Borgotufi Albergo Diffuso

We paid €308 for two nights, breakfast included, in a quadruple room. That’s a lot for the area, though I could understand the price. The restoration that brought this historic village back to life as a diffused hotel is admirable, especially in a difficult area to promote. But the way guests are handled falls far short of the idea. The hotel became famous after appearing on the Italian TV show "4 Hotel," and the gap between that presentation and our stay was stark. The worst problems were the cold and the insects. The heaters were broken. We reported it right away, but were told at 10 PM it was too late to fix them. There was no solution until the second night, and even then it was only partial. We spent a freezing night with a baby and a toddler, with small cockroaches and spiders in the room, including on our child’s bed and around the seating area. We documented it all. The response was that the building was rustic. I pointed out that the prices were like a five-star resort, and got indifference in return. There was no apology, discount, or empathy. The manager avoided us, seeming embarrassed but taking no responsibility. Getting into the room was difficult too. We had to carry a stroller with our five-month-old up steep steps while our three-year-old walked. The room was spacious, but rustic seemed to mean neglected. Cold air came through gaps in the badly fitted entrance door, right beside the poor sofa bed where our child slept. Its thin mattress and protruding metal bars felt like something from the 17th century, so we padded it with blankets from the car. There were no crib sheets, just a bare mattress. The room also had a tiny, old TV, and the advertised Sky service didn’t work. The mini-fridge looked like it came from the 90s, and there was hardly any kitchenware. In the bathroom, the plastic shower felt like camping in the Balkans in the 90s, the toilet seat was oddly high even for me at 188cm, and the toiletries amounted to shampoo and body wash. The room stayed freezing cold. The spa was pleasant, though it looks over a parking lot. We paid extra, and the changing rooms were cramped, so it felt like a missed opportunity. Breakfast didn’t match the "4 Hotel" episode, which felt like false advertising, but we let that go given it was October after COVID. The buffet was limited but decent. Valentina was the one staff member who showed empathy and professionalism. The location is beautiful, and the work to revive the borgo deserves applause. But management seems stuck in a pastoral Molise fantasy. If you’re a shepherd, a noble job, don’t act like you’re running a luxury resort. They lacked empathy, education, and humility. MOLISE do not deserve staff this unprofessional.

We were already on our way out of Rome when a call to confirm our arrival time and restaurant table, as previously agreed, revealed that our reservation had been cancelled and there was no longer any availability. We had called at the last minute to ask about that night and the following one, and were told there was room and that they’d email a confirmation. The email arrived, and I completed the confirmation process they sent. Having the booking disappear after we’d packed and left completely disrupted our weekend. We had to scramble for a less ideal alternative. I’d never had this happen before, and it was extraordinarily unpleasant.

The mountain view makes a cold beer or glass of wine especially nice. The Borgo itself is clean and modern, while the rooms still have that lived-in feel, and there’s a small kitchenette. Staff were extremely helpful and accommodating, and we had a very nice stay. One small drawback: you only get one coffee, one green tea, and one chamomile tea, so bring your own or order a hot drink at the restaurant bar. The restaurant space is modern and open. Apparently they plan to open an evening restaurant in December; for now, there are pizzas from down the road, and they’re very good. We’ll be back. 😁

The room was clean and spacious, with a lovely mix of rustic and cozy. Dinner was delicious and fairly priced for a hotel restaurant, and reception were friendly and accommodating. We’d definitely stay again.