Hotel Terme di Saturnia was the last of three stops (Villa Zuccari and Fonte di Medici) on a three week holiday to Italy in September, 2006. Since my husband has MS and is very dependent on a wheelchair, accessibility was an important factor in planning our trip. Having stayed at Hotel Terme di Saturnia previously in 2003 when my husband had greater mobility, we were familiar with the facility and felt confident that it would be wheelchair-friendly. We were not disappointed.
We had a junior suite which had a handicapped bathroom with a wheel in shower and sink and grab bars, as well as a regular bathroom with a tub and separate shower stall. The room was large enough to comfortably maneuver a wheelchair. The dining rooms, bar, lounge areas, gift shops and many of the spa treatment rooms are on the first floor and easily accessible by wheelchair. Prior to our arrival when I contacted the spa to schedule treatments, I explained my husband's physical limitations. They were very helpful in suggesting the appropriate treatments for him and for arranging treatments in ground level rooms. Access to the pool was a bit of a challenge. However, the pool attendants were very attentive and were always available to assist in whatever way they could.
Hotel Terme di Saturnia initially can be a bit intimidating to first time English-speaking only visitors, in as much as it is an European spa and a large number of guests are not speaking English. However, many of the staff, particularly those in key positions, speak English quite well and are extremely courteous and helpful. The exception is the spa where many of those providing treatments have limited English-speaking skills. That really is not a problem, since gestures and a few words can easily facilitate communication.
During this visit and our previous visit at no time did we feel that, as Americans, we were treated any differently than the European guests. In fact, we sensed that there was a genuine interest in attracting more U.S. visitors. A new golf course is in the works.
One changed we noticed since our last visit was that upon arrival guests were given an orientation of the facility. Our orientation was given by Marcella who almost daily inquired as to whether we had questions or any special needs. Another new feature was a singles table in the dining room for any guests who were alone and wished to meet others. Almost every night there was a staff member at the table to assist the guests. It appeared to be quite successful. With regard to the dining room, we were more than pleased with the variety and quality of food at both breakfast and dinner. Desserts were works of art! Overall the service was excellent and dining poolside was a real treat.
Hotel Terme di Saturnia is expensive, however we felt that all things considered, it was worth what we paid for our seven nights stay. We would highly recommend Hotel Terme di Saturnia to anyone who wants a truely relaxing Italian country side experience in a first class setting.
- Spa Terme Di Saturnia
- Terme Di Saturnia Hotel
