Unbelievable Casa Piemontese in Mattinata, Italy: You HAVE to See This!
Unbelievable Casa Piemontese in Mattinata, Italy: You HAVE to See This!
Unbelievable Casa Piemontese in Mattinata, Italy: You HAVE to See This! (Seriously) - A Brutally Honest Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I just got back from Unbelievable Casa Piemontese in Mattinata, Italy, and honestly? The name doesn’t lie. “Unbelievable” doesn’t even begin to cover it. This isn't your cookie-cutter, beige-on-beige hotel experience. This is… well, you’ll see.
First, the Basics (and the Bits That Matter Most):
Let's get this straight. Accessibility? They get it. Wheelchair accessible? Absolutely. They've thought about it – ramps, elevators (yes, an elevator!), and the whole shebang. That’s a huge win, especially for a place that feels so… secluded and romantic at the same time. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Yup. Believe it. And it worked! (Unlike some places where the "free" part is a cruel joke). Internet [LAN]? Yep, if you're old school and need it. Internet services? All the usual suspects are covered, too.
Cleanliness & Safety - Because Let's Be Real, Right Now:
Look, I’m a bit of a clean freak, and especially after the last few years, the safety stuff is SUPER important. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Surprisingly thoughtful (they respect your bubble!). Safe dining setup? Yep, and it didn't detract from the atmosphere at all. Staff trained in safety protocol? You could tell! Friendly, but they were also clearly taking it seriously. They're rocking it. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. Everywhere! And the sterilizing equipment was like, visible… which made me feel secure. First aid kit? Probably. Though I didn't need it (thank goodness!).
The Hygiene certification thing? Not a huge deal for me (I'm not that fussy), but if it gives you peace of mind, they’ve got it. Same with the individually wrapped food. Sometimes you just need a pre-packaged croissant.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food! (and a little bit of rambling)
Okay. This is where Casa Piemontese really shines. Let's just say, your waistline might not thank you, but your soul WILL.
- Restaurants? Plural. Bless them. Both the A la carte in restaurant and the Buffet in restaurant are ridiculously tempting.
- Asian? Nope. But who needs Asian when you're in Italy?! (Unless you're REALLY craving it, then maybe order in?)
- Bar? Essential. Especially for an aperitivo at sunset. Poolside bar? Even better. Hello, Negroni!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant? Obvs. (Thank goodness for the espresso machine’s consistent perfection!)
- Coffee shop? I can tell you didn't get away, and the Snack bar is a winner.
- Desserts in restaurant? OMG. Cannoli. Tiramisu. Gelato. Need I say more? (I’m still dreaming of the panna cotta.)
- Happy hour? Yes, and it's truly happy!
- International cuisine in restaurant? Yes, with a focus on the Italian classics.
- Restaurants? Plural. Bless them. Both the A la carte in restaurant
- Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant Yes to all. I'm not even veggie but the options were amazing.
- Western breakfast? The breakfast buffet was a delicious assault on my senses. The bacon was crisp, the croissants were flaky… pure morning perfection. The Breakfast [buffet] felt like a movie, with the Breakfast service being extremely well done.
The Room service [24-hour] is a godsend. Who wants to leave a gorgeous room for a late-night snack? And the Bottle of water in the room is a thoughtful touch (though, let's be real, you'll probably want more than one). The Alternative meal arrangement is available, which is helpful because the choices are seriously extensive.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax, and My (Mostly) Successful Quest for Chill:
This place is a sanctuary. And the Pool with view? Forget about it. You could spend all day there, just staring at the azure water and the rolling hills. The place it situated, seriously!
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Are all you'll need.
- I tried the Body scrub and Body wrap - very relaxing, but I got a little antsy halfway through the massage. Don't judge me, I'm a fidgeter! But the therapist was lovely and incredibly professional.
- I made a half-hearted attempt at using the Fitness center ("Gym/fitness"), which was well-equipped but I mostly just looked at it.
- There's a gorgeous Terrace, perfect for whiling away an afternoon with a book and a glass of wine.
- The area felt super inviting--they have all the other things a person could want for relaxation and entertainment.
Services and Conveniences - The Extra Touches that Matter:
- Concierge? They were fantastic, helping me with everything from booking a wine tour to finding the best gelato in town (a non-negotiable task, obviously).
- Daily housekeeping, Doorman: Perfect. No complaints.
- Elevator? Praise be!
- Facilities for disabled guests? Again, covered.
- Laundry service, Ironing service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage: All there, all efficient.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Cashless payment service: All present (and the credit card machine actually worked!).
- I loved the Gift/souvenir shop.
- I totally forgot about car park [free of charge]! Score!
- The Car park [on-site] makes it easy for you.
