Palazzo Fieschi

At just 28 km north of Genoa and close to the autostrada continuing to Milan is the sleepy town of Savignone with the 16th-century Palazzo Fieschi sitting right in its main square. The Caprile family has taken over the hotel in 1997, continuing a tradition of offering home-like hospitality to travelers since 1856 when the original proprietors, Count Fieschi rented out rooms. The sensation of stepping back in time is encountered upon entering the large gray-tiled reception area with atrium and potted plants which continues down a hall straight back to a bar and out to the spacious lawn, fountain and gardens with ancient trees overlooking the town. To the right of the wide stone staircase leading up to the 22 bedrooms on the upper two floors is a frescoed dining area where travelers stopover from either Milan or Genova for an excellent regional meal (no one can miss the pesto sauce or gnocchi) prepared by the owners. No two of the old-fashioned style bedrooms are alike either in size or décor which counts mostly on a mix of country antiques from the late 1800s. New bathrooms are plain and functional and restoration work on rooms left either original brick floors or were completely modified with new tiled floors. Daughter, Sara, is on hand to suggest classic Riviera or off the beaten track itineraries.