Unbelievable Albergo degli Amici: Chieti's Hidden Gem Revealed!
Unbelievable Albergo degli Amici: Chieti's Hidden Gem Revealed! (My Honest, Messy, and Probably Overenthusiastic Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (slightly over-enthusiastic) tea on the Albergo degli Amici in Chieti, Italy. "Unbelievable" they say, and honestly? They weren't that far off. This place isn’t pristine perfection, but it’s got…character. And a whole lot of charm. Prepare for a rambling, honest review with all the messy glory of a perfectly imperfect trip.
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the "Did I Pack the Right Shoes?" Moment):
Finding the Albergo degli Amici was my first adventure. Chieti itself is perched high, so if you're arriving by train, expect a bit of a uphill trek. Public transport is fairly decent, but I'd recommend a taxi unless you're training for a marathon.
- Accessibility: The hotel is… trying. Let's put it that way. There's an elevator (thank the heavens!), which is a huge plus. However, I wouldn't call it fully wheelchair accessible throughout. While the main areas are relatively navigable, some of the rooms might present challenges. I'm NOT an expert on disability access, so PLEASE verify specifics with the hotel directly before booking if this is a major concern!
The Room (and My Love Affair with Slippers):
My room? Okay, let’s be real. It wasn't a five-star palace, but it was clean. Crucially, spotlessly clean. The Air-conditioning was a LIFESAVER in the Chieti heat. And, oh my god, the slippers! Plush, soft, and the kind you'd actually wear all day long. A minor detail, I know, but those little things make all the difference, and those slippers were fantastic, seriously, they helped me through the day!
- Available in All Rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Blackout curtains (essential!), Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless (more on that later!), Ironing facilities, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- More Room Features: Extra long bed (nice for us tall folk), Additional toilet (a bonus!), Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (seriously? I didn't even know these existed anymore!), Bathtub (luxurious!), Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting rooms available, Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mirror, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Umbrella, Visual alarm.
Internet Access: A Tale of Two Wi-Fis (or, the Great Wi-Fi Hunt):
Okay, let’s be honest. I need internet. My job demands it. Now, “Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!” sounded amazing. And it was…sometimes. The Wi-Fi [free] in my room was a little spotty at times - there were moments where it felt like I was using dial-up in the 90s. However, the Wi-Fi in public areas was much more robust. And there was Internet access – LAN if you needed to be really connected. It wasn't perfect, but hey, you're in Italy, so embrace the occasional digital hiccup.
Food, glorious food (and the accidental breakfast buffet marathon):
The Albergo degli Amici definitely gets points for its foodie game. Let's start with breakfast, because that's where my day always does. The Breakfast [buffet] was…well, it was an EXPERIENCE. Forget your measly continental breakfasts! This was a full-on Italian feast with everything from fresh pastries and cured meats to cheeses and omelets made to order. My favorite? The little croissants filled with Nutella. Don’t judge me. Anyway, the Asian breakfast sounded intriguing, but I was too busy devouring everything else! They also offer Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service.
- Dining, drinking, and snacking: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
Speaking of the Food (and the Near-Miss Pizza Incident):
I didn't eat at the official restaurants within the hotel, but I had to give a shot to the Snack bar, it was great!
Relaxation and Things to Do:
This is where the Albergo degli Amici really shines. They had a beautiful Swimming Pool (outdoor), perfect for a dip after a day of exploring Chieti.
- Ways to Relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom. There's also a decent Fitness center if you feel the need to work off all that pasta.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important, and They Seem to Take it Seriously):
In the current climate, cleanliness is KING. And the Albergo degli Amici gets it. I noticed a ton of safety protocols in place, and I'm talking about things, not just promises.
- Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Safety/security feature: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms.
Services and Conveniences (The Perks that Make Life Easier)
They really thought of everything. From the moment you walk in, there's a sense of being taken care of.
- Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
For the Kids… or those of us who are still big kids at heart:
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
The Quirks & The Imperfections (Because Life Isn’t Always Instagram-Worthy)
Okay, here’s the truth bombs:
- My room wasn’t perfect - there were a few minor things like a dodgy light switch and the occasional creak from the floorboards.
