Castelvecchio**** - Castelgandolfo
On the edge of the old town of Castelgandolfo, the hotel looks out over the Lago di Albano some 100ft below. From the roof-top pool, bar and patio there are wonderful views out over the lake and towards the Pope’s summer residence in Castelgandolfo.
The bedrooms (all with showers rather than baths) are fairly compact; ideal as Single rooms, rather cosy as Doubles and, to be completely honest, a bit of a squeeze for Twins. Limited space means simple furnishings but they have most of everything that you might expect: TV, mini-bar, air-conditioning etc. Four larger 'Superiore' rooms and one Junior Suite are also available - please ask us if you would like more room.
The hotel restaurant is very good – both in terms of choice and quality and the special resident’s menu means it is also very good value too. On the ground floor you will find another bar and the hotel also has its own secure car-parking.
Castelgandolfo itself is an array of narrow streets around the central piazza where you will find several cafés, shops and many other restaurants plus a lively antiques market at weekends.
Villa del Cardinale
For an exclusive holiday or corporate golf event in Rome, the Villa del Cardinale is a venue with a real difference. On the far side of the lake from Castelgandolfo, close to the little village of Rocca di Papa, the Villa del Cardinale has twenty exquisite rooms and four stunning suites. Wrapped in its own private grounds there is also a swimming pool and tennis court.
Available by special arrangement for groups, the luxurious 17th Century Archbishop’s residence will feel like your private corner of Italy.
Appia Park****
If you are interested in being as close to the centre of Rome, yet remaining within striking distance of the golf courses, then the Appia Park hotel fits the bill very nicely. Located very close to Roma Golf Club yet within a short bus or taxi trip of Rome's Metro, here you can combine the best of town and country.
Another significant advantage of the hotel is its underground car-park.The Appia Park is set back from the Via Appia in a pleasant garden, so sheltered from the noise of the main road, a little oasis of Roman calm.
The modern bedrooms are either in the main building or in the two older villas in front (all rooms are equipped and furnished to the same standard).
There is a good restaurant at the hotel (it's popular for Roman weddings) with tables outside on the patio too. If you choose to dine out in Rome, then it will only be a short taxi-ride home at the end of the evening.
Vigna Caio Relais & Spa***** - Bracciano
The Vigna Caio Relais & Spa is the most comfortable and most tranquil hotel on Lake Bracciano. Tucked away below the town and castle of Bracciano, it looks out over the lake from its elevated position that is hidden from view. If you like peace and quiet, superb golf and maybe a day in Rome: Vigna Caio is the place for you!
The hotel has a small number of rooms but a large variety: Standard rooms are absolutely fine; you can add a lake view if you like or lots more room in one of their Junior Suites. As it's a fairly new hotel and very well looked after, everything is in as-new condition.
The hotel is enormously proud of its restaurant and rightly so; catering for a small number of tables each evening allows the chefs the time to create wondrous dishes from the very best of the local Lazese produce: your taste buds are in for a treat!
For dining out, you will need to drive up into Bracciano where there are a number of small family-run trattorie that we can recommend; alternatively head around the lake to dine in livelier Trevignano where there are many lakeside ristorante.
A secluded garden surrounds the hotel, should you trip lightly down the stairs, you will find a small pool with sunbeds at the bottom. Should you wish to swim a little further, Lake Bracciano's beaches are just a few hundred metres away.
As the name suggests, there are also spa and treatment facilities at the Vigna Caio in case you feel the need for a little post-golf pampering?
Recostano Residence**** - Trevignano
Residences, as opposed to hotels, are very popular in Italy. They differ from hotels in that breakfast is not included and there is no bar or restaurant: 'self-catering apartments' is probably how they would described elsewhere (or thesedays 'AirBnB' maybe?). As long as you don't mind finding your own breakfast (a starter-pack is provided) then you will enjoy the space and flexibility of a Suite-like room with kitchenette.
The Recostano rooms are nice and large, with a usefully equipped kitchenette, comfortable beds, sitting areas and balconies - perfect for a breakfast al fresco (or a sundowner or two). Bathrooms all have showers, plenty of hot water and are kept bright and clean.
No bar or restaurant at the Recostano but the twenty-or-so restaurants along the Trevignano lakefront are just a five-minute stroll away: passing a small supermarket (for your breakfast essentials) along the way. Or, you could of course try your hand a little home-cooking and dine on your balcony?
There is a small raised patio at the rear of the residence beside the prentiful car parking, although it seems rarely used. When you arrive at the Residence there is a real-life human Receptionist to welcome you in, show you to your room and answer any questions you may have about the Residence or the area.
