Italy thrives from the hospitality point of view. From five star luxury resorts to smaller, family run b&b’s; there is something that suits everyone, even when travelling on a budget. From northern Italy to the south and through our islands we have an incredible variety of sea-front boutique hotels, agriturismi, masserie and b&bs dotted around awaiting to be discovered. With prices at under €250 per night, here are 10 hotels you should be booking for your next holiday.
1
OTTMANNGUT, MERANO, alto adige
Protected by a natural oasis of cypresses and palms, the Ottmanngut is a typical meranese villa restored to a new splendor. With its rich history and familiar approach today the Ottmanngut Suite & Breakfast offers a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere where you can feel at home. In the villa you can immediately feel a unique meranese style, antique family furniture, a bright yet warm breakfast room and a typical Mediterranean garden. The design of the 11 rooms is a combination of precious and old elements made even more unique by an original touch. WEBSITE
2
Il Borgo del Balsamico,
Emilia Romagna
Balsamic Vinegar is an art that has become a family run business (and passion) for the Crotti family who acquired Il Borgo del Balsamico around fifty years ago. Since then the family has been not only producing prize-worthy balsamic vinegars but also offering tours in the ancient acetaia and since 2018, opened eight guest rooms. This is a special place located on the outskirts of Reggio Emilia, in the countryside of a region renowned for parmigiano reggiano and balsamic vinegar where couples, families or solo travellers in search for inspiration can come and immerse themselves in the most authentic frame (whilst learning a thing or two about this condiment). The Crotti family have literally opened up their home to guests, with three rooms in the country house, the oldest building in the complex in which the family currently live and five rooms in the early nineteenth century terracotta coloured villa both overlook the beautifully trimmed rose garden. The decor is modest, vintage and artsy and breakfast is served with freshly baked croissants, homemade cakes and, of course, Balsamic Vinegar. WEBSITE
3
VILLA 61,
VENETO
Villa 61 – Maison de Campagne is a quiet and relaxing place, where you can feel good and rediscover yourself away from the confusion of the city. The rooms have a refined and romantic allure, with windows that overlook the garden filled with flowers and cemetery apple trees, enriched by the forest and hills in the background. A strong connection to the territory is what makes this Maison even more special. Eleonore, the owner, wants to take her guests on a culinary journey for breakfast, making them taste the flavours of the territory. The aim is to make the guests feel at home, offering local and genuine products, and preparing homemade cakes that remind us of a typical family afternoon. WEBSITE
4
LOCANDA IN TUSCANY, TOSCANA
A sweet, family owned farmhouse nestled in Castiglione d’Orcia, among the vast landscapes of the Tuscan countryside. A warm, welcoming cottage with only 9 classically designed rooms and an atmosphere of authenticity that runs through every aspect of the accommodation. The design aims to uncover the true ‘casareccio’ feel from terracotta floors, wooden beam ceilings and exposed stone walls. There is a large swimming pool and a La Taverna di Mozart, the restaurant where you can savour traditional tuscan flavours accompanied by natural local wines. If you wish, you can also rent the entire villa which sleeps up to 24 people. WEBSITE
5
Tenuta di Paternostro,
lazio
Located in the heart of Etruria, an area known today as La Tuscia, Tenuta di Paternostro is a charming farmhouse surrounded by acres of land, a horse stable (with an 1,800m riding track) and a large olive grove from which the Mariotti family produce DOP Tuscia Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Surrounding the farmhouse is a courtyard that looks over expanses of land that stretch into the distance and inside, a warm, familial place where the furniture reflects the eclectic taste of the owner, combining design elements and objects from the 1950s with antiques, Persian carpets, an impeccably-tuned century-old piano, Mexican drums and a large dining table made from a fossilised millennial tree from New Zealand. There are five suites, all unique in their design. WEBSITE
6
Borgo Baccile,
Abruzzo
Immersed in the colours and scents of the Abruzzo vineyards stands the wine resort Borgo Baccile by Vini Fantini. A long standing family history characterises this place, when Nonno Valentino and his donkey Rosina would pick the grapes and transport them into the wine cellar. Today the borgo has come back to life with meticulous renovations that have transformed it into a resort where you can still breathe the air of warmth that only family-run locations can emanate. There are three rooms, three apartments and one villa with a contemporary approach to design. From wine tasting and picnics to lounging by the poolside there are endless experiences to explore this lesser known region of Italy. WEBSITE
7
MASSERIA DAGILUPI, PUGLIA
Immersed in the beauty of the non-contaminated Apulian countryside, made even more special by the fresh air and tranquility of nature that surrounds the Masseria Dagilupi. All the rooms overlook either a sweet lemon tree courtyard or a vast garden of secular olive trees, with the aim of making your stay even more relaxing. Natural colours, authentic details and the classic Apulian stones are present in every room producing a pure and romantic atmosphere typical of this area. The Masseria Dagilupi offers a variety of local experiences such as: yoga classes, a wellness and beauty spa and finally a walking excursion of the most beautiful places to discover in Ostuni. WEBSITE
8
INCANTO,
PALERMO, sicilia
InCanto Bed&Breakfast is located in the heart of Palermo, in the charming Norman Arabic district, just a few minutes away from the Cathedral. With its distinctive traits and authentic design this Bed&Breakfast is situated in beautiful Palazzo Barone. The combination of baroque ceilings from the 700 with the delicacy and charm of contemporary furniture, allows the guests to delve into a singular traveling experience. The rooms and suites following the same vision of the hotel are inspired by the antique ambiance in which they were born, enfacing their natural beauty utilising a modern and majestic architecture. WEBSITE
9
albero capovolto, golfo aranci, sardegna
If you haven’t needed an excuse to visit Sardegna (as if crystal coloured sea and white sand beaches isn’t enough to convince you) then this country retreat sure will. Nestled in the tranquil Gallurese countryside, this is an enchanting destination to fully immerse yourself in nature, appreciating every aspect from waking up at sunrise to the sound of the birds to taking a dip in the refreshing pool or perhaps reading a book in the idyllic gardens under the bouganville. There are four rooms, beautifully designed with a simple, bohemian feel and as for the cuisine, prepare to taste authentic, Sardinian cuisine from the breakfast spread in the morning to a delightful dinner paired with a glass of local wine. WEBSITE
10
La Salina Hotel Borgo di Mare, Salina, Sicilia
You know the feeling when you wake up in the morning, walk out onto your balcony and see the sea. It’s a calming sensation that fills you up with endorphins, an energetic sensation that’s almost better than a workout at the gym. La Salina Hotel Borgo di Mare is a simple, charming B&B in the Lingua part of the island. Comfortable rooms with balconies and a beautiful space where you can enjoy your morning granita & brioche (as well as many other breakfast options). WEBSITE