Valdenza

The decor feels a bit old-fashioned at first, but the staff were some of the friendliest and most helpful we've come across. The rooms and bathrooms were among the cleanest we've seen in a four-star hotel, and the price was great for what you get. Breakfast was continental, with plenty of choice and great coffee. Free private parking was a plus. As a local guide, I'd recommend it to anyone traveling who wants a good rest after a long drive. It's family-friendly, and I definitely plan to stay again.

The air conditioning worked really well and was easy to operate, with a laminated picture guide on the table. Breakfast was free, and the hotel was in a quiet neighbourhood with plenty of room to park our big bus. By the time we arrived around 7:30 pm, though, all the nearby shops and places to eat were closed, which we didn't like. The room had a 35-inch MI TV with over 40 channels, but none in English or Chinese. The room key itself was very simple, despite the heavy bronze keychain giving it a more upmarket look. Quite good by Italian standards.

We were shocked by how rude the receptionist was. As soon as he heard us speaking English, he hung up. We called from different numbers and were quoted different prices each time, one as high as €2,000, even though the hotel's actual prices were far lower, with Booking showing €160. We also spoke to him in Italian, but he still yelled at us and responded rudely. We travel often and have never experienced service this bad. We were very disappointed and didn't make a reservation because the receptionist wouldn't let us.

We were welcomed by the staff, who were all nice, and had a nice breakfast. The room was nice too, and the location was good and quiet. You'll need a car, but parking was no problem. It's 30 minutes from Parma Airport. The Wi-Fi was very weak and slow.