Italy a la Carte

Specialist Reports Holiday by Accommodation Self-Catering Self-Catering Italy Italy a la Carte 

	Italy a la Carte
The Owners' Syndicate, 3 Calico Row, Plantation Wharf, London SW11 3YH			MAP
tel: (020) 7801 9807

Started in 1987, from the company, which also offers Caribbean a la Carte. The programme also offers ‘hotels of distinction'. The staff know properties personally so can offer advice.

Where

Amalfi coast, Tuscany including island of Elba, Lucca, Umbria, Lazio, Le Marche, Lake Como, Lake Garda and Sicily.

Style

Ranging from villas with private pools ‘often the principal country residences of distinguished Italian families' to smaller properties, some in medieval hamlets. An individual fact sheet with full technical description and up to eight photographs for the more important properties, is provided on each property. Around 10% of properties have an annexe with accommodation suitable for a helper such as a nanny from home or grandparents.

Season

Possible year-round at around three quarters of properties where there is suitable heating, payable extra to a local agent or the maid.

Facilities

‘Children are warmly welcome' and cots are available at ‘most' properties though visitors need to bring own plastic sheets and cot linen and because standards are not always British ones, even better, bring their own travel cot. At the same time the company warns that there are generally uneven steps, open staircases, balconies, terraces etc which would require children to be supervised at all times. Local staff can babysit or the company can also give clients details of a UK agency specialising in holiday nannies.

Extras

Maid service varies according to the size of the property. Smaller properties have maid service once or twice a week, larger ones six days a week. Extra maid service is available on request though clients have to leave the property clean. Cooking services may be available. Food hampers are available at an extra charge at most properties.

Sample Price

A villa sleeping four in two bedrooms with a pool for a week in high season would be £1,375 accommodation only.