Hidden Gem Alert! Locanda Da Marco: Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret?
Locanda Da Marco: Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret? - Seriously, Is It? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so, Hidden Gem Alert! Locanda Da Marco. Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret? That's what the hype is saying, right? And look, I'm a sucker for a good secret. But let's be real, "best-kept" usually means "hard to find, potentially disappointing." So, I went in skeptical. And came out… well, let’s just say my credit card is still recovering.
First off, let's get the practical stuff out of the way, you know, the boring bits.
Accessibility: Now, this is Italy, so, yeah, it can be a bit… challenging. Wheelchair accessible? Hmm. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't personally scope out the situation. You'll definitely want to call and check their specifics. Elevator: Yes! Thank goodness. Check-in/out [express] AND Contactless check-in/out: Super helpful, especially now.
Internet? Ugh, yes, please! You know, like, how do you live without it? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HOORAY! And Wi-Fi in public areas too. They even have Internet [LAN] which… I honestly haven't used since college, but hey, options! Plus, they have Internet services if you need to print something or email the relatives.
Cleanliness and Safety: Because, you know, the world is a mess. This is important to me. Like, really important. They're taking it seriously, thank goodness. They're rocking the Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Individually-wrapped food options…. The works. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available – which made me feel good. Plus, the staff is trained in safety protocol, which is reassuring. I'm not going to lie, I saw Sterilizing equipment and made a mental note to keep my distance. They've got CCTV in common areas and outside the property so you're covered. Safe dining setup and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are huge right now. And finally (and this is a good sign) Rooms sanitized between stays.
Finding Peace (Or At Least Trying To):
So how do you chill? Because Locanda Da Marco is promising some serious relaxation. I'm here for it, people! They have it all:
- Spa/sauna? Yup. Steamroom? Uh-huh. Massage? You bet your aching muscles!
- Pool with view? Oh, yes. I spent hours in the Swimming pool (outdoor) and just… stared. Pure bliss.
- Gym/fitness? They even have a Fitness center, if you're into that sort of torture. I'm more of a "lie by the pool with a book" kind of person.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Haven't tried these yet, but planning on it!
The Rooms: My Sanctuary? (Mostly)
Okay, let’s talk about the rooms. They're pushing that "hidden gem" aesthetic: rustic, charming, not-too-overdone.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning: Amen! Alarm clock: Fine. Bathrobes: YES! Blackout curtains: Crucial for a lazy Italian afternoon. Plus, you better believe I scoped out the Bathroom phone. (Why? I don't know, but it's there!). They had Bathtub, and Shower separately. I was a fan. Every room includes, Toiletries, Towels, Slippers, Closet, Daily housekeeping, and Mirror.
They have Seating area, Desk, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Separate shower/bathtub, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Now, the messy stuff:
My room was on the third floor, with the most amazing view! But also, the first day… the AC wasn't working perfectly and I sweated rivers. I called down, and they fixed it quickly, but still… a bit of a bummer. And the Wi-Fi, while generally good, did get a little spotty in the evenings.
Food, Glorious Food (With Some Reservations)
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Okay. This is where Locanda Da Marco really shines, and sometimes crashes and burns a little.
- Restaurants: They have Restaurants, plural! More on that in a minute.
- Breakfast: Okay, so the Breakfast [buffet] was good. Standard. Delicious, honestly. They have Coffee/tea in restaurant of course. And, like, a TON of pastries. Breakfast service is also there.
- Lunch/Dinner: The A la carte in restaurant (the main restaurant) was fantastic. I had the pasta. Oh. My. GOD. I literally moaned while eating. But the Buffet in restaurant felt a little… generic.
- Alternative meal arrangement, if you need something special, that's there.
- There's a Poolside bar and a Snack bar, perfect for aperitivo hour.
- Room service [24-hour]. Yes, please. Ordering from my room and eating in my bathrobe is a life goal.
- Desserts in restaurant were amazing.
- Happy hour? Yes!
- Cuisine They have all the favorites: Asian cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Perfect.
- Vegetarian restaurant: I did not spot this.
- Bottle of water? Always a plus!
The “Hidden” Part:
Okay, so is Locanda Da Marco Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret? Honestly… maybe. It's not perfect, not by a long shot. It's got a few rough edges. And, the drive there is NOT for the faint of heart. The roads, the hills… you'll question every life decision you've ever made.
