Il Bocciolo Della Rosa

It’s okay, but there isn’t a train station in this area.

The room was modern, cozy, and spotless, and the staff were always cheerful. Breakfast was à la carte and all homemade. We loved everything from the bread through to dessert, especially the best scrambled eggs ever. But what stood out first was how warmly the owners welcomed us. We felt at home immediately, and their passion for what they've built over the years was clear from the start. Many compliments to them, and thanks again for the stay. We’d happily come back as soon as we can 💫

Breakfast is served in the trattoria, which is temporarily closed. The homemade biscuits, cake, and bread were delicious, and the cured meats and cheeses were excellent. Hot drinks are available if you ask. I also found the welcome genuinely warm: the owners are a couple who clearly care about their work. When they learned we were from Piedmont, we had a short chat about wine and the region that made us feel at home. There’s a large courtyard when you arrive, though the owners weren’t there to greet us and politely asked us to call to finish the check-in process. The place sits in the bucolic, varied center of the Po Valley, in the hamlet of Sant'Agostino, within the municipality of Terre del Reno, a few kilometers from the Reno dams. It’s not the easiest place to find, so you’ll need GPS unless you know the area. My room was on the top floor. It was small but cozy, and suited us fine for a one-night stay. Our two friends got a similar room, but with a peculiar bathroom layout: from the bed, you can clearly see someone on the toilet if the bathroom door is shut. Keeping it open avoids that. An unusual design choice. Even with those criticisms, I’m giving it five stars because Bocciolo della Rosa is run with love and passion by just two people, who treat it like an extension of their home for guests. Still, perhaps a film on the bathroom window would help.

The one thing I'd mention is that the bathroom fixtures are too small, almost child-sized. Otherwise, the owner is lovely and kind, and the place is quiet and clean.