Heroic B&B Friendliness
European bed and breakfast hosts and hostesses are notorious for confounding travelers with inexplicable kindness. Share tales of B&B hosts who went above and beyond the call of touristic duty to give you a great trip.
Note: This board is for tips about great European B&Bs (not hotels). If there are multiple comments on the same place, we will delete repetitious posts. Comments about more traditional hotels should be posted in the appropriate Rick Steves guidebook forum. For specific lodging recommendations, please refer to Rick's guidebooks, and read his tips on planning your trip.
If you have a complaint about a B&B in one of Rick's books that you could not resolve with the management, we would like to hear about it; however, please do not express your misgivings here. Instead, feel free to comment in the appropriate Rick Steves guidebook forum.
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Le Tour de Cause B&B, Dordogne
Probably the nicest B&B we've ever stayed in. The attention to detail was impeccable, right down to the French soaps in the bathroom. The hosts, Caitlin and Albert, provided us with great suggestions for places to go and things to see, making our five day stay pass far too quickly.
The B&B is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of large Sarlat, to be a serene getaway, yet close enough to be a central hub. We loved our time there.
Pat Cole
roseville, CA USA 05/24/2013
Nicholas Inn, Rome Italy
We stayed 4 nights are the Nicholas Inn at the start of our trip to Italy and it was wonderful to have a comfortable room to return to at the end of each long day of sightseeing. Melissa was extremely friendly and helpful - we appreciated that she was available each morning as we left for the day to provide guidance on how to get around Rome and where to eat. We were given vouchers to eat up the street at a little bistro and they were welcoming every morning; we enjoyed their cappucinos and appreciated that Melissa mentioned that we could order more than one, which we did! We are very happy to have stayed at the Nicholas Inn and would recommend it to anyone traveling to Rome.
Karla Pickens
Milwaukee, WI USA 05/23/2013
Wonderful place to stay
The best place we stayed while visiting Italy was the Bernini Hotel Bed & Breakfast in Siena. Eugenia was fantastic. Warm friendly and very knowledgeable. She was very helpful to helping us find our way. Breakfast was delicious, the rooms comfortable and so clean. The area was beautiful. I want to come back to Italy just to go there. The best place we stayed.
Tina Corbett
High Springs, Florid USA 05/23/2013
Borgo Argenina was Amazing!
My husband and I just returned from a fabulous 10 day trip to Tuscany. We spent four nights with Elena at Borgo Argenina. We had very high expectations based on the reviews we had already read. These were all exceeded!
We felt at home the moment we arrived. We were, indeed, greeted by the sweet "receptionists" Pasqualina and Giuseppina. It was nice having them there to greet us with each return. I always miss our puppy back home, so it was great to have these sweethearts during our stay.
Elena's welcome glass of Chianti Classico was priceless. She took her time sharing a quick history of the region, recommendations of things to see, and places to eat. She will go as in-depth as you'd like, or just cover the highlights. We followed her advice and had a fabulous time exploring Tuscany.
If I had to pick a favorite highlight, I would agree with most, and pick cooking with Elena. What a welcoming first night. We had a great time bonding with the other guests while we created our lovely homemade meal. Elena truly creates a home atmosphere that makes you feel so warm and at home. The recipes in the book are great. I have already purchased ingredients to make her Nonna's tiramisu recipe. We made it that night and it was delicious!!!!
I truly cannot say enough about the beauty of this resort or the personal touches we received from Elena and her lovely staff. If you are staying anywhere near Sienna or in Chianti, you MUST stay with Elena. We stayed four nights, which seemed "just right" for exploring the region before moving onto Florence.
We cannot wait to return!
Joyce
Strongsville, Ohio USA 05/21/2013
Wonderful B&B in Rome
Stayed for 3 nights at Downtown Accomodation in April. It was such a pleasant experience, lovely B&B in Rome! It was cheerful, brand new, beautiful furnished, rooms and bathrooms were so clean and spacious and the location was perfect - right next to the Coliseum, Roman Forum and major sites are walking distance. The host Lorenzo was very friendly and accommodating! We really enjoyed our time in Rome and would definitely recommend this "home away from home" B&B to any travelers!
www.downtownaccomodation.com
Sue Amering
New York, USA 05/12/2013
Hotel on the Rhine
We stayed at Pension Lettie in Bacharach September 2012 and had a wonderful time. Her place is conveniently located and was quiet with a great breakfast. She told us about the local wine festivals in the towns along the Rhine. we also witnessed her helping another guest who fell ill and had to seek hospital attention. She was just constantly wanting to ensure we were enjoying our time. Just be careful using the dryer, it is a bit warm and left our clothes dry but quite wrinkled.