- Sometimes the staff seemed a little stretched thin, but ALWAYS polite and willing to help.
- The décor is maybe a tad dated. But honestly, that's part of the charm! It's not a cookie-cutter hotel; it has personality.
The Verdict & The "Book Now!" Pitch:
The Albergo degli Amici isn’t flawless. But its flaws are part of what makes it endearing. It's a place imbued with character, with kind and helpful staff, and that is what I'll remember.
Escape to Paradise: Palm Beach Inn & Seashell Cabanas, Bentota, Sri Lanka
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my gloriously imperfect, probably-a-little-too-honest, and definitely-not-sponsored adventure in Chieti, Italy, specifically at Albergo degli Amici. Consider this less an itinerary and more a chaotic roadmap of my inner monologue.
DAY 1: Arrival, Awkward Greetings, and the Quest for Coffee
1:00 PM: Arrived at the hotel. Okay, first impressions: Albergo degli Amici. Sounds lovely! Actually, it is lovely - a charming little place, slightly faded grandeur that whispers secrets. The sign is crooked, just a tiny bit. Immediately I'm charmed.
1:15 PM: The check-in was… interesting. The woman at the front desk, bless her heart, seemed to have a permanent air of bewilderment. "Ah, sì… you are… the solo traveler?" (Me: "Yep, that's me, the lost soul.") She fumbled around with a key that looked like it predated the invention of the internal combustion engine. I got the distinct feeling I was interrupting something vital.
1:30 PM: Room reveal! It's small, but perfectly formed. The bedspread? Surprisingly, I like it! It felt vintage, like something my grandmother would have had. (Cue the sudden, pang of missing my grandma). The view from my room? A charming alleyway… with a clothesline laden with very personal looking undergarments. Alright, alright. This is authentic Italy.
2:00 PM: Coffee crisis. The hotel’s coffee machine? A relic from the 80s. I braved it, and the resulting brew tasted of regret. This is where the quest for proper Italian espresso begins. I asked the hotel staff who just shrugged, "Chieti is Chieti," which I took as a cryptic warning.
3:00 PM: Found coffee. Seriously, this became my main focus. I wandered down some cobblestone streets until I found a tiny café with a grumpy old man behind the counter. "Un caffè, per favore!" I practically begged. Best. Espresso. Ever. The grumpy man, then, with a flicker of something resembling a smile, pointed to a bakery. That was a sign.
3:30 PM - 6:00 PM: Okay, so, the bakery. Mamma Mia. The smells, the colours, the sheer decadence. I became completely transfixed. I tried to be strong, I really did. But I ended up buying three pastries: A cornetto (naturally), a crumbly thing dusted with powdered sugar that dissolved and got all over my face (deliciously so), and a slice of something that looks like a small cake. This is the only thing that will matter.
7:00 PM: Dinner: The hotel recommended a trattoria called "La Taverna del Nonno." Sounds charming, right? (It was.) Ordered the pasta with ragu. Ate it. Fell in love. Felt like I was mainlining pure Italian sunshine. Almost cried.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel, exhausted but content (and slightly caffeinated). Stumbled upon the lobby (which is far more charming than it has any right to be) and ended up chatting with a couple who are staying there. We ended up chatting for hours, trading stories, and realising that everyone else on holiday has their own 'coffee crisis'.
DAY 2: Lost in Translation (and in the Charm of Chieti)
9:00 AM: Wake up. The sun streamed through the window, illuminating the clothesline's, ah, delicate contents on a nearby building. Decided that was probably a good time to get up. Went back for another espresso, and the grumpy man at the cafe gave me a small wave. "Buongiorno". My Italian is growing. (My stomach is also growing, which is a slight concern, but hey, dolce vita).
10:00 AM: Attempting to explore Chieti. Armed with a phrasebook and a healthy dose of optimism. Mostly, I got lost. Beautifully, delightfully lost. Wandering through narrow streets, dodging Vespas, and accidentally wandering into someone's laundry room (whoops).
