Sotto le Stelle

I took 5 couples to Picinisco to introduce them to my ancestral home. We stayed at Sotto le Stelle and toured the area for a couple of days. I was nervous about whether our globe-trotting friends would be happy to spend time in a small Italian town like Picinisco - I shouldn’t have been. They absolutely loved the experience, telling me it was the highlight of every trip they’d ever taken to Italy. First they were awed by the beauty of the suites at Sotto le Stelle - opulently designed, supremely comfortable, and furnished with every imaginable amenity. Everyone thought they were better than any 5-star European hotel. The hospitality of the owner and his wife began with drinks in the gorgeous piazza overlooking the Comino Valley. They provided us with an itinerary, several drivers who facilitated every aspect of our journey, a wealth of information about the area, and first-rate dining recommendations. Our friends couldn’t thank us enough for introducing them to Sotto le Stelle and the unique travel experience it offers.

Beautiful hotel, charming town and delicious food and wine. The rooms are beautifully appointed with lush towels, modern bathrooms and kitchens fully stocked with beautiful dishes and local bottles of wine. After our visit the owners felt like old friends and we will surely return. Don’t miss the winery owned by the hotel and be sure to explore the charming town and nearby National Park.

We had a lovely stay here in the mountains. We were nervous going in July with the rooms having no AC but our room was very cool all on its own. The room was beautiful with the original features preserved throughout. The views were STUNNING, it was amazing to look at every day. The bed was comfy, the towels smelled good, the shower was perfect. They provided a couple of local bottles of wine in our room for purchase which was nice. They also delivered a light breakfast in the morning to our room (juice, croissant, yogurt). The restaurant downstairs (not part of this hotel) was lovely as well. A little difficult to find and when we arrived, no one was in the office and no one answered when we called the number on the door but someone came just a few minutes later and everything was sorted. The owners are very nice people. We would definitely go back!! Highly recommend.

Just spent 8 wonderful days at Sotto le Stelle reuniting with cousins from the USA. Cesidio and his wonderful staff are amazing and nothing was too much trouble for them. All the suites are luxurious and have the most comfortable beds. We were even fortunate enough to have been able to book a tour of I Ciacca and have a superb lunch there. It was a truly blissful week and we can't wait to go back next May.

Loved the town (Picinisco), the room, and the Winery (cooking class). The rooms are unbelievable with the old style (1,000 years old) melting with the new comforts. We stayed in the writer's room and it was awesome! Loved the decor and views! We took a cooking class arranged by Cesidio (fascinating story of how he is connected with the town), the owner, and after gathering some local ingredients, we made pasta and cooked with Matteo (resident Chef) in the winery kitchen. It was incredible! We ate at the local restaurants and did some walks and hikes! This is the best-kept secret in Italy. If you are looking for a nice break located between Rome and Naples, this is the place. Make sure you set aside a few days here if not more.

I can’t really tell you much about Sotto le Stelle, because we never saw inside the property! We arrived in Picinisco at 7pm (the latest time for check-in) to find the doors locked and a note giving a couple of phone numbers for reservations, neither of which were answered. We had been in correspondence with the hotel a day earlier and they knew we were coming and that our timing was uncertain. We waited over an hour for someone to show up and they never did. Almost an hour after that we got an apologetic WhatsApp message from the owner, but by then we had moved on. This hotel is in a stunning setting in a beautiful mediaeval town. I wouldn’t say don’t go, but make sure you have a Plan B if it’s closed. Picinisco is a long way from anywhere…..

Beautiful, modern, fresh and clean room in a lovely boutique B&B hotel. The light breakfast consisting of freshly squeezed orange juice, pastries and coffee hit the spot perfectly. The hotel is centrally situated in this small town with amazing views across the valley below and to the hills beyond. Cesidio, the owner, is extremely passionate about the hotel and the town of Picinisco. He ensured we visited the key sights in the local area and provided great advice on where to eat. Situated high in the Lazio hills and away from the beaten track, the hotel provided a beautiful and serene base from which to rest and to explore the local area. Must see attractions include Montecassino and Cessisio's family vineyard. We will definitely be back.

You immediately feel welcome in this little town. The host Cesidio bends over backwards to make your experience of the area unforgettable. The apartment is very spacious and comfortable. Picinisco is a great destination for trekking in the Abruzzo.