I am a Director of an upscale travel agency, I have traveled extensively since the age of 12, and I consider 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! read more

We found this gem online while looking for a place to stay during a 4-day visit to Piemonte for wine 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 read more

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First of all, Denise Pardini, and her wonderful staff, understand how to make you feel welcome. We were staying there as part of a group tasting our way through Barolo. Our room was large and comfortable, on the second (3rd, top) floor and looked down onto the inner court yard. We throughly enjoyed three feasts during our weeklong stay. Denise's culinary skills are first rate; we are still surprised that she doesn't have a Michelin rating. (But it isn't a public restaurant, so that might be it.) Every aspect of our stay was great. If I had to pick a single minus, it would be the small shower. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1220549-d581442-r428554939-Hotel_Castello_di_Sinio-Sinio_Province_of_Cuneo_Piedmont.html# read more

My husband and I both stayed and dined at the Hotel Castello di Sinio. Denise Pardini not only owns the establishment, but she also serves as Executive Chef. Denise draws from her Tuscan heritage, coupled with her experience and background working as a professional chef, to form her carefully composed seasonal menu. Not only is the service and food phenomenal, but the atmosphere at "PARDINI, VINI & CUCINA - The little Restaurant in the Castle" cannot be beat. Denise converted a back room in the castle on the 2nd floor into the dining area, resulting in an atmosphere that is cozy, warm, intimate, romantic and incredibly inviting. Denise's waitstaff was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, and Denise herself was frequently seen in the dining area personally speaking with each guest to provide additional recommendations and ensure that everyone was happy with their experience. I ordered a salad starter - it was a richly flavored assortment of field greens, fresh figs, and goat cheese artfully arranged in a homemade pastry shell with drizzled balsamic vinaigrette. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the combination of flavors was explosive and rich, and everything was incredibly fresh and beautifully arranged on the plate. My husband had a salad composed of zucchini florettes that was also absolutely incredible (I got to taste!) Along with our starters, we also received a tuna amuse bouche that was delectable and a basket of homemade bread that was out of this world. We tried not to fill up on bread, but it took an EXTREME amount of willpower! We both ordered pasta primi courses - mine was a truffle ravioli stuffed with quail and sauteed with foie gras and a truffle ragu. Despite the heavy nature of the ingredients, Denise arranged a graceful plate that still managed to come off with light, delicate flavors on the palate. My husband got the infamous gnocchi (inspired by Denise's grandmother's recipe!) which was also outstanding! All of Denise's pastas are homemade, so I suspect that all of the pasta course options were equally amazing! For our mains, we got the pork tenderloin and steak filet. The pork melted in my mouth and was coupled with fresh vegetables and a bacon-infused risotto (!) -- the steak came with a generous layer of fois gras, potatoes and the same seasonal veggies. Unfortunately, we were way too stuffed to indulge in the desserts (but we saw them coming out for others and they looked RIDICULOUSLY good!) but they still served us a fantastic plate of homemade truffles and cookies that was a perfect finishing touch to the meal. In addition, we had an incredible bottle of wine with our meal: Denise did a fantastic job recommending the appropriate wines to us, as she carefully composed the wine list from a wide assortment of local, regional Piedmont wineries who she has personal relationships with. The meal also began with a beautiful, complimentary sparking rose that completely opened our palates up for the upcoming feast. Please: if you find yourself in the Piedmont region of Italy, you MUST stay and, at the very least, dine at this restaurant. It was the highlight of our 3-week journey and we can't say enough good things about the venue and the meal! read more

Stay here. Not only because it's an amazing place to stay but because then you get to eat here, which is only possible if you stay here. Denise is an amazing chef and an all around wonderful person. She's also one of the most knowledgeable people in the world about Nebbiolo based wines. Really, just stay here. You won't be sorry. read more

This gorgeous boutique hotel is a perfect combination of old world Italian charm and new world efficiency and customer service. The owner is passionate about every detail to the nth degree and it shows. We felt the tranquility of the hotel the minute we arrived as the staff unloaded and parked our car then brought our bags to our room while we sipped prosecco and checked in. Every measure is taken to preserve the serenity, every step take to ensure comfort and your own personal bliss during your visit to The Langhe. Dont forget to eat at their restaurant, it is by far the best food we had on this trip! Thanks Denise Padroni, we'll be back! read more