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Finally found the Museo Archeologico Nazionale d'Abruzzo. Which was actually really cool. There was the colossal statue of Hercules. And I learned a ton about ancient Roman history. But the real treasure was the building itself. So old. So beautiful. They had the statue of Hercules, but I couldn’t help but stare at the statue of Hercules, and I kept thinking about the lady's undergarments hanging in the alley.
1:00 PM: Lunch (or as I’m now calling it, "Second Breakfast"): Decided to just sit down and eat at a random spot. Walked in, said "un tavolo per uno," and felt oddly proud of myself. Ended up with something that looked like a flatbread with mushrooms. It was incredible. The waiter kept topping up my wine glass.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: I decided to embrace the art of dolce far niente (the sweetness of doing nothing). Found a park bench with a view. Sat there. Read a book. Watched grannies gossiping. Listened to whatever music was floating out of open windows. Utterly serene.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Tried a different restaurant. The food was… okay. The service was… let’s just say "Italian." Ordered a tiramisu, which tasted of pure, unadulterated joy.
9:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Decided to write in my journal. Ended up falling asleep halfway through a sentence. The soft sounds of the city drifting in through the window.
DAY 3: The Double-Down on the Pastries. And a Moment of Melancholy
9:00 AM: Coffee and pastry run! This time, I knew the bakery owner. We exchanged a quick "Buongiorno!" and a knowing look. I got a different pastry this time. A custard-filled, flaky delight. Ate it on a bench.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Decided to revisit the Archeological Museum because those statues were even better the second time. I wandered the museum. This time I noticed a few more things. I noticed the statues of women. It was then that I realised I had been missing someone. My grandmother, who would have loved this trip. Suddenly the world felt a bit… hollow.
12:00 PM: Lunch: Needed comfort food. Found it in a tiny trattoria. Ordered the pasta. It wasn't the best pasta I'd ever had, but it was perfect.
1:00 PM: Took a walk and looked up at the sun. And suddenly, felt happy. Happiness isn't just about the big things. It's about the small things. Which I wrote down.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Went back to the park bench. The one with the view. And just… sat. Watching the light shift over the buildings… thinking about life.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Okay, so I knew I was going to have to leave soon. So I ordered the pasta, the very best one.
9:00 PM: Packed my bag. Stared out the window at the clothesline (which now held items that looked even more personal). Said goodbye to the hotel, to the people I'd met, and to the town. This trip was just the right speed.
DAY 4: Leaving and Lessons
- 9:00 AM: Last espresso at the grumpy cafe. I left the cafe and thought to myself - wow, the grumpy man will be sad to see me go.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. The woman at the front desk had a new hairdo this time.
- Goodbye, Chieti. I'll be back. Maybe.
Lessons Learned: Pack comfortable shoes. Learn some basic Italian (it makes the grumpy cafe man smile). Embrace the mess. And always, always make time for pastries. This trip, despite all the small imperfections, was one I will cherish.
Escape to Paradise: Kuteer Manali - Your Unforgettable Indian Getaway
So, like, why would anyone *want* to make pizza at home? Isn't that a disaster waiting to happen?
Oh, honey, *believe* me, I've asked myself this question a million times. Especially after the Great Pineapple Incident of '22 (shudders). The romance is real, though, you know? That Pinterest-perfect vision of kneading dough, the smell of basil wafting... Ugh, I get all misty-eyed just *thinking* about it. Realistically? It's about control. You get to pick the toppings. *You* are the master of your own culinary destiny… provided you don't burn the crust, which, let's be honest, happens to the best of us. And sometimes, just sometimes, you surprise yourself. Like that one time I actually produced a pizza that was edible. It was a miracle! Felt like I'd conquered Everest... on a pizza stone.
Alright, fine, you've (kinda) sold me. Where do I even *start*? Flour? Yeast? Is this like a chemistry experiment?
