Hotel Il Tiglio in Castel di Sangro

This is a different experience. The host, Mario, is kind but also quite overbearing. He is very rigid in controlling the atmosphere in the hotel. While many see him as welcoming and pleasant, I found him obsessive to the point of uncomfortably awkward.

Prior to arrival he sent many messages requiring online pre-registration. If not completed, you receive more messages. He requires guests to complete a separate online form from booking, including your passport number and photo. This was not a "live link", so if using your phone it is quite difficult to complete.

He is extremely strict on arrival/departure hours, which is his right as the host. It's just not very accommodating.

The hotel itself is clean and well kept although the rooms are small. My room overlooked an alley (photo attached).

My most significant concern is when he confronted me. During my first morning I declined to eat breakfast at the hotel. He seemed baffled and offended. But I wanted to sit outside and enjoy cappuccino in the town square. When I returned from several hours of hiking he confronted me about what he was doing wrong. I declined comment, but he noted he did not "want a bad review on Expedia."

His concern is less about the guest, and more with his obsession about his image and that of the hotel.

The internet speed was insufficient for streaming on either the hotel TV or personal devices. I'm not sure he understands that not all internet is the same. A smart TV doesn't work unless the internet speed is sufficient.

Fortunately, I checked out 1 day early to avoid the Italian rail strike. It was worth paying for the unused night to avoid further uncomfortable encounters with Mario.

The hotel is satisfactory but the host is too overbearing.

Person that front desk was an amazing, friendly, and helpful person

Breakfast was excellent, homemade pastries and jams, fresh juice, coffee and more. Very clean and Mario the owner could not have been more hospitable. Would highly recommend.

Great variety and service especially during Covid, they are taking sanitation seriously as good as I have seen anywhere