Hotel Posta

With a prime position in the heart of medieval Reggio Emilia, the Hotel Posta exudes great character and charm. Though dating back to the 13th century, the property became an inn in 1515, making it one of the oldest hotels in Italy. In days of yore, the huge front doors swung open to let travelers enter for the night, along with their horses which were also fed and cared for. The hotel has been meticulously renovated, preserving its rich heritage, including a handsome 14th-century assembly hall. This stunning room—with its soaring ceiling, heavy beams, and beautiful frescoed walls depicting coats of arms—is now used for banquets, weddings, and conferences. The quaint lacquered furniture in the lounge and cute bar with festooned painted angels came from a 19th-century confectionery shop. The guestrooms are all individually decorated with attractive furniture including some antiques and pretty coordinating fabrics on the curtains and bed coverings. If you want more space, request one of the junior suites. If you really want to splurge, ask for 120, a gorgeous corner suite with beautiful furnishings and both windows and bed opulently draped with blue-and-white fabric. Another choice is to ask for one of the rooms in the back of the hotel overlooking the spectacular Piazza Prampolini—these are great fun (top floor rooms have a small balcony).