Start simple. *Please*. My first attempt involved a sourdough starter I'd affectionately named "Herbert" (don't ask). It was a disaster. I think Herbert developed a personality disorder from the constant neglect. My advice? Go for instant yeast. It's your friend. Flour? All-purpose is fine to begin with. The *real* issue is getting the water temperature right. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast. Too cold, and… well, you'll be waiting for hours. Hours I've wasted, staring at a bowl of lifeless, sad dough. Get a thermometer. Seriously. And maybe a therapist. Pizza-making can be rough, emotionally. Don't ask me how I know.
Crust. The bane of every aspiring pizzaiolo. How do you *not* end up with a hockey puck?
Ah, the crust. The Achilles heel. My Everest. I’ve tried everything. High-heat ovens? Burnt. Pizza stones? Cracked. My theory? *It’s the gluten*. Some people, they have a knack. They can toss dough like they were born doing it. Me? I'm more of a "slap-and-hope" kinda gal. Listen, the secret? And I say secret loosely, because it's more like a whispered prayer... *don't overwork the dough*. Let it rise properly (even if it takes FOREVER, like, overnight in the fridge is your friend - even if the fridge *itself* is a chaotic disaster zone). And… pray. A lot. And if it comes out tough? Use a knife. Slice it thin. Load it with toppings to distract from the textural imperfections. You'll be fine. We all will.
Toppings! The fun part. What are the unwritten rules? Can I put… *anything* on there?
Oh, the toppings. The canvas of your culinary creation! The *limitations* of your fridge! The joy! (And sometimes, the despair). Look, the "rules" are more like suggestions. Except for the pineapple. *Seriously*, I'm still dealing with the ramifications of the Great Pineapple Incident. It was… *aggressive*. The sweetness clashed. The texture was... wrong. But, hey, you do you! Just be mindful. And please, for all that is holy, don't overload it. More is *not* always better. Think of balance. Think of… the roof of your mouth! You’re not trying to build a skyscraper of food, are you? (Unless that’s your thing, in which case, go for it. Document it. Send pictures. I need to understand.)
What about the cheese? Do I *have* to use mozzarella? And what if I don't like it?
Mozzarella is the classic, sure. But honestly? Use what you love! I'm a firm believer in a good, sharp cheddar on pizza. Or goat cheese! Or, listen, even a sprinkle of parmesan can do wonders. The key is quality. Get the good stuff. The stuff that melts beautifully and gets all gooey and stringy. The cheap stuff? It’s a gamble. It might work. It might taste like… well, disappointment. And *please*, for the love of all that is cheesy, don’t pre-shredded cheese. Buy a block and shred it yourself. It tastes better. I don't know why. Science.
My pizza always comes out… uneven. One side is burnt, the other is raw. Halp!
Oh, honey, I feel you. The uneven pizza. It's like… a culinary metaphor for life, isn't it? (Too deep? Sorry.) The problem is usually the oven. Does it have a hot spot? Is it calibrated correctly? Do you rotate the pizza halfway through? (You *should*). Honestly, sometimes it's just luck. But here's my (slightly neurotic) routine: Preheat the oven *religiously*. Use a pizza stone if you have one (preheat it too!). Watch the pizza like a hawk. And… pray. (Again). Because sometimes, no matter what you do, the pizza gods are just not on your side. Embrace the imperfections. Cut off the burnt bits. No one will know the difference.
I tried it. I failed. What do I do now? Divorce court? Therapy?
Failure is part of the process, my friend. Embrace it! Laugh at it! Tell the story! (I'm still telling the pineapple story, and it's been years.) Don't throw in the towel. Try again. Tweak the recipe. Learn from your mistakes. And if all else fails? Order takeout. Seriously. Pizza is supposed to be fun. If it's causing you actual existential angst? It's not worth it. Take a break. Breathe. And maybe, just maybe, watch a pizza-making tutorial. (But don’t compare yourself to those perfect people. They're liars. Or they have magic ovens.) Oh, and about the divorce court and therapy? Well, I'm not a professional, but if that pizza was *really* that bad... maybe give those options a thought. ;)
