I didn't plan to visit novi ligure or the hotel; but a had a day to kill before the hotel prices…read moredropped in Milan after design week. Turned out to be one of the most fortuitous happenstances of my trip. The hotel is lovely, but the food is out of this world. I ate both lunch and dinner here, a total of three dishes and each was eye closing delicious. Out of the way place, but if life offers you a chance to visit, do so.

I think the Relais Villa Pomela is a good spot to stop if you happen to be in the area, though I'm…read morenot sure this specific destination is normally a tourist spot. i stayed for a work trip, though, so location was perfectly good for me. I had a relatively large room, but some colleagues had small rooms and one had issues with her curtains continuing to billow overnight with the draft and they were approaching her bed apparently. She didn't seem really relaxed. My room, however, was perfectly nice, though the bed was very hard (didn't upset me, though as I slept great!). I had a little desk area and entry way with a closet, so plenty of room inside the room. I also had a deck looking out onto the garden (unfortunately I didn't get to see much of it since I was working and instead most of the time). The bathroom was large enough and clean (the entire room was spotless actually) and while I could have used a little more soap and shampoo, it was nicely appointed. There was some street noise (from the parking lot more so) that could be heard plainly and if someone was directly outside your room in the hall, you could hear that as well. However, overall, I didn't think there were any noise issues (oh wait - I take that back - one night a family stayed there and one of their kids was running in the halls, but I can't blame the hotel for that). Breakfast was decent - the typical meat and cheese and such with pastries and then eggs and either sausage or bacon daily. Coffee was good, but I did have to seek out someone to get coffee as it's not out and the service wasn't very helpful unless you went back to ask (or they happened to see you just entering). It tasted great, though! I also visited the bar and had dinner and lunch there. The bar was nice, and while it looks closed, they do staff it if you ask. Wine list was nice and I think they actually have their own vineyard and I tried one wine - quite good. However, dinner wasn't that great. We did the tasting menu one night (3 courses with wine) and I wasn't that impressed. The risotto was very undercooked (I love risotto, but super crunchy it should not be!) and my pork was very hard - almost impossible to cut through and very dry. Dessert was pretty good and the house wine was tasty. My sentiments were echoed by a number in our group. Lunch was better - aspargus ravioli with black truffle. Very good, though I wasn't expecting it to be drowning in cheese sauce on top. Flavor was spot on, but way too rich to finish. All in all, the hotel itself was nice, but I'd skip the dinner and go nearby instead.

First time staying with you guys, really enjoyed it. Rooms are very comfortable and breakfast is…read moredelicious, great selection. Thank you.

From the owner: City Style Hotel Hotel Diamante Alessandriaread more

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.

Short visit to Italy and going back to Portofino was my priority along with the Hotel Splendido…read more There aren't too many hotels that are destinations in themselves but this is one of them. Attention to detail is unparalleled among local hotels and the Splendido is in a league by itself. Just relaxing and taking in the views and of course dining were on the agenda and nothing disappointed. We didn't leave much except for a few drives to neighboring towns. Though I just got home I'm already looking forward to going back.

Portofino was the first destination for our trip to Italy last month. Arriving at Splendido after…read morean incredibly long day of travel was absolutely incredible. The views from check in (and our room, and the restaurant, and the gym) are absolutely stunning! The room was cozy and well equipped with a dyson blow dryer and the service throughout our stay was top notch. The breakfast buffet at Belmond hotels is always something that I look forward to and this was no exception. My only note would be that our room was right above the bar area so we could hear the music in the evening until about 12/1 in the morning from our room. If this is something that would be bothersome you may want to request a room further from the bar when you make your reservation.

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