But!
The Views. The Food. The utter lack of crowds (most of the time). The feeling of being actually away from it all… That's the secret.
The Quirks & The Chaos:
- Okay, there was this one day where they were having some sort of… thing… a Meeting/banquet facilities was happening, and a Seminars, and there was a LOT of noise. Business facilities had been the main reason for the issue. I think it did something with Audio-visual equipment for special events, Projector/LED display. I peeked and saw Meetings, and Meeting stationery everywhere. The next day, it was quiet again.
Should you go?
Yes. Absolutely. But with these caveats:
- Be prepared for some minor imperfections.
- Book a room with a view. Seriously.
- Embrace the chaos. Italy is always a bit chaotic.
- Order the pasta. Just do it.
- Go. Just go. And tell me what you think.
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Tired of the same old vacation? Craving an escape that's both luxurious and authentically Italian? Look no further than Hidden Gem Alert! Locanda Da Marco: Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret?
Here's what you'll get:
- Secluded Bliss: Nestled in the heart of [mention specific location or region], Locanda Da Marco offers a tranquil retreat away from the crowds. Experience Italy like a local, surrounded by breathtaking views.
- Unforgettable Flavors: Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients. From perfectly al dente pasta to decadent desserts, your taste buds will thank you. Enjoy a Breakfast [buffet] and a dinner in an A la carte in restaurant.
- Pure Relaxation: Unwind in our spa, take a dip in our stunning pool with view, or simply soak up the sun on your private terrace. Pamper yourself with a Body scrub, and enjoy Steamroom or a Massage.
- Unbeatable Value: Get Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Plus, enjoy access to a wide range of amenities including a Gym/fitness, Spa/sauna, and so much more.
- Safety First: Rest easy knowing
Alright, buckle in, buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, brochure-perfect itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. My REAL Locanda Da Marco experience in Pignone, Italy. And trust me, it's gonna be a bumpy ride.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Lemonade Debacle
- 14:00: Landed in Genoa. Arrived in Pignone. A 2-hour drive from the airport to Locanda Da Marco. The drive was stunning at first, winding through the Ligurian coast – turquoise water, crazy cliffs. Then, the roads started making me question my life choices. Hairpin turns. No guardrails. My stomach did a permanent flip-flop.
- 16:00: Check-in. Marco, the owner, a guy who looked like he'd wrestled a bear and won, greeted me with a booming "Ciao!" and the air of a man who'd seen it all. Which, judging by his eyes, he probably had. I thought, "This is it, a real, rustic Italian experience!"
- 16:30: The Room. Okay, the room. It wasn't a palace, but let's just say it was…characterful. Think exposed beams (beautiful!), uneven floors (charming!), and a shower that threatened to flood the entire bathroom (less charming). No air conditioning, but who needs it when you have a view of the valley and a small balcony?
- 17:00: The Lemonade Incident. Marco offered me lemonade. Homemade, he said. "The best in Liguria!" he boomed. I, being a polite tourist, said yes. This lemonade, though… I swear, it was half-vinegar. My face contorted, and I tried to play it cool, but Marco just burst out laughing. "Ah, the limone! Too much! You'll get used to it!" I choked down a few sips (because, manners!), and swore to find a proper refreshment, I went down to the bar.
- 18:00: Explore Pignone. Tiny village, clinging to the mountainside. Cobblestone streets, laundry strung across balconies, and the scent of something delicious cooking wafted from every doorway. A group of older men are deep in conversation outside a small bar. I am almost afraid to ask what they were talking about.
- 19:00: Dinner. Dinner at the Locanda was an experience. Marco's wife, always smiling, greeted me with a warm smile. The food was HUGE portions of food and very filling. Homemade pasta, the best pesto I've ever had (redeeming the lemonade completely), and a grilled something-or-other that I couldn't quite identify but tasted divine. The wine? Flowing. The conversation? Mostly in Italian, which I barely understood. But the food. I give it a 10/10.
- 21:00: Bed. Exhausted but happy and full. Wondering if I should bring a new kind of lemonade next time.
Day 2: Hiking and the Forgetting of Everything
- 08:00: The Breakfast. Basic, but good. Coffee that would kickstart a rocket, bread, fresh jam (not vinegar-flavored, thank goodness!), and some kind of pastry that I'm sure was bad for me but worth every bite.
