Il borgo 28

Coffee is included, though breakfast isn’t. You can buy and make your own in the room’s kitchenette, or have it at either of the two cafés in town. The B&B is tucked down a backstreet in Scapoli, among the charming towns of Molise’s Mainarde mountains, and it’s just around the corner from both museums: one on local World War 2 battles, the other on Zampogne, the bagpipes made and still played by hand here. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and the rate stays very affordable even in high season. Elisabetta is a sweet, accommodating host who knows the area well. Park in the big lot near the church and town hall, and travel light, since you’ll have to carry your bags up to the B&B. The town is traffic-free. The views are gorgeous, and I’d highly recommend the place.

A lovely base for nearby sights and a swim in Lago di San Vincenzo. The little apartment is stylish, cosy, and fantastic.

The bedroom felt a bit damp because it’s an attic in the historic centre, though the apartment warmed up quickly. We stayed at Borgo 30, a quaint, well-kept two-story mini-apartment in one of Scapoli’s hamlets. It’s simple but has what you need, even for a longer stay, and feels warm and comfortable. The bathroom is spacious, comfortable, and has hot water straight away. A very kind lady helped us over the phone and replied promptly at any time of day. There’s a large nearby car park, with free spaces always available, and it worked well for us travelling with our dog. The apartment overlooks snow-covered mountains and felt like a lovely little dream. I wouldn’t recommend it, or Scapoli’s hamlets generally, for someone using a wheelchair or with a severe disability. We’ll be back soon.

The access was difficult with children and lots of luggage: the double room with private bathroom at B&B Il Borgo is in central Scapoli, a charming little village with stairs and narrow streets. The stay was deeply unpleasant, and I can’t give it more than one star. Around 7:30 PM, the room was extremely damp and cold. The air conditioning, which was the only heat source, was off, and it struggled to warm the room over two days. There was a mini air conditioner in the bathroom too, but it didn’t work. We told the owner right away and she promptly replied, “It will heat up.” It didn’t. Our first night was spent under freezing sheets in sweatshirts we luckily had in our suitcase. After a long, chilly day on the slopes of Roccaraso, we needed a shower. It didn’t have to be hot, just warm, but the bathroom’s small heater didn’t provide enough hot water for even one shower with hair washing, let alone two. We ended up taking a freezing shower, hair and all, in midwinter with temperatures near 0 degrees outside. We raised this too, but after exchanging messages we couldn’t reach an agreement. We asked for a small refund for the inconvenience and were told the request seemed excessive. Instead, we were offered a free spring stay, “when it’s warmer, it’s a whole different story.” We wanted warm, comfortable lodging in the middle of winter, though. It was very disappointing to be so cold and not get the attention we felt was due. We might have accepted it if the price had been ridiculously low, but it wasn’t, and other apartments that looked better cost the same. If the conditions aren’t right, perhaps the room shouldn’t be rented, though sometimes making a profit seems to matter most. I’m attaching a photo of the front door, with lots of water from the damp.