(Review of dinner service at the * restaurant at this hotel, La Table de l'Ours)…read more The chef's tasting menu here at La Table de l'Ours is a Michelin-endorsed spectacle. Each course is better than the next and we all felt that the arctic char was a special achievement: a large portion that still "belonged" in a fine dining lineup. Everything from the seats to the plates was commendable. Only complaint was that dinner was painfully long. Nearly 4 hours passed between walking in and walking out of the restaurant. Really had us wishing they offered 5:30 PM reservations in Europe.

I am a Director of an upscale travel agency, I have traveled extensively since the age of 12, and I…read moreconsider myself a demanding consumer. And yet I don't think I can add to the countless 5-star reviews that the extraordinary Denise and her exceptional staff have earned at this renovated castle. The renovation retained all the ambience of a 900-year-old castle while adding the amenities essential to a luxurious stay. However, it is the services that make the difference here. The daily itinerary is carefully planned by people who know the wineries, restaurants, and experiences like cooking classes intimately. And everyone is courteous, happy, and well trained, carefully attending to every detail of the property and services. Yet most mind-blowing is the dinner. For whatever reason, the restaurant doesn't get the one or likely two Michelin stars that I know it deserves. The menu is based on regional ingredients but uses Denise's expertise and creativity that I couldn't find at any of the many other tradition-bound restaurants we tried while in Barolo and its neighbors. I have read several reviews that rate a dinner at the Costello the best of their entire trip to Italy. So stop reading. Make your reservations!

We found this gem online while looking for a place to stay during a 4-day visit to Piemonte for…read morewine tasting. Located in the tiny residential village of Sinio its a little island by itself up on a breezy hilltop. Since this is a restored castle dating from the 12th century the stone walls are thick and windows are tiny to keep out medieval marauders and the rooms are all unique. We stayed in room 7 on the 1st (2nd the way we count) floor at the end of the hall featuring a large bedroom and sitting area that was a few steps below the hallway. It also had two small twin beds in a loft above so this room would be a good choice for family groups. The staff opened the wrought iron gate and greeted us at the top of the drive along with the owner. While the owner, Denise (who is American) checked us in and provided an extensive orientation while we sipped prosecco, the luggage was taken off to our room. One of the features of the property is an immaculately landscaped courtyard bespectacled with colorful blooms-an oasis of tranquility and beauty in an otherwise unremarkable village. The hotel also has an amazing restaurant open only to guests and we opted to try it our first night-oh my God! It turns out Denise is also the executive chef-perhaps her primary love-and we enjoyed a memorable 2-hour meal seated in the open-air Terrace tasting exquisite delights. We started by sharing the "into the garden pasta"-handmade ravioli artfully displayed with bits of shaved garden vegetables and herbs followed by a most delicious sole perfectly crispy on the edges and succulent with al dente vegetables and a beautiful sauce of lemon and passion fruit. Words just cannot describe how good this restaurant's food was. In fact, the dining is reason enough alone to stay here for anyone who enjoys the culinary experience of a master chef. We followed the meal with a decadent chocolate and cherry mouse cake that was the perfect finale to a beautiful evening. All in all a nice place to stay Positives: -great staff -unique, comfortable and quiet rooms with great AC -great restaurant - fantastic dinner Challenges: -tiny shower in our room (loft suite)-size of old time phone booth -breakfast NOT included and at 14€ per person per day it adds up -onerous cancellation policy (perhaps they've had an issue once people arrive to this small isolated town) -location a bit off the beaten path and very few other places to eat in tiny village-one pizzeria nearby that was nice

Pros: This hotel…read morehas great service from the front desk to the service in the restaurant during breakfast. I arrived very early in the morning and they still had a room ready for me on the top floor with a lovely view. That was greatly appreciated. The breakfast buffet is quite good with a nice variety of eggs, sausages, cheese, cold cuts, croissants, etc. The one negative though is that it's the same buffet every single day. Cons: While the room was very nice overall, the one big issue was the temperature. The room was extremely hot even when the thermostat claimed it was 18 degrees Celsius. In the end, I got a fan from downstairs and that at last allowed me to sleep in peace at night. The other annoying part was that there was no iron in the room. You have to call the front desk for them to bring it up to your room.

This hotel is everything. Literally…read more Torino is one of the most underrated cities in the world. It has certainly become my top 3 favourite cities in the world and this hotel contributed to that ranking. Lovely hotel staff - check. Incredible Italian style old school rooms - check. Prime location in Torino - check. Celebrity hotspot - check (Madonna stayed here one week before we came and I am by no means a football fan, but I am told that I stood next to the prince of Juventus Football Club who was checking into the hotel in front of me). Seriously staying in this hotel transports you back into time. The timeless classical antique furniture is an authentic touch and adds a certain charm which resonates with the city of Torino. If you go to Torino, you MUST stay here for at least one night. You will not be disappointed.

What an impressive and absolutely stunning hotel in the remote village of Alba two hours away from…read moreMilan. The rooms are all spectacular and large suite. There are no shampoo or hair conditioner but no matter, the mattress is firm, sheets are crisp and the AC in every room keeps the temperature at 18 degrees centigrade with near perfect silence from anywhere! The decor in the foyer is rich and chandeliers everywhere and the toilet at the lobby was all marbled with individual stalls and flowers galore. Do try. People are so friendly here.

Centrally located in the charming town of Alba. Attractive, spotless with many nice amenities…read moreincluding breakfast buffet, laundry and a cute, small bar. But hands down, the best part is the staff. From when we first booked in the US to our departure EVERYONE was gracious, helpful and knowledgeable. Their help started soon after our booking when they helped us arrange for a car from the Milan airport and never stopped. If you want a great hotel with first-class staff, this is your place!

We were so happy with our dinner here, December 2014. The duck was perfect…read more The decorations are really nice and the atmosphere is cosy. Not sure why they keep the lights on so bright though? But we noticed that they do this at a few places in this region.... Staff is friendly and helpful & the hotel is nice as well. Definitely recommend it for a nice casual family dinner.