The location right by the beach and the lovely town of Fano would almost grant Pensione Sassonia an…read moreextra star... But, honestly speaking, this two star hotel is quite simple. Small, but clean rooms, equipped with TV, safe and air conditioning (which during our stay broke down, problem however solved by the hosts by letting us change rooms). Ask for a room with balcony and sea view. Special offer on sun bed and beach umbrella across the street (7 EUR for 2 beds + umbrella / day). Breakfast is... Italian. Bread. Brioche. Jam. Sweet yoghurt, but no muesli. Coffee. However, the restaurant is reeeeeally good! If it wasn't for all other places you don't want to miss in Fano, half or even full board could be recommended! To quote Arnold Schwarzenegger: I'll be back!

We came in at 21.00 hours, even a bit late for Italians. On a Tuesday were other places appeared…read moreclosed. Very friendly little lady, who even spoke a bit English, served us. Good and honest food at a simple but clean location. We all had the beef with pardano and pommodori. Good and tasty! Prices were a little higher than we've seen till now. F.e. coperto was €8 were in other places this is €4-6 or even zero.

Nice very well decorated classy service ! the roof top bar is excellentread more

This past week we held our fourth annual Leopardi Writing Conference in Recanati (hometown of great…read moreItalian poet Giacomo Leopardi). In the time since last summer, Recanati's only four-star hotel, The Gallery Hotel, closed down. Temporarily? Permanently? Who knows. We were forced to have as many of the attendees as possible stay at La Ginestre instead (The Gallery Hotel has at least double the number of rooms as La Ginestre, and we seriously considered canceling the conference for this year. There was a risk that such a move would cancel it forever. Upon arriving, one would think La Ginestre is a bit dated, more like an Italian pensione. Colors and fabrics a bit faded. The revamped dining room is beautiful, and apparently it was the first room re-done. The rooms are serviceable, but need some tightening up, showers replaced, etc. BUT, what The Gallery Hotel doesn't have is the staff that is at La Ginestre. Forgive the humblebrag, but here is a list of the hotels where I have stayed: The Mandarin Oriental in NYC, the Fauchon Hotel in Paris, the Oberoi in Delhi and the Taj Mahal hotel in Bombay. I've been at Kimptons in Germany, the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, the Inter-Continental in Kowloon section of Hong Kong, the Villa Magna in Madrid, the Phoenix in Copenhagen, the Ramses Hilton in Cairo, the Oberoi Mena house at Giza, among many others. Nowhere, nowhere, have I encountered a front desk team who can come CLOSE to level of caring, charm, and good ness to equal that of Andrea and Arianna. And as the General Manager, Andrea clearly has the respect and ear of his staff, because everyone at the hotel has treated me better than any staff at any hotel has treated me. For ten straight days! The location is great, the food at the restaurant is fantastic, the cafe food is way above average. The breakfast, for what it is (a three-star hotel breakfast) doesn't soar, but it doesn't disappoint; how can it with such friendly staff. I know this sounds like a paid review. It is. Kindness and caring and friendliness (especially if done without an open palm extended looking for a tip) deserves to be paid back in the most honest way possible. Not only did I love the service and care, our faculty and our students as well were blown away. If the Gallery Hotel opens by next summer, The Leopardi Writing Conference might use some of their rooms, but I will stay at La Ginestre and will advice those attendees who register first to do the same.

Central Ancona stay! My husband and I stayed in this…read more1-bedroom, 1st-floor apartment in an amazing location right next to Piazza della Roma in the centre of Ancona for 5 nights. The apartment is spacious, well designed and seems to have been renovated recently to a high standard. There are plenty of shopping and dining options within walking distance. The kitchen was well equipped with a fridge freezer, 4 burner electric cooktop, oven, dishwasher, crockery, cutlery and glassware. There was also a washing machine and a clothes rack for drying. Serena was a great host - she was super helpful and responsive. This is a great option for a central Ancona stay.

I stayed at this hotel about 15 years ago, I loved it. We were there in May, which I think was an…read moreoff season for them. It is right in the Adriatic Sea - as in walk out the door and you can hear the waves, smell the sea, and within 60 seconds dip your toes in the water! I remember having wonderful meals in the restaurant with lots of wine. The food and service were excellent. The staff were very friendly, speaking limited English. The rooms we were not overly decorated or lavish, but the simple room accommodated for what we needed - a comfy place to stay that was right on the water, a beautiful beach, and a hub we could use as we traveled around sightseeing the city and nearby towns. We'd start each morning with a light breakfast from their kitchen. They usually had a display of cold cuts, yogurt, croissants, pastries, or cereals. We'd then head out to explore the local history and surrounding areas. There are some interesting ancient digs in Fano, and if you're lucky to get a local tour guide they're point out the interesting spots and show you where to stroll up and down the shoreline - la vasca. A favorite memory: sitting outside on their patio at night after a long day of sightseeing, surrounded by beautiful sweet smelling flowers. As we listened to the soothing waves, we'd drink some (or a lot of) wine, reflect on the day's adventure, and play cards until the wee hours. I would definitely go back, because it was molto bene!

Beautiful view on the stony bay from the top of the Napoleon fortress. Try the delicious sword fish…read morerisotto. They have very, creative deserts and a good wine cellar.