Locanda Del Parco Hotel

We ate really well here. The restaurant’s beer selection was good, and the locally sourced meat was juicy and tender. The grilled sausage was especially delicious, maybe the best I’ve ever tasted. Our room was large and clean, the staff were warm and helpful, and the mountain view was just magical. A++ would happily stay again!

We found this hotel easy to reach by car, just off the highway, and there was free parking. Gran Sasso views surrounded the beautiful setting. Our room was very spacious and clean, with a balcony facing the mountains and a hydro-massage bath, which was a nice extra. Everyone on staff was sweet and helpful. The restaurant served delicious food, especially the pizza and pasta, and it was very affordable. I’d definitely come back if we’re in the area again.

The room was unbearably hot, and the air conditioning that was advertised wasn’t working. The receptionist hadn’t told us it had been out for the previous couple days. When I reported the heat, she said she’d try adjusting the thermostat, which controls the whole building. It cooled down for less than an hour, then stopped again. Reception closed at 2000 hours (8pm), and after that I couldn’t find any staff. I eventually found the owners’ number on the front door, though it hadn’t been given to us at check-in, and messaged them. They said nobody could fix the air conditioning and told us to “open a window.” With tons of mosquitoes outside, we got bitten multiple times after opening one on the top floor. We couldn’t check out, so we were stuck. Maybe it really was broken, or maybe this is one of their ways to save electricity. You also have to put your key in a slot to get power in the room. The next day, the receptionist helped end our Expedia reservation early with a partial refund, but there was no compensation for that miserable night, not even a bottle of water. I asked Expedia for a refund or credit for the first night too, but they denied it. Breakfast was okay, with coffee from the bar. It was buffet style, but you could only eat when they decided to serve you, and the food was handed through a hole in a plastic divider. They seemed afraid of COVID even though they spoke to us in front of it. The hotel reception is closed after 8pm, and there’s no way to get hold of anyone until morning. Unless things change and I get a refund for the first night, I can’t see us coming back to a hotel that only cares about profit. I’ll update this if they ever refund me for that first night. I’ll keep everyone posted.

The owners were very kind, and the hotel sits in a beautiful landscape. We liked the breakfast and the pizzeria, and the rooms were nice too. Don’t forget your ristretto 😉