage it if I could. Sometimes life can be a bitch. Of lesser concern is the infamous problem of the best bread to match the other excellent ingredients for the wonderful breakfast of offer, especially those poached fresh eggs!
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
The beauty of the property and the way that it is managed; the care and concern that Paul and Luca show towards their guests; the potential for sheer fun and relaxation that all aspects of Faula provide; the changeability of the weather at a time when so many other places in Italy as so horribly and consistently hot; the beautiful surrounding country side and the opportunity that this provides for walks and exploration; the proximity of so many interesting historical towns; the excellent local restaurants; the fact that one can make a contribution to a wonderful commercial adventure and have this recognised and appreciated by Paul and Luca; the constant way in which Paul and Luca are always looking to improve the experience of guests.
I thought that the Volunteers were:
By and large excellent, especially Ruth whom I am sure by now is helping to run the Austrian government. There is a problem of guests being subject to some Volunteers being more committed than others, especially during their transitional training. This is a minor difficulty however, as Paul keeps such a close eye on any shortcomings that may be forthcoming. Generally, having young people help to provide the excellent service at Faula is a fine idea and should be expanded where possible.
All considered La Faula is maybe even cheaper than what we had expected for the quality.
Feedback sent on: 15-12-2009We have stayed at La Faula Once and the longest stay was for 12 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
Provide more/comfier sunbeds in the pool area. We spent many (very happy and relaxing) days around the pool but I resorted to lying on the children´s lilo which wasn´t always appreciated!
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
We had so much courgette! The food was, on the whole, great and we really liked the fact that you use your own produce but a little more variety would have been even better.
And I didn't really like:
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
Everything else but especially the warmth of the welcome. Paul and Luca you are fabulous hosts and have created a little piece of heaven on earth - don´t change anything too much - just in case you spoil what you´ve got - perhaps don´t plant so many courgettes next year!!
I thought that the Volunteers were:
Wonderful - they really added to the interesting atmosphere and were very helpful.
All considered La Faula has the right prices for the quality.
Feedback sent on: 15-12-2009We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 21 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
înform the guest about the impotant rule the dogs play in La Faula. So they have the possibity to educate their kids beeing careful in having contact with the dogs.
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
I don´t know.
For me is La Faula a place I like more than most places in the world. I am sure that I´m a guest and I have to respect the rules of the owner of the house. If I would have any wish I know I can communicate and there will be found a solution.
And I didn't really like:
the cinema under the Percola, beacause this a holy space for beeing alone on one hand and having good relationships on the othe hand.
I don´t need a performance there.
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
Lucas garden (and his sensivity)
and Pauls ( sorry: Spottys) way to find a solution for nearly every problem in and outside of La Faula.
I thought that the Volunteers were:
a relevant part to keep life in L aFaula, because just a sytem which is possible to react in peaple is alive
All considered La Faula has the right prices for the quality.
Feedback sent on: 01-12-2009We have stayed at La Faula More than once and the longest stay was for 5 nights.
To make La Faula better for guests I suggest that you could:
provide more prosciutto, salame ... and formaggio at breakfast
During the stay at La Faula I didn't think that it was so good that:
there was not too much cheese, prosciutto, ...(see above) at the breakfast buffet ;-)
And I didn't really like:
dog shit on the gravel paths, the lawn...
On the other hand, I was really impressed & keen on:
everything else: the people, the food, the wine, the dogs, the house, the rooms, the vineyards, the swimming pool, the music, the relaxed atmosphere, the information provided, the other guests.....
I thought that the Volunteers were:
All considered La Faula has the right prices for the quality.