The Villa Del Quar is the mutual passion of a sweet Italian couple who turned it from creaky old Villa to lovely respite with years of hard work and careful attention. When we arrived, he was working the tractor and she offered a warm greeting from the desk. It is pricey without some of the polish experienced travelers expect from R&C properties. That said, it has it's unique charms, including antique furnishings and fabrics, a beautiful (but unheated) pool, lovely views and a sense of history and drama at every turn in the corridors.

The restaurant is expensive and ornate in its concoctions and performance -- not the kind of place you want to stop down for a quick bite but a meal with theater and discoveries. The breakfast -- in the same room -- is glorious: fresh juices, incredible fruits, flaky pastries and local cheeses with a view of the pool and gardens.

Each room is different, villa style -- dark woods and heavy fabrics, oriental rugs and antiques, windows heavy with iron and thick walls that no doubt tell many stories. The beds are so-so -- a single mattress, a sheet with no comforter, and each bed (we had several rooms for our large party) an oddly configured sleigh bed, surrounded by a wood frame that proved quite painful if you forget it is there. A blanket or comforter made into the bed would have been nice, and the wood frame, while potentially of some historic significance, posed a burden getting into and out of bed.

The bathrooms were lovely and modern with beautiful marble, nice fixtures and nice bath products.

The pool and garden are lovely, but our group's reaction was mixed to the large red plastic alligator amid the beautiful topiary and plantings. Perhaps it was meant to be a bit of whimsy, but many found it an eyesore out of place in an otherwise relaxing and attractive setting.
The staff was courteous and professional -- no issues at all.

My major qualm was an incredibly inflexible change/cancellation policy that required 41! days without penalty of paying a night's stay for any change. I know of no other hotel that restrictive, which makes booking a bit of a gamble unless your plans are cement solid and you don't get sick, injured or otherwise need to adjust your travel plans.

Overall, the love the owners feel for their property was infectious and charming, and make me want to wish them great success and many happy travelers.