- 09:00: Hiking. The idea was to hike. The reality? Started. Got lost. The trails were marked…sort of. Ended up scrambling over rocks, sweating buckets, and questioning again my life choices. But the views were again completely stunning.
- 12:00: Lunch. Found a tiny trattoria at the end of the hike, in another small village. A truly hidden gem. Ordered something called trofie al pesto. And just like the night before, it was magical. And the wine was even better.
- 14:00: Naptime. Back at the Locanda. The heat, the hiking, the wine…all combined to knock me out for a solid two hours. Which, tbh, was exactly what I needed.
- 16:00: The Forgetting. Here's where things get messy. I decided to…forget my camera and go for a walk. Came to a small church and forgot about it.
- 17:00: Re-Exploring Pignone. Went to the bar. Ordered a gelato. Watched the same old men as day one.
- 19:00: Dinner. Back at Locanda Da Marco. More food. Much more wine. Marco shared a story about a time he tried to learn English. Laughing, which I am sure it was funnier than I expected.
- 22:00: Night. Back is exhausted. I would like to just enjoy the small balcony and enjoy the small sound of the night.
Day 3: The Market, The Cooking Class, and "Mama Mia!" (Or Maybe: The Pasta Fiasco) - The BEST day
- 08:00: Breakfast. Same as yesterday and the day before. But I am not complaining!
- 09:00: The Market. The best day so far. Went to the local market. Seriously great stuff. Fruits, Vegetables, and the meat.
- 11:00: The Cooking Class (The Pasta Fiasco!). This was the highlight. Marco introduced me to his wife (I forgot her name again!). The woman has the heart of a chef! She walked me through making fresh pasta. Or…attempted to. My pasta…it looked more like a tangled mess of Play-Doh. The flour went everywhere. I was covered in it. My attempts at rolling the dough were clumsy. But it was hilarious. She kept smiling. And Marco kept laughing. He was a great teacher.
- 13:00: Lunch - The Pasta Fiasco. Despite the disaster in the making, we ate it! And it was delicious! Even my messed-up pasta was edible, in a kind of "aww, bless her heart" way. I swear, that meal, that pasta, and the people I shared it with, it was amazing.
- 14:00: Relaxing.
- 19:00: Dinner. More food, Marco's wife still smiling. And the food was incredible. I enjoyed the conversation and everyone was very nice.
- 22:00: Going to sleep.
Day 4: Departure
- 08:00: Breakfast. My last breakfast.
- 09:00: Farewell. Said goodbye to Marco and his wife. I gave them a hug. I left.
- 11:30: Arrival at Genoa.
- 16:00: Land back home.
Final Thoughts:
This Wasn't a perfect vacation. It was real. It was messy. It was hilarious. And it was exactly what I needed. Locanda Da Marco, with its uneven floors, questionable lemonade, and the laughter of good people, left an imprint that will last a lot longer than a perfectly curated Instagram feed. It wasn't about fancy hotels. It was about genuine connections, the taste of real food (even when I messed it up), and the memory of a place that felt like home. And yes, I would go back again. Just maybe not for the lemonade. Maybe. Ciao!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel Principe, Salsomaggiore Terme!
Hidden Gem Alert! Locanda Da Marco: Italy's BEST-KEPT Secret? (Let's Get Messy)
Okay, spill. Is Locanda Da Marco *actually* a hidden gem? I'm skeptical.
Skeptical? Good. You SHOULD be. The internet’s full of hype. BUT... (and this is a big BUT, people, like, *really* big)… Yes. Yes, it absolutely is. I found it by accident, practically stumbled into it after getting lost on a tiny, cobbled street in… oh god, what was the name of the town? Somewhere NEAR Tuscany. I’ll get back to that. It was raining. I was grumpy. And then... BAM. The smell. Garlic, herbs, sunshine… even in the downpour. Pure magic. So, yeah. Hidden gem? Undeniably.
Don't expect Michelin stars, mind you. This isn't that kind of place. But the *soul*... the *heart*... That's something else entirely. And I was HUNGRY.
What kind of food are we talking about? 'Traditional Tuscan'? Overused, isn't it?
