Italy: accommodation

TUSCANY

Radda in Chianti
Poggerino Agriturismo
Loc. Poggerino, 53017 Radda in Chianti (SI)
www.poggerino.com
Piero and Benedetta have lovingly restored the old building overlooking the Bugialla vineyard, home to Piero’s stunning Chianti Classico Riserva. There are six private rooms that come with breakfast included, and Benedetta can prepare an evening meal using much of their own organic produce. In addition, there are three self-catering apartments that sleep 2, 4, 4.   And of course, Piero’s cellar door is a stone’s throw away so you’ll never be short of wine!

Florence
Il Guelfo Bianco
Via Cavour, 29
Tel: 055 288 330 Fax: 055 295 203
info@ilguelfobianco.it
A compact 40 room hotel in a renovated 15th century ‘palazzo’ not far from the Duomo. Beautifully furnished rooms and a number of good restaurants nearby. Very helpful English-speaking management. There is a two room, two bathroom apartment next door as well; ideal for a family.

CAMPANIA

Naples
Grand Hotel Parker’s
Corso Vittorio Emanuele, 135
Tel: 0817 612 474 Fax: 081 663 527
info@grandhotelparkers.it
One of Naples’ best hotels, combining modern comfort with an austere elegance. The restaurant/Champagne Bar has an incomparable view of the bay.

LOMBARDY

Desenzano del Garda
Park Hotel
Lungolago Cesare Battisti, 19
Tel: 030 914 3494 Fax: 030 914 2280
park@cerinihotels.it
Right on the lake with views to the alps and across to Sirmione. Very refined, excellent breakfasts and backs onto Desenzano’s beautiful walking precinct. Great in Summer, with a rooftop pool, complete with mini G & T bar.

SICILY

Contrada Mandranova (near Agrigento)
Mandranova Resort
SS115 – Km 217
92020 Palma di Montechiaro
Tel/Fax: +39 393 986 2169
www.mandranova.com
Mandranova is a beautifully constructed hacienda-style olive farm/resort about 25 kms from Agrigento (home of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Valley of the Temples). Run by Giuseppe and Silvia, a married couple who split the duties of running a 50 hectare olive grove (some of Italy’s best oil here), conducting cooking classes and attending to the 16 or so guests’ every whim. Dinner here is unmissable, as is breakfast. Fantastic local wine list. Given the luxury, reasonably priced.