Casey
Ft Worth, TX USA 05/12/2013
B and B Ferme du Pressoir
Those who don't interact with the French people cannot know how warm and friendly they are, and madame Odile, of the B and B, Ferme du Pressoir, is a charming and energetic ambassador of such.
Located in a wonderfully restored stone farmhouse, in Villers Bocage, Normandy, the rooms are spotless, tasteful and comfortable. An enormous breakfast with freshly prepared omelettes completes the package. The farm is convenient to Bayeux, and Omaha Beach, and the village nearby is charming and has many very good restaurants, bistros and boulangeries. Please do not confuse this location with neighboring village Villy-Bocage. Nearby is a wonderful tiny Calvados distillery, also with a charismatic owner. Vive la belle France, and Ferme du Pressoir.
Deborah Price
Austin, TX USA 05/10/2013
Snow in March in Wales!
In an earlier post concerning our frigid trip to UK/Wales in March 2013 I neglected to mention the Penman family of Stokyn Hall in Holywell ,Wales With snow 1 1/2 feet deep they dug out our stuck car(Wonderful Edwardian house up a steep hill)twice and provided great meals by the open fire when the electric power failed-cooked on small gas burner!It was an unexpected snow but the ebntire family did all they could to make us comfortable!!
Kathi Calkins
Aurora, In USA 05/03/2013
Logis Les Remparts, France
We had a wonderful stay at Logis Les Remparts in Bayeux, France. The rooms were spacious and old-world elegant. The baths were roomy with showers. Christele et Francois Lecornu were very gracious and friendly. There were some rules, but they seemed reasonable since this is their home. They also sell delicious cider at their little shop, which I highly recommend. They are within walking distance of major attractions in Bayeux and the street parking was safe and free. I would definitely stay there again.
Susan Hill
Columbia, MD USA 05/02/2013
B&B
Just got back from a wonderful trip to Normandy. We stayed at a delightful B&B in the town of Bayeux called Le Relais De La Tour Louise. Our host Wil was wonderful and couldn't have been more helpful. We had a triple room on the third floor and it was immaculate! Breakfasts were very filling as well. We would absolutely stay here again. Sharon
Sharon
Byron Center, MI USA 04/18/2013
B&B Heroic Friendliness in Yorkshire UK
We were in England and Wales during this frigid and snowy Easter. For exceptional friedliness charm and food at L60 High Green Farm near Kirksby Lonsdale Cumbria was a farm gem . However Bramwood B&B in Pickering was also lovely with a lbeautiful lounge and fireplace but the very kind help of owners when we received a worrisome telephone call from the US puts Helen and Richard in the heroic category. Very helpful and supportive !
Kathi Calkins
Aurora, IN USA 04/16/2013
Lida Guest House in Prague
We found the Lida Guest House through Rick's Prague Guide and agree that it is a great place to stay and an excellent value. Our host, Jan, was extremely helpful and key to making our Prague visit a great success not withstanding the unseasonably cold weather in April, 2013. The quiet neighborhood was welcome after a full day of touring in the crowded tourist areas.
Harold Barnett
Alexandria, VA USA 04/12/2013
Sleeping in Siena
It's not a question, just a suggestion. I've been in Siena (Tuscany) many times in my life and I've always choosen different accommodations. I've never been in the same hotel because anywhere I could feel like home. My last vacation (at the beginning of March) was completely different, since I experienced the exact opposite. I stayed at the Hotel Garden, in the north part of the city, for 5 days before driving to Florence and Lucca. The most appropriate definitions for this place would be "friendly", "comfortable", "relaxing".
First of all, the staff is absolutely kind and always at your disposal for any need and request. Furthermore, no matter what happens: they smile! That's what people on holiday want to see! Secondly, the location is simply strategic. Only 20 minutes walking from the old city and at the same time sorrounded by a huge garden which allows you to forget you are nearly in the middle of the town.
What else? For me it's enough. I already know where I will stay during my next trip to Siena and I really hope someone else will feel the same!
Adele
New York, USA 04/09/2013
Tranquil Place To Stay Near Plitvice National Park Croatia.
My husband and I stayed at a lovely bed breakfast situated near the Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia.
Our room was on the third floor and the calming sound of the waterfall was wonderful. Our room was clean and basic.
The owner Ivica used to work for the park. He provided us with maps of the best sights to see. He even drove us to a sight near his house that we could not see within the park.
I would definitely recommend staying here. The kindness and warmth of the family was refreshing. They are really wonderful and genuine hosts.
The website is www.sankorana.com
Lynn Charleston
Charleston, SC USA 03/06/2013
Hidden Gem Outskirts of Treviso Italy
My husband and I stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast on the outskirts of Treviso Italy.
We had a room on the third floor which had high ceilings, hardwood floors and was light and airy. Our private bathroom across the hall had a shower and a sunken tub and the countertops were marble. The room was clean and very nice. The breakfast was good. We had eggs, homemade jams, homemade breads and cakes.