Okay, "traditional Tuscan" is a dime a dozen. BORING. But Locanda Da Marco? Nah. It's… *slightly* above, but not boring. It's like… Nonna's cooking, but Nonna’s been sneaking in a few secret herbs and spices she’s been hoarding for generations. Think handmade pasta, so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Florentine steak, the size of your head, cooked to perfection. And the wine… the wine! Local stuff. Cheap. And tastes like sunshine and regret (in the best possible way, because you'll drink too much). Oh, and DO NOT skip the panna cotta. Seriously. Don't even THINK about it. I MADE THAT MISTAKE ONCE AND I ACTUALLY CRIED.
My first meal there, I ate so much I thought I was going to explode. Totally worth it.
So, the atmosphere? Is it all rustic charm and candlelight? (Ugh, sounds cliché.)
Okay, the "rustic charm" part is true. But cliché? No way. Because it's not *trying* to be charming. It just... *IS*. It's this tiny place, maybe ten tables, with mismatched chairs and walls adorned with old family photos. And Marco, the owner, looks like he might've stepped out of a Renaissance painting himself. He’s got this booming laugh, hands that look like they’ve kneaded a million loaves of bread (they probably have), and a twinkle in his eye... he's fantastic.
The candlelight is there, yes. But it’s not forced. It's soft, and REAL. You feel like you've wandered into a family's dining room, not a restaurant. And everyone talks, even the people who don't speak Italian. Somehow, you just *understand*. It’s the most wonderful, chaotic, beautiful mess.
Alright, alright, you've convinced me. What's the *catch*? Every place has a downside, right?
Okay, here's the reality check. First, getting there is a bit of a trek. Remember that lost-in-the-rain anecdote? Yeah. It's NOT on a main road. You're gonna need a car. You'll probably get lost. GPS will probably fail you. Embrace it. It’s part of the adventure. Second, Marco doesn't speak a lick of English. Basic tourist Italian? You’re golden. Fluent? Even better. He makes up for it in charm and enthusiastic hand gestures. Third, it gets *busy*. Book ahead. WAY ahead. Seriously. I'm practically giving away the place's best-kept secret here. You might have to wait. But trust me, it's worth it. Fourth, the prices aren’t ‘budget tourist prices’ by any stretch. But still worth it.
And fifth… and this is the most important one… be prepared to fall in love. With the food, the atmosphere, the people… and probably with Italy all over again. It's a dangerous place.
What's the *one thing* I absolutely CANNOT miss at Locanda Da Marco? (Besides the panna cotta, duh.)
Oh, good question. Okay so… *besides* the panna cotta (I'm starting to hallucinate just thinking about it), and besides the steak (which will change your life)... It’s the *experience*. It's the whole damn shebang! But if I HAVE to pick… it’s the *family-style dining*.
One time, I went with my best friend, Sarah. We were seated next to this elderly couple who couldn't speak English and we couldn't speak Italian beyond ordering a glass of wine. But we *connected*. Marco brought out giant platters of food. We all shared. We gestured, we laughed, we pointed… and we ended up swapping travel stories and sharing bread and pasta. And the wine. LOTS of wine. We ended up sharing all of it. The elderly lady kept calling us to the next table. We all ended up being friends by the end of it. It was the most wonderful, unselfconscious, heartwarming thing. THAT’S what Locanda Da Marco is about. THAT's the magic.
And when we left, the couple hugged us. And then Marco hugged us. And then he kissed me on both cheeks. And I almost cried. I'm getting goose bumps just remembering it.
Can I bring kids?
Yeah, sure. But you really should consider their interests. The atmosphere isn't geared towards screaming infants or kids that are bored easily. If your kids are on the quieter side, and you're okay with them experiencing a more...relaxed pace of life, then sure. Marco's a genuinely nice guy, and would probably adore your little ones. But if it's a circus you are looking for? Maybe not. Just... think about it.
Tips for getting there? (I'm still worried about getting lost.)
Okay, okay. Deep breaths. Here's what I vaguely remember: It's near [Insert town name near Tuscany I still can't remember, but you can Google it]. Seriously, Google it. Start there and follow the signs. I think there was a church. Drive slowly. Really slowly. And be prepared to ask for directions. Italians are SUPER helpful (and they’re used to tourists getting lost). The locals are probably going to know it. That's part of the charm, right? Embrace the adventure. And if you get lost, well, there are worse places to be lost than in the Italian countryside. Just... try to remember to noteQuick Hotel Finder
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