For the Kids (and Those of Us Who Are Still Kid-at-Heart):
- Babysitting service? Available! I didn't use it, but it's great to know it's there.
- Family/child friendly? Absolutely.
- Kids meal? of course.
- This is a place can be accessed by family/child friendly.
The Rooms - Where Dreams are Made (and Sleep is Achieved):
Okay, the rooms. They are delightful. Modern, comfortable, and with a definite touch of Italian charm.
- Air conditioning, Air conditioning in public area, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Bedside table, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
The beds were super comfy. And the Blackout curtains? Essential for sleeping off all that delicious food and wine. The Extra long bed means even the tallest of guests can relax without their feet hanging off the edge. Having the Coffee/tea maker meant I could get a caffeine fix whenever I needed it (which was… often). And the Free bottled water was a blessing in the Italian summer heat. Room decorations are lovely!
Getting Around - Easy Peasy:
- Airport transfer? They can sort that out for you. Easy.
- Taxi service? Also readily available.
- Having Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Valet parking: is great.
The Little Things - Beyond The Checklist:
- Staff? They were genuinely friendly and helpful. Not that forced, robotic friendliness you sometimes get. This felt real.
- The views. Holy moly. The views! You're surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and the sparkling Adriatic Sea. It's postcard-perfect.
- The overall vibe. It's relaxed, romantic, and just… lovely. I felt like I could actually breathe there. Like I could truly unwind.
The Not-So-Perfect (Because Let’s Keep It Real):
- The Wi-Fi occasionally
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Casa Piemontese Mattinata adventure. It's not going to be a slick, perfectly curated travelogue, more like a rambling, slightly caffeinated confession. Think of it as the imperfect pizza bianca of travel itineraries.
Day 1: Arrival & Apprehension (and Pizza… Praise the Pizza!)
- Morning (5:00 AM - UGH): The alarm clock screamed. Actual screams might have been involved. Jet lag is a brutal mistress. Dragged myself up, wrestled a suitcase the size of a small car, and somehow made it to the airport.
- Afternoon (7:00 AM - Takeoff): Plane. Sky. Nerves. Managed to avoid the crying baby (a personal victory). Pretended to read, mostly stared out the window, wondering if I’d REALLY packed enough socks. Probably not.
- Late Afternoon (1:00 PM - Mattinata Arrival): Finally! Landed in Bari, the sun was beaming down like it was personally welcoming me. Picked up the rental car, a tiny little Fiat that I proceeded to nearly crash… several times. Getting used to driving on the right side of the road is an experience, and I'm slowly but surely figuring it out.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Casa Piemontese Check-in): Found the Casa Piemontese. It’s gorgeous – seriously, a slice of Italian countryside heaven. Rustic charm, a view to die for, and the overwhelming sense of, “OMG, I’m actually HERE!" Briefly considered moving in permanently.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Pizza Perfection): Right, priority number one: PIZZA. Google maps directed to a place called "La Locanda della Nonna." It wasn’t just pizza; it was a religious experience. The crust, the sauce, the mozzarella… I may or may not have shed a tear of pure joy. Definitely ordered seconds. The owner, a woman with a voice like warm honey and a smile that could melt glaciers, kept saying, "Mangia, mangia!" (Eat, eat!). I obliged. In fact, I’m pretty sure I inhaled the pizza.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Bedtime, or at least, trying…): Stomach full, heart full, brain still buzzing with adrenaline. Tried to sleep. Failed. Jet lag. Started planning tomorrow. Probably overthinking it.
Day 2: The Coast, The Caves, and the Cruel Game of Navigation
- Morning (8:00 AM - Breakfast Delights and The Map Mishap): Woke up. Breakfast. Fresh bread, local jam, coffee that could wake the dead. Felt… pretty good. Then, the map. Or rather, the lack of a decent map. My phone's GPS decided to stage a revolt, and I spent an hour driving in circles, muttering about "smart technology" and "why can’t I just find a freaking road?"
- Morning (10:00 AM - Beach Bliss): Finally, found a road! Ended up at a secluded beach. Turquoise water, white sand, the scent of salt and sunshine. Spent a blissful hour listening to the waves and feeling the tension of the previous hour melt away. Considered never leaving.
- Midday (1:00 PM - Grotta Palazzese (Sort Of)): Wanted to go to the famous Grotta Palazzese – the restaurant in a cave. Realized it requires prior booking and is probably out of my budget anyway. Drove by. Gloomy, beautiful. Will probably go there some other time.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - Vieste Wanderings): Decided to explore Vieste. Wandered those cobblestone streets, got a bit lost (again), and loved every single second. So much charm. So many tiny shops selling things I don’t need but absolutely want. Bought a ridiculously large lemon-shaped ceramic. No regrets.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Dinner Debacle): Attempted a fancy seafood dinner. Ordered something I thought sounded amazing. Turns out, it was a plate of mystery fish bits. Didn't realize how much I liked the food until I was looking at it, questioning if I should eat it. Ended up going to another pizzeria. Lesson learned: stick to what you know.
