A hotel between Novi Ligure and Gavi in Piedmont, Italy

Hotel La Bollina, Serravalle Scrivia

This luxurious four-star hotel in Piedmont is idyllically set in the fertile Scrivia Valley, which lies in the province of Alessandria between Novi Ligure and Gavi. Originally a large farm, the Hotel La Bollina, Serravalle Scrivia was for centuries the summer residence of a local aristocratic family. The landscape is dotted with vineyards and ancient woodland and the hotel itself is a glorious historic building with plenty of quaint architectural detail including a picturesque chapel and charming landscaped gardens incorporating a lovely lake. The welcome is warm and friendly and the hospitality is excellent.

This Serravalle Scrivia hotel creates a contrast with the original farm buildings - guest rooms are housed in elegant low-rise red-roofed buildings set within the landscaped gardens. There are 44 handsome rooms here (12 in the 19th century villa and the remainder in the grounds), all with excellent en-suite facilities including both shower and bath plus a fitted hairdryer and a range of complimentary toiletries. Rooms are equipped with direct-dial telephone, satellite television internet modem link and a well-stocked minibar. Rooms in the villa have balconies with terrific views over the park and each room in the garden has its own little garden or outside terrace and a porch for private parking. Under-threes stay free of charge in their parents' room.

Inside the villa, there's a fabulous restaurant which seats just 30 and is open both for lunch and dinner. The menu focuses on delicious local cuisine from Piedmont (Piemonte), as well as nearby Lombardy and Liguria, alongside classic Italian cooking and a selection of the best regional wines. There is also an elegant lounge/bar with a wide choice of drinks and a congenial atmosphere. There is a separate conference centre which has three well-equipped rooms of various sizes and full business-support services. The hotel also has its own golf course which is surrounded by woodland and vineyards and has a cosy club house. There is a 24-hour service on the reception desk and there is also a comfortable reading room in the villa itself.

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Double room from €100