Albergo Diffuso Borgo Dei Greci

We were desperate enough to leave after just two nights, during the week of August 15th. The stairs up to the hotel are steep, and the place is old, with damp rooms, faulty air conditioning, and beds so cramped at the sides that getting in was difficult. Dinner was reheated food that had gone off. The hotel was far worse than we expected, and the vacation left us angry and disappointed. It has no stars and should close right away for a complete renovation.

The restaurant at the "Don Ippolito" hotel really made the evening for us. We found this place by chance and were so glad we did. The rooms are small converted village houses, but they have all the comforts of a hotel. It's 12 km from the sea, reached by a mountain road with quite a few hairpin turns, so it's not a pleasant drive if you get carsick. Still, it's a lovely spot if you want a quiet night's sleep and plan to spend the day at the beach.

Borgo dei Greci is roughly 10 km from Diamante, and the drive is worth it. Once there, you're in one of Italy's most beautiful villages. Getting around means climbing the usual village steps, and there's a reception at the entrance where the staff greet you warmly. The manager is friendly and helpful, offering advice on both accommodation choices and places to see, as well as local food. There are several lodging options, and they help guests find one that suits their needs. The rooms are clean and welcoming, with a fridge, hairdryer, TV, and air conditioning. Bathrooms are clean and spacious, and the balconies look out over the valley, with the sea visible between the mountains. You can choose from different meal arrangements, including half board or full board. We tried the traditional dishes at "Don Ippolito", from cheese and cured meats to first and second courses. Everything was delicious and carefully prepared, with good local wine alongside it. The restaurant has that same wonderful view. This is a great place for a break surrounded by nature, culture, and traditional Calabrian food, near the well-known seaside town of Diamante. Highly recommended! #italian

The village sits 400 meters above sea level, so it stays pleasantly cool. It's small but has the basic things you need, including a little grocery shop inside the hotel. Nearby, you can leave the car and follow a mule track through the valley to a small group of herders' houses, a walk of about 40 minutes. The hotel itself is small and rustic, right in the village center, with a distinctive wooden entrance door. The rooms have the same rustic look, and some have fireplaces, though I don't think they work. Breakfast was excellent, and the cuisine was very good too, with a generous multi-course local menu full of old-fashioned aromas and flavors. The hospitality was excellent and made us feel at home.