- Evening (8:00 PM - Stargazing and Serenity): Back at the Casa. The sky. The unbelievable sky. Black velvet dotted with a million sparkling diamonds. Sat outside, drank local wine, and felt a profound sense of peace. Actually slept like a rock.
Day 3: The Tremiti Islands (A Messy Love Story)
- Morning (7:00 AM - Ferry Follies): Today was planned around a trip to the Tremiti Islands. Got up early, excited. Then the ferry schedules started to make me realize it might be a mess. Turns out all the ferry schedules for the islands are confusing. Like, really, REALLY confusing. Ran around like a headless chicken trying to buy tickets. Finally, after much frantic gesturing and broken Italian, I got them.
- Morning (9:00 AM - Ferry Fun!): The ferry ride was windy, bumpy and full of the sounds and smells of the sea. The water was crystal clear, and the tiny islands – San Nicola and Capraia – were just stunning.
- Midday (11:00 AM - Island Exploration - San Nicola): Went to San Nicola. The place was like a little fortified village, the church, the lighthouse. Climbed up the ramparts to see the view and nearly fell off, then recovered gracefully, or something like that.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - Island Exploration - Capraia): Walked around Capraia. Snorkeled. The marine life was unbelievable! Found this secluded beach, and I just melted. Sun, the water, the quiet, the fish.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Ferry Frenzy, Part 2): The ferry ride back. More chaos. More lines. More sweating. Less sleep. Got back to Mattinata exhausted but buzzing.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner (Finally!): Simple dinner at Casa. Pasta. Wine. Reflecting on the day. Seriously, those islands? Worth the ferry madness.
Day 4: Mattinata Mountains & The Great Gelato Debacle
- Morning (9:00 AM - Forest Adventure): Decided to do some hiking in the mountains behind Mattinata. Beautiful views, fresh air, felt like a proper explorer. Got slightly lost, but again, loved it. Found this tiny little church in the middle of nowhere. The quiet was deafening. Amazing.
- Midday (1:00 PM - Gelato Time!): Gelato. Needed gelato. Located the "best gelato in Mattinata" according to what felt like half the population.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - The Great Gelato Debacle): The gelato shop… was closed. Closed! On a perfect sunny afternoon when the world seemingly needed gelato. Emotional devastation. Considered staging a protest. Settled for a store-bought ice cream cone from the supermarket. It was, unfortunately, nothing like the gelato I had imagined. This. This was a low point.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - Beach Revival): Needed redemption. Headed back to the beach. Watched the sunset. The world felt right again.
- Evening (7:00 PM - Quiet Evening): Packed. Tried to focus on the "good times" (the beaches, the pizza, the wine, the sea). Started making a list of things I want to do next time.
- Evening (9:00 PM - Bedtime, the beginning of the end): Tomorrow the airport awaits.
Day 5: Departure & Dreaming
- Morning (6:00 AM - Goodbye, for now): The end. Said goodbye to the Casa Piemontese, fighting back tears. The Fiat and I made it to the airport without incident.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - Home): Plane. Sky. Finally, home.
- Reflecting: This trip wasn’t perfect, far from it. It was full of misadventures, wrong turns, and gelato-related trauma. But it was real. It was messy, beautiful, and full of moments that took my breath away. I wouldn't trade a single, imperfect second. I already miss it, and I'm already dreaming of my return. A presto, Mattinata! A presto!
Unbelievable Casa Piemontese: FAQ – Because This Place Messed Me Up (in a Good Way, Mostly)
Okay, Seriously, What IS Casa Piemontese? Is It Actually... Unbelievable?
Alright, buckle up, because you're about to enter a world of… well, yeah, unbelievable-ness. Casa Piemontese is a sort of hotel/B&B/dreamscape hidden somewhere in the hills above Mattinata, Italy. Imagine this: you're driving down winding, sun-drenched roads, fighting the urge to pull over and nap under an olive tree because… *Italy*. Then, BAM! You stumble upon what looks like a medieval dream, possibly after a few too many glasses of local wine. It’s an old farmhouse, beautifully restored, overflowing with character. And yes, it *is* unbelievable. I went in with high expectations, and they were shattered – in the best way possible. I’m still processing it, honestly.
What's the Vibe Like? Is It… Fancy-Shmancy, or Chill?
