Usuário convidado
12 de janeiro de 2023
My wife and I decided to take my 83 year old mother on a short break to Italy, as she had been banging on about getting away for quite some time (These lockdowns haven't been kind to anyone , have they?). I wanted to find somewhere that wasn't TOO busy, or too much push and shove like a big city would have been. I wanted to find somewhere Near some sights (Pisa, Lucca, Florence, that sort of thing) We arrived at the hotel quite last as our flights were delayed, so we missed dinner, and the hotelier asked us if we would like something to eat even though the kitchen was closed. They were going to make us a snack - I mean WOW thats service for you. We sat in the bar for a while and had an Aperol Spritzer, and plodded off to bed. It had been a Long day for all of us. The grounds of the hotel are beautifully maintained - with a covered outdoor patio and dining area. Breakfast was available outdoors, a continental with a great selection of breads, cakes, patisseries, cold cuts, cereals yoghurts and fruit - AND scrambled egg. The coffee was great (well, it is Italy - so i knew it would be yummy). The hotel is quite small and intimate, but all of the people that worked there were charming, friendly and accommodating. The ladies on the front desk went out of their way to be helpful. They suggested all manner of things to do, called us taxis, told us how to use the local bus services and how to get to the best train connection. Our rooms were spotless. with a lovely bathroom (with a bidet and big shower), and has a nice balcony that we could sit on and watch the sun set. The evening meal orders were requested in the morning, at breakfast, having seen the menu. I had been warned that Italian Portions were quite small, as I am quite a hefty guy, (har har - you had better buy some sandwiches - you're gonna get hungry har har), but this was quite far from the truth. The meals themselves were fantastic. There was a selection of appetisers in a buffet style arrangement, and any Vegetables (contorni) or salads to go with your main course. There was a choice of Primi (First course) meat, fish and vegetarian. Usually some sort of pasta or rice dish (as expected) all beautifully presented, and super delicious. Some were local delicacies, some global favourites. The Secondi (Main course) comes on its own, no veg. but this is common in Italy, as you have a separate plate for your contorni - to keep the integrity of the flavours of the most beautifully seasoned and well presented main. I must say - all of the dishes I tried (I Love trying new things, and had "Red Scorpion fish" Pasta, and Marlin one night) were absolutely mouthwatering, succulent, and absolutely marvellous. I am not much of a dessert lover, but I did try a couple of the desserts, and i have to say they were also delicious. The beaches nearby are all "owned" by whichever restaurant or bar is on the front, so due to the cosats, we didn't venture there - we were more interested in sight seeing
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