B&B Locanda Cistercense

San Martino al Cimino is a tiny village with very few residents, tucked away near Viterbo, and you’ll need a car to get there. Da Saverio downstairs is really the only restaurant you’d want to visit in the village. I’m so glad I found B&B La Locanda Cistercense, almost like a secret that more people should know about. The view over the Lazio countryside is stunning, nearly on par with Tuscany, and the food is heavenly. But what stays with me most is the owners’ warmth and kindness. Before long, you feel like part of the family, and leaving is hard. Saverio, the family patriarch, runs the restaurant downstairs and is known for his contagious smile and his pizza. He and his son serve the restaurant’s guests through lunch and dinner. His daughter-in-law takes on several jobs, including pastry chef, cleaner, and waitress, while his daughter owns the B&B. I stayed in the guesthouse suite, probably their nicest and most sought-after apartment. It’s a two-level mini-apartment with all the comforts you’d want for a holiday rental. Downstairs there’s a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, silverware, a fridge, olive oil, and pasta. The same floor has a small living room with a flat-screen TV, an antique full-length mirror, plus a dining table and chairs. The kitchen opens onto a terrace with an incredible view, especially at sunset. Flowers line the balcony, and there are chairs and a table for coffee or a snack, plus a rocking chair in the corner for reading. A winding staircase leads upstairs to the bedroom and bathroom, which has a very American feel. There are plenty of soft towels, lovely-smelling soaps, and a huge glass shower. The bed, though, is the real standout. It was the most comfortable I slept in anywhere in Italy, and for all three nights I could barely bring myself to get up. Even the wine and pizza are hard to beat, but that bed was something else. I loved the full breakfasts, the cozy feel of the whole guesthouse, and its fairytale atmosphere. I’d highly recommend it for a short or long stay. This place is a hidden gem, and I was lucky to stay there!

The small businesses here are a joy to find. They keep the quality high and make their guests happy. The decor and little details were carefully done, and breakfast was excellent, including the bread and jam. We also ate downstairs at Da Saverio, where the owner’s homemade tagliatelle were delicious. The staff were friendly and accommodating.

We came across this inn almost by chance on our way back from a short holiday, and had such a good stay that we’ll remember it next time we’re in the area. The room was compact but well arranged, the bathroom worked well, and everything was clean. There’s a room for breakfast, and the lady who welcomed us gave us tasty cookies for a quick bite when we arrived. Free parking was available in the square in front of the church. The only possible downside is that the church bells could bother some people. I loved the whole place, a small village away from all the bustle.

Valentina made everything easy, from booking through checkout. The place felt warm and welcoming, and the location was excellent. We had a wonderful stay, highly recommend it.