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

No iron or iron board available in the rooms or hotel for safety fire hazard reasons. They offer…read moreironing services as well and laundry service, done off the premises and service is closed on Mondays. My husband steamed his work shirts, trousers and jacket in the shower, worked pretty good.

A beautiful modern luxury hotel located on the top of a hill surrounded by vineyards…read more We stopped for lunch of the beautiful Terrace overlooking the valley filled with vineyards. According to our guide, this place caters somewhat to business and other groups; in fact there was a bike riding excursion company there with a number of riders the day we stopped in. As for the restaurant, service is classical and formal with polite and efficient servers moving back and for in synchronicity with one another to ensure you have what you need. My wife and I had chicken Cesar salads which were a bit different from those back in USA (just ok) and like all meals in the area these came with local breadsticks and breads. The service and view make this 4 stars alone even if our food was only 3.

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!

Just happen to drive by this restaurant and needed something to eat before a wine tasting. Very…read moregood authentic Italian with hearty portions. The "light lunch" was just about all I could handle. The homemade pasta is delicious. They offer their own brand of wines from what I think is their vineyard on the property. Very authentic and very good. You will not he disappointed.

Nice place! We were with a big group of people and received good and quick service…read more The vitello tonnato was delicious! Made with homegrown capers.. Try the Arneis wine - special white wine from Piemonte - very nice! Also make sure they bring you some hazelnuts... Ferrero gets its hazelnuts from that region for a reason! Yummy! :)

Right on the beautiful Mediterranean with stunning. Reasonable prices. Underground parking for…read more$10/night. Friendly staff. Beach and resort like atmosphere and decor. Room was clean and comfortable. No fixed shower head, only a handheld shower which is not the most convenient way. The tub is however has a jacuzzi. Restaurant is just Ok and a bit pricey for the food you get.

Wonderful hotel just on Savona's shore. It's decorated in a unique way and the lobby makes you feel…read moresomewhat like a mermaid. The rooms are comfortable, especially the beds. If you can, choose a room with a beach balcony and I swear you won't regret it at all. It offers a buffet breakfast with a tremendous array of options from fruits, nuts, yoghurt, coffee, pastries, Nutella, etc. It's a very good place to stay if you're planning to move from Savona to Monaco or Nice (which is what I did). Something to bear in mind is that there is a parking lot, but sometimes all the parking spots are taken as there is a restaurant and a bar inside the hotel. There are parking lots on the area, but of course, you have to pay for them. I would die to return in the summer and take advantage of the hotel's extraordinary swimming pool and small beach resort.