GG8 Hotel & Suite SPA

The restaurant was the highlight. The decor is outdated and frankly ugly, but the service from the head waiter/receptionist and two young assistant waiters was quick and courteous. Dinner was already being served when we arrived at the official 19.30 start. We got a good selection of breads, hot focaccia strips, and a delicate, tasty amuse bouche while we waited. We asked for one pasta to share and were given two generous bowls without question. The pappardelle with ragù were delicious, as was the agnello scottadito with mixed grilled vegetables. Portions were so generous we had no room for dessert. We had a glass of house red, poured at the table from the bottle, and it was excellent. Breakfast was scheduled for 08.30 on Sunday, but we could have it earlier by asking. The buffet was excellent, and the waitress/cook gave wonderful service, bringing hot custard filled doughnuts to our table. When she realized I was British, she even offered me a bacon frittata, though I’d already eaten enough. My only breakfast complaints were that all the cereal and even the plain yoghurt were sugared, and the only rolls were white, so it wasn’t especially health conscious. We chose the hotel for its central position, which let us tour all the principal sites in one afternoon. Getting in meant using an electronic key fob on the key ring, then ringing the entryphone for the cramped reception, which was only staffed when called. Our compact double room on the second floor was reached by lift and had what we needed: a small fridge, open wardrobe, ample bedside cabinets, sockets, and a wall mounted TV. The bed gave us an excellent night’s sleep. The windowless bathroom had a large shower with very hot water, basin, wc, bidet, three towels each, and liquid soap in a dispenser.