This is where things get *interesting*. It's definitely not your cookie-cutter chain hotel. Think rustic chic, with a generous helping of "grandma’s house, but if grandma was a ridiculously stylish Italian nonna with a penchant for impeccable taste." There's art everywhere, handmade furniture, and the kind of attention to detail that makes you whisper "Wow" every five seconds. It's definitely on the sophisticated side, but *not* stuffy. More like "Come as you are, but maybe ditch the track suit." Though, honestly, I saw at least one person rock one, and nobody batted an eye. Which, you know, speaks volumes, right? Expect a blend of quiet relaxation and vibrant socialising, if you feel like it. I, for one, preferred quiet.
The Food… Oh God, The Food. Tell Me Everything. Because I'm Already Dreaming of Pasta.
Okay, food… *deep breath*. You’ve been warned: this is where Casa Piemontese really takes it to another level. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was *life-altering*. Their restaurant feels like a movie set. Imagine fresh ingredients, sourced locally, cooked with love, and presented with a flair that’ll make you weep. And, yes, the pasta. Oh, the pasta. I had one dish – *one* dish – of handmade orecchiette with fresh tomatoes and basil that I still think about daily. Seriously. I’m pretty sure I’d sell my soul for the recipe. I think I could eat bowls and bowls and bowls. And the breakfast! Every morning, a spread of local cheeses, meats, fresh fruit… I swear, I gained five pounds in a day, and I regret *nothing*. Absolutely nothing.
I Saw Pictures… The Views? Are They as Drool-Worthy as They Look?
The pictures… they barely scratch the surface. The views are *mind-blowing*. You’re up in the hills overlooking Mattinata and the Adriatic Sea. It’s like the entire landscape is painted in vibrant colours, and at sunset… forget about it. Find a spot on the terrace, a glass of wine in hand, and prepare to be utterly speechless. I spent an entire afternoon just staring, completely mesmerized. And got a killer sunburn. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
Okay, Okay, So It Sounds Amazing. What's the Catch? What's Actually *Not* Perfect? Because Nothing's Perfect, Right?
Alright, let's get real. No place is perfect, and Casa P is no exception. Firstly, getting there can be… a bit of an adventure. Those winding roads I mentioned? They can be a little terrifying when navigating them. Secondly: Wifi. Be patient. It works, but it’s not exactly lightning-fast. Which, in a way, is a *good* thing, right? Forces you to disconnect. And finally… the price. It's not cheap. It’s an investment. But honestly, considering the experience, the quality of the food, the ambiance, the whole shebang… I think it was worth every single penny. And no, they're not paying me to say that, much as I wish they were!
What's the Deal with the Staff? Hospitable? Annoying?
The staff? They’re… wonderful. Actually, "wonderful" doesn't quite cut it. They're like a family. I mean, the kind of family you *want* to be a part of. They're friendly, helpful (without being intrusive), and genuinely seem to love what they do. They make you feel incredibly welcome. There was a slight language barrier in some instances (my Italian is, shall we say, *rudimentary*), but they made it work. Lots of smiling, pointing, and hand gestures. It just added to the charm, honestly. One of the waitresses, bless her heart, tried to teach me a few Italian phrases, which mainly resulted in me butchering the language horribly. I'll never forget the look on her face when I attempted to order a coffee. Pure, unadulterated amusement!
Okay, You Mentioned a Dish... *Tell Me More* About That Pasta. I Need the Full Story.
Alright, brace yourselves. The orecchiette, the infamous orecchiette. I was wandering around the property, slightly lost (that's a common state there, and a good one to be in), soaking up the sun and trying to remember if I applied sunscreen (important!). I wandered into the restaurant a bit early for dinner, hoping I could just *breathe* in the deliciousness. And BAM! The aroma hit me first, a wave of sun, basil, tomatoes, and… something else. Something magical. I didn't even look at the menu. I spotted this thing, this perfectly-formed, tiny pasta, dusted with the most vibrant sauce I had ever seen. I asked the waiter what it was, and he just said "Orecchiette." I ordered a plate, and when it arrived... I nearly cried. I mean, I'm not usually prone to emotional outbursts over pasta, but this… it was life-affirming. The pasta itself was perfect, with a slight chew. The tomatoes tasted like they'd been kissed by the sun *and* a nonna. The basil… oh, the basil! It tasted like summer in a bowl. I swear, I think I ate it in about three minutes flat. The speed with which I consumed it was honestly embarrassing. I had to order a second plate, and I shamelessly scraped the bowl clean. It was a moment I'll replay in my head for the rest of my days. I NEED TO GO BACK.
Any Tips for Visiting? Things to Know Before You Go?
Absolutely! Here's a rapid-fire round of essentials:
- **Book in advance:** Seriously. This place is popular, and for good reason.
- **Rent aBest Hotels BlogCasa Piemontese Mattinata Italy
Casa Piemontese Mattinata Italy
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