Product Description

This guide covers the hot spots of Tuscany and the Italian lakes, but we have found special places all over the country: from the heel of Puglia to the mountains of Val d'Aosta, via Italy's amazing islands. We look for owners, homes and hotels that we like, and we are fiercely subjective in our choices. 'Special for us is not about the number of creature comforts, but relates to many elements that make a place work'. Certainly, the way guests are treated comes as high on our list, as the setting, the architecture and the food.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #236296 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 424 pages

The Italian (December/January 05)
"Handsome, comprehensive and packed full of ideas, the book will help you get the most out of your trip."

Junior (June 04)
"Alastair Sawday’s Special Places To Stay Italy is great if you’re looking for unusual, offbeat and stylish places to visit"

A Place in the Sun (December 05)
"If you haven’t see the Alastair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay series yet, you’re in for a treat."

Customer Reviews

Perfect for a holiday that's a little bit different...
I've been using Alastair Sawday's books for the past 7-8 years, and have discovered many lovely hotels and B&Bs thanks to them.
This latest Italy book is no exception. Even if you have no intention of going there, it's beautiful just to look at ! But I reckon it's impossible to own this book without wanting to try out most of the places recommended - my husband and I have just used it to book our summer holiday.
The great thing is, because the guides are so consistent, we know we're in for a special holiday.
The places to stay range from simple to stylish, through eclectic, traditional, surprising and inspirational. What they all tend to have in common is friendly owners and stunning locations.

Essential Italian Companion
We have found delightful places to stay in a number of European countries using Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay series of guides. We have never been disappointed with any of the B & Bs, inns, auberges or small hotels which we have been introduced to by Alastair Sawday. He and his team seem to have an uncanny knack of finding out of the way, interesting and comfortable places to stay, always with welcoming hosts, who are often interesting people in their own right.

Therefore we were looking forward to trying out Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay - Italy. We had great fun using the book earlier in the year and were not disappointed in any of our "finds". We were introduced to several new places to stay. I will just mention two which particularly stood out.

The first is in the Italian lakes on the banks of Lake Como in a village called Cadenabbia, just up the road from the ferry terminal where we arrived over from the beautiful town of Bellagio. It is entry number 16 in the book and is called Alberghetto La
Marianna. The description in the book had sounded too good to be true, but I can confirm that it is accurate in every respect, from the description of the B & B to the delightful Paola who runs the B & B side of the business and her larger than life husband, who is a passionate and superb Italian cook. He told us that in the winter when they close the albergho they go to the US where he teaches Italian cookery. We are returning to their delightful little hotel later in the year.

The second is on the way to the Adriatic coast from Bologna and is as described in the book, in the country surrounded by vineyards. It is called Azienda Vitivinicola e Agrituristica Trere entry number 85. The bedrooms were delightful and we ate a lovely dinner in what we were told was the refurbished cow byre (or shed); a lovely meal accompanied by their own rich and delicious red wine.

We enjoyed ourselves so much that we have another Italian trip planned later in the summer using Alastair Sawday's Special Places to Stay Italy guide to search out yet more hidden hotels to stay. Unlike some other Italy guides which we have used for rural retreats in Italy Alastair Sawday's descriptions are always detailed, accurate and in English! He also gives detailed directions, which is essential to find small Italian B & Bs in the country! Therefore the research must be detailed and painstaking as some must be very difficult to find, but I am sure the work is rewarding and fun!

None better
Like all Sawday books, this one is superbly illustrated and refreshingly enjoyable to browse. The use of clear symbols and accurate mapping make it very easy to locate suitable accommodation, whether your priorities are smoke-free, children welcome, or just about anything else. I have never been disappointed by Sawday advice, so strongly recommend this book.