Ristorante Locanda Don Ambrosio

The rooms and shared spaces were so clean there wasn't a speck of dust. Set between the hills and the sea, this B&B feels like a quiet little refuge from the chaos. The three hosts are always smiling and helpful, and they made us feel at home while taking care of us throughout the day. Their advice for exploring Abruzzo is invaluable, and they're excellent cooks too. Breakfast can go on for hours, with local produce from the property's vegetable garden and fruit trees. Their care for guests and love of the work really come through. You have to try it to see for yourself.

We came away feeling we'd left a little piece of our heart in Abruzzo, so we'll be back soon. The region has so much variety, from woods and beaches to villages and rolling hills, and Casale Don Ambrosio was a great base for exploring it. Our room was spotless, well maintained, and equipped with everything we needed, including air conditioning and a small fridge for drinks. The hosts were lovely and always ready with suggestions, whether for another corner of Abruzzo, a traditional restaurant, or a quiet beach. Maria and her husband, who look after the B&B, were just as kind. We enjoyed seeing them in the beautiful breakfast room each morning, always ready to help. There were homemade cakes, fresh fruit from the garden by the veranda, and bruschetta with garden tomatoes and basil. Thanks for making the vacation so memorable.

Breakfast was fine, which keeps this at three stars. Dinner took three hours, as the service was pretty slow. We had a coupon for a trio of tagliata steaks, but only got the one with cherry tomatoes, and there was no dessert. They told us dessert wasn't included.

The portions are generous, and the pizza is really tasty too. It's a lovely rustic place with a warm, friendly feel, great for a romantic dinner like the one I had, but just as suitable for family or business meals.