A nice friendly hotel in a good location. Not at all expensive for the room, and perfectly placed for eating out, shopping and for access to the airport and train station.

I stayed in Alba for three months with others whilst working in the city, so I know the place back to front. It's fairly easy to find with its big blue sign. The location is brilliant; 5 minutes from the beach, 2 from the station and a few moments from the shops.

Upon arrival, the decor hits you immediately - it's what I'd call twee - lots of Cistine Chapel-esque cherubs and clouds in Technicolor. The service was always impeccable, especially by the ladies who work there and the world-weary night guard (who always had a cheerful word even when we rolled in at 3am!), although only one of the receptionists spoke English. Even the cleaning ladies were cheerful, even though at first I spoke no Italian and they spoke no English.

The room I was in was lovely and always brilliantly clean. The air conditioning is a godsend (we stayed in a few cheap places in Naples and Rome with none, and it's truly awful in the summer without!). The shower and bathroom facilities were great, place was roomy and had a big wardrobe.

Breakfast was charming; lots of fresh fruit and pastries available with wonderful service, and the dining room has a large TV to watch the news in the morning and films/primetime in the evening.

My biggest complaint is the patchy wireless coverage. As I was there for work it would have been great to have internet in my room, but as it was it only reached the common areas and a few lucky rooms nearby.

I can highly recommend the restaurant opposite, Gaetano. The menu is varied and good value, and the charming and welcoming Italian owner speaks excellent English plus some French. He lived in York for 17 years like me so we had a lot to talk about!

The area surrounding Pescara is truly breathtaking; please visit the mountains during your stay and sample arrosticini, the unofficial local delicacy (mutton on a wooden skewer barbecued outdoors - delicious!).

Very nice hotel. In the center area, not very far from the sea.
Very good breakfast.