Oh Villa di Porporano, I keep calling you porcupine but I really mean well, trust me. This French…read morechateau meets Italian villa is located about 15 minutes from the center of Parma (so you need a car) and I stayed for only one night. Which is too bad because I really loved it.
Driving there might have you in a tizzy, the neighborhood is very residential and nothing too special but the Villa itself is amazing, Elena the owner has created a paradise here, a beautiful bed & breakfast, as romantic as they come, in a large and gorgeous garden. Our room 'le dame' was perfect, very Italian romantic, with sheets as tight as you can get them, with antique furniture and everything impeccably clean, the bath products were of the highest quality, I was impressed to see that they give their guests Ortigia (which is famous from Sicily) and conditioner. Seriously hotels in Italy never have conditioner.
Elena herself is a very nice person, she gives you a map and suggestions (which are great) on where to eat in town, visit and park. I saw on trip advisor that some douchebag said her parking suggestion was expensive, instead I assure she actually gave a spot on place as I checked with several different people on the parking situation in Parma. Essentially in many Italian towns that preserve their historical center, you want to avoid driving into the ZTL or limited traffic zones when not authorized, doing otherwise can make you incur really hefty fines which is no fun when you're on holiday!
One of the best things about Villino di Porporano was breakfast, beautifully laid out with a selection of both savory and sweet options. I loved the various cakes she had on offer and you can ask for an egg cooked to order. She also keeps her butter in a glass case which always wins me over. My cappuccino was huge and just what the doctor ordered after one has drunken a bottle of wine the night before.
They are pet-friendly and our beagle quickly became the duchess of Parma getting acquainted in their large and closed garden. Elena has two dogs who are both friendly (one has arthritis, poor girl!).
For those looking for a friendly and welcoming oasis from Parma, this is the perfect hideaway that won't break the bank, so much better than the faceless hotels you tend to see in some of these smaller towns.