Piccolo Mondo

The views are a highlight, with the Tyrrhenian Sea, mountains, or both visible from either side. I stayed three nights in May 2013 with two relatives at Piccolo Mondo. It was friendly, charming, convenient, and just the sort of family-run place I’d hoped for. Breakfast was included, fresh, generous, and delicious, and the owner’s cats added a homey touch. You can arrange a home-cooked dinner too. A couple of things to check: Terme Luigiane, a few miles south along the coast, had apparently reduced its operating months because of economic problems in Italy, so make sure the spas are open if that’s your reason for coming. Also, there’s no elevator. With those caveats, I recommend the place wholeheartedly.

I spent a month there in 2022 and had a great time.

The receptionist and the woman were joking around, but they refused our Booking reservation and wanted us to pay without the booking fee. We said we wouldn’t pay outside Booking, so they turned us away. Brilliant Italian customer service.

Santino was the one bright spot, always welcoming and helpful. The owner and the rest of the staff weren’t like that. The rooms don’t look anything like the pictures. Helpful.