We stayed three nights at Le Case which is near Macerata in the
southern part of the region of Le Marche in Italy. The hotel is part of a
complex installed in 15th century farm houses and includes two gourmet
restaurants and an indoor pool and spa. The ambience is established as you
drive down a long cobblestone drive lined with cypress trees. The hotel
is decorated as an 18th century mansion with antiques and lovely
paintings. We were in a standard double room which had plenty of space and a
reasonable sized bathroom with shower only.

The room looked out over the terrace that roofs the pool and beyond to
a valley of farms. Breakfast is included and is served in a pretty room
below the lobby, next to the spa area. The breakfast goes beyond the
usual Italian coffee and roll to incude home made breads and cakes, honey
and jams made from locally grown fruits, fresh fruits, cheese and
meats. We loved the fig tart and lemon tart.

We did not take advantage of the pool but it is beautiful, with a wall
of windows looking out on the green fields. A small exercise room and
massage therapists are also available.

Our only complaints were some shoddy maintenance on the terrace and
water damage in a corner of our room. This could have been because it was
early in the season. There was no one at the front desk between ten
p.m. or so and ten a.m. When they were there, the personnel were helpful.

The other guests were a mix of families and business people.
It is a very peaceful atmosphere and the restaurants are truly
outstanding. I would call them destination restaurants, the kind you would
drive out of your way to eat at.

The hotel is conveniently located for exploring many neighboring hill
towns or the beach, since it is near enough to the Adriatic Sea for a
day trip.

Prices here are 125 to 150 euros for a double. Higher than most
agriturisms, but definitely worth it for the lovely surroundings.