Grazia the hostess took us to the train station when we wanted to explore Venice. She also took us to a wine discounter where there was a large assortment of wines with reasonable prices. Grazia recommended restaurants and places to explore.
Grazia is so genuine and caring. I would definitely recommend staying with her. You will walk away with fond memories.
The name of the bed and breakfast is Bed and Breakfast Dolce Casa located in Treviso Italy. She also has a listing on the Bed and Breakfast website under Treviso Italy.
Lynn
Charleston, SC USA 03/06/2013
Great accommodation in Rome!
Al Centro Storico Roma Suite www.romasuite.com This is the most fantastic accommodation in all of Rome ! brand new, absolutely beautifully furnished, and perfectly centrally located. My friend and I stayed at this fantastic accommodation in February 2013. When we walked in the door, we thought we were in a 5-star hotel. The furnishings are luxurious - comfortable leather couch, very comfortable beds with beautiful bedding, large exquisite bathroom, modern kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, and excellent wifi service. There are two apartments available.
The owners were wonderfully hospitable and helpful – they sent email directions from the train and airport, and met us at the door when we arrived, spending a lot of time showing us the apartment and providing a map of Rome, as well as suggestions for local restaurants and special sites to see. Breakfast was included and left in the well-furnished kitchen for us.
This is the best place to stay in all of Rome - you will be so glad that you booked it.
Elissa
New York, NY USA 02/28/2013
La Maison du Moulin, Grignon, Provence, France
Why we Love this place: The hospitality, facilities, and surrounding countryside are enough to bring us back, but the graciousness of our hostess, Benedicte, really blew us away. Our VISA card had stopped working at the ATMs in Munich. Apparently I had failed to notify VISA of our planned European vacation. It's nice to know they were watching our security. Fortunately, we were able to get some euros from the AMEX office in Florence, but we were down to 13 euros by the time we got to Provence. We checked in at La Maison du Moulin, and had a marvelous time, including a cooking class from Chef Benedicte. When it came time to check out and continue on our travels, I handed Benedicte our AMEX card. She said, "Im sorry, we do not take American Express". I panicked! It was Sunday, and no banks were open. What were we going to do? Benedicte said not to worry, that we should go enjoy our plans for the day and she'd work something out. I was dumbfounded; can't imagine anyone (especially in the States) saying that in that situation. With feelings of guilt and unease, and plans to send a check as soon as we got back home, we left for our next night's accomodation, Le Clair de la Plume in Grignon to check in. The desk clerk asked if it would be OK for him to charge our AMEX card for our stay at La Maison du Moulin, as Benedicte had called him and suggested that as a solution to our problem. Of course, we were thrilled that they would do so. We rushed back to La Maison du Moulin with receipt in hand to show her we had paid her through Le Clair de la Plume. Benedicte was so gracious. We will definitely stay there again.
Tim & Diane
Denver, CO USA 01/28/2013
B & B near port Civitivecchia
We were leaving on a cruise from Civitivecchia, Italy near Rome. We happened upon a family owned vineyard and B & B, about 40 minutes from the port so we spent the night there. Not only was the cost very reasonable for a lovely room, but the hostesses, two sisters who own the vineyard, were kind and generous. They gave us a free tour of the winery and plenty of complimentary wine; enough to bring back to the room to enjoy. It felt like family! The Podere Castellaccia vineyard in Grosseto (58100), www.poderecastellaccia.com, is beautiful with the most hospitable hostesses!
Kathryn Arnett
Kaiserslautern Military Community, USA 01/15/2013
Rome ... we simply loved it!
This apartment could not have been more perfect for our family adventure to Rome. We spent five nights here last year and I have to say, we loved it! The location is UNBEATABLE - literally steps from Castel Sant'Angelo and 5 minutes to Campo de Fiori with its many restaurants and amazing morning market ... we could walk in five minutes to Piazza Navona, the Pantheon and the Vatican as reach Trevi Fountain and Coliseum is a very nice walk in the heart of the ancient Rome. The area is very nice at night, the restaurants are good and the vibe is very cool. And the apartment is so charming! Elegant with all comforts (WIFI included at no additional cost), spacious rooms, very clean and quite - no road noise at all. The staff (Max and Lavinia) were just amazing, very friendly and helpful. they let us have as many guidebooks in the apartment as we needed and those were life savors! Their breakfast was a good selection of food and drinks ... the entire place just felt very homey. Our apartment had some wonderful ceiling ... Max told us they just restored the apartments keeping their original ancient ceilings of almost 120 years ago! A wonderful family stay!!! I definitely would recommend these apartments (www.romasuite.com) to anyone traveling to Rome!
Mike
Bridgeport, CT USA 01/04/2013