Villa Johner

This is a quirky, artistically furnished private home. The private garden was a nice plus with wonderful outdoor seating. One of our big favorites staying here was the giant screen in a viewing area with a top-of-the-line comfy couch, suitably big enough for eight people. One did need a tech person to figure it all out, but luckily we had one. The kitchen happily had spices and oils, dishwashing soap, and all necessary cooking utensils. There was a fun billiard room, and a toilet on all floors. The dining room and accompanying dish stock was exceptionally well presented. The washer and dryer worked very well and were not complicated.

The one thing seriously missing was a handbook on the house. Room lights, and electricity in general, are very sophisticated in this house. Though we got a brief run-through when we arrived, no one could remember everything and there was a lot to remember (many lights and remote controls were not even used). A handbook should also give information on how to deal with the trash, mention that wood must be paid for if the outdoor firepit is used, and provide some tips on the stovetop use. It would also be very useful if some information was available on walks into the city center, market days, location of a nearby grocery store and points of interest like the Margravial Opera house, Maisle's Brewery, the catacombs tour and the Wagner House. The kitchen is certainly well-equipped and has a nice open-plan, but the actual workspace and counter tops are limited, with only one person able to work in there at a time. Parking was limited and unloading suitcases and delivering groceries was tricky, but in general we managed. Regarding bedrooms, the little twin duvets and covers were not sufficient for us as the nights were cool, neither were the linens of very good quality. There were not enough pillows to prop oneself up in bed, and worse, there was only one reading light in the main suite. The last thing I would like to mention is that the stairs were substantial here and there is no way a person with restricted mobility could find sleeping or showering options on the first floor. The entry to the house was steep and had no hand rails. We had guests coming at different times, our maximum guest list being present for only two out of the six nights we stayed there. The cost of the house was based on all guests mentioned in the booking being there the whole time and we had a surprising additional bill of 1600 Euros when we arrived, having to be paid by bank transfer. Sort this out carefully with booking.com before you actually book a non-refundable stay.