When most visitors would consider Ravenna a day trip option, I had adhered to what was stated in the Michelin Green Guide to Italy that Ravenna is a 3 stars (the highest rating) city to visit, and booked the Albergo Cappello for a two nights stay right away. When there are not too much choices of hotels in Ravenna, it took me merely seconds to choose this gem of a boutique hotel.

Based merely on photos which I had seen on the internet and what Cinzia had recommended me, I change my reservation from the historical Amaranth Dream suite to the Rosa & Rose suite. I was very very gald with my choice since quietness is of utmost importance to jet lagged travellers like us. You see, though the Amaranth suite has antique ceiling frescoes, the Rosa suite was facing an internal restaurant courtyard, which wasn't used in winter ....hence, total bliss for our two nights stay here.

The Rosa & Rose suite is huge, almost like an apartment but without kitchenette facilites - it is down a few stairs, has a large sitting hall with two double armchairs, two separated small but cute marbled bathroom and toilet, and a comfortably sized, silk walled romantic bedroom. There are a total of 3 windows in the suite, offering direct views of the lovely & charming courtyard. And there was even a mid-sized glass elevator in the Albergo - very efficient and modern.

There are also a total of 3 doors leading to the bedroom of the suite, making sure that you do not hear the slightest noise from the hallway! Also, there are two TVs, one offering Sky TV, which has practically a few hundred channels to enjoy - a rarity even in some 5 stars hotels!!! There was also free internet in the suite, important for my husband with his laptop. Last but not least, there were sweets, Lindt chocolates everywhere, for us to nimble on ...Plus, a book on Ravenna sights. But do watch out for the extra calories while munching on those sweets.

And guess what, we had paid an average of only 170 euros per night for the suite, with the main 4 museums in Ravenna covered by a free voucher! Though there are cheaper options in Ravenna, we thought we got a pretty good deal, considering the charm of the Albergo, the size of our suite and the pleasantness of all the staff working there - 2 x Cinzia, and Alessia, all charming, helpful and thoughtful!

The location of the Albergo? Couldn't be any better as you are directly opposite the Mercato, which is merely 5 or 6 steps away, but there was no noise at all since it was a totally covered market. Most sights Ravenna has to offer, esp. the St Vitale Church and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are very nearby. Even shopping on Viale Cavour was merely steps away, too.

Our only slight gripe here was the pillow were too thin to sleep on, but I had used a rectangular shaped cushion to place on top of the pillow, and slept very well afterwards. As for breakfasts, it was good quality pastries but limited in range, as was to be expected since the Albergo has only 7 rooms. But that was a blessing in disguise, as we had dined twice at the highly rated, Locanda Melarancio (Via Mentana, 33). Loved the Parpadelle with black truffles there, yum! On the other hand, the degustation menu at 34 euros each at Ca de Ven was good value, but only above average in taste.

Lastly, we made the grave mistake of visiting Ravenna and the Emilia-Romagna region in December 2009, when Italy was experiencing one of its worst winters in 15 years. Heavy snow was everywhere, and even our day trip to the San Marino Republic had to be cancelled. A short bus ride to the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare in Classe also proved futile, closed during heavy snow! But all these is no fault of the Albergo, I must stress.

Overall, we liked Ravenna, and would most probably return to see the balance sights which we had missed due to the slower pace during winter (had to walk extremely slow on ice!). Luck was on our side when we could get cabs to the train station for our ride to Ferrara, but only to realise there was a two hour delay at the station, also due to heavy snow ...

Among all the cities we had visited on this trip, we liked Parma, Ferrara and Ravenna the best. Hated Modena and Milan. Florence was fine, but with hordes and hordes of tourists though. Will try to revisit this charming Albergo and our new friends working in it when in Ravenna again. Ciao!