Palazzo Roberti

The frescoes in our bright, spotless suite really seem to have stories to tell. From the room, we looked out over the main square of this stunning hilltop village, where people were friendly and helpful, and gathered for quiet chats in the evening. Staying in such a lovely 18th-century palace felt like a real privilege. At night, the bells seemed to gently mark the hours, and in the morning we woke to swallows chirping.

We came August 16-22 and ended up with a small, noisy room without frescoes. Just before 1 a.m., people on the floor below were still talking loudly and inconsiderately. After the reviews we'd read, this was a real letdown. We asked whether a quieter room might be possible because we came to rest, not listen to loud conversations at night. We'll see what happens.

The apartment is roomy, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each bedroom has a fridge and TV, and one bathroom has a hydromassage shower with great music. It was well equipped, nicely furnished, and tastefully renovated in a lovely period building at Piazza S Giusto. Nothing to complain about.

I've stayed here twice, and both times my room had a really large bathroom. The fittings and furniture are new, and the historic building has been renovated beautifully. There's a fan available, though no air conditioning.