Posta Hotel Reggio-Emilia

[tknee59]

On our recent three hotel luxurylink trip over 13 days to Italy we first booked the Posta in Reggio-Emilia an are we wished to see as it is the center for balsamic vinegar and of course Parmesano-Reggiano cheese. Umberto , the hotel owner was fantastic and I highly recommend his restaurant and tour of the balsamic vinegar tour as well as the tour of the cheese production plant, all which was included in the package. The city is out of the usual American tourists destination but that is one of the pluses in my opinion. Breakfast and rooms were exceptional, and the indoor protected parking is a definite need in this city. Parma is close by as is Bologna. The only negative is to difficulty in getting through the maze of streets,one way for the most part, and apparently changed within the month of our visit. Since there are few English speaking natives we struggled but were successful after removing a pipe in the roadwhich blocked our way out of a street. All in all a great find for those who like new places to visit.

[kyshel]

TY, TK! I've always been curious about this property. I keep contemplating the car vs train idea. I'd love to know more about the room you had, other things to do, local meals/restaurants and such. Please feel free to add more comments!

[tknee59]

The hotel was completely redone after a fire about a year ago, according to Umberto who is the owner's son and who runs the hotel. The rooms we had including the one our friends had, were first class, large with a great bathroom and quiet as we were in an inside room. Our friends were on the piazza so there was more noise but didn't seem to bother their sleeping. The furnishings were all new, the bed first rate and a king. Breakfasts were outstanding with fresh fruit, bread cereal and meats and cheeses each day. I would definitely stay there again and would recommend it to you. As I mentioned it is in an interesting area of Italy where you can get a real taste of the culture. Not many Americans around. The tours offered were very interesting if you are into italian food and who isn't. You are close to Parma, an interesting city, not far from Bologna and Ferrara is a day trip if you are into cars. My wife and I rode the free bikes around the city one day. We found several good restaurants within walking distance- check out Tripadvisor for the names because we used that as a guide. I would recommend a car but don't have experience with the train station location in the city. The hotel is in the old center city and a University is on the outskirts. Hope this helps.

[kyshel]

thank you so much for the additional input--exactly what I wanted to know.

[lippincottfarm]

I have stayed at the Hotel Posta on a couple of occasions. The first time we drove from Florence airport; easy drive but several hours long, and it snowed like crazy. By the time we got to Reggio we were beat, but found the hotel with little trouble. We took the City Centre exit and just kept following the signs to the centre until we found a parking lot. I got out and walked around until someone pointed out the street where the hotel is. We were only a block away. The hotel is in a central location, and there are multiple restaurants within a ten minute walk. There is a market area around the corner with grocery stores, boutiques and restaurants. There is a large grocery store about five or six minutes away, but you would never know a large grocery store was there without help from a native; its entrance is below ground. On the weekends in the summer, the bars put tables out for all of the city residents and they come out in their beautiful clothing, gorgeous shoes, and makeup. In the winter, furs are everywhere, just like in Venice.



The second time we rode the train from Venice, and the third time we rode the train from Rome. Both ways are easy connections. The hotel is a very easy fifteen to twenty minute walk from the train station. I found it by riding the bike around the city. If I remember correctly you walk out of the front of the station, walk down the long boulevard on the right hand side of the street; cross the intersection (you will see where the street Ys) stay to the right and cross the next street. You then make a right and keep walking. You walk past a covered shopping area just like in Bologna and keep walking looking to the left at each intersection. Eventually you will see the sign for the hotel and you walk into the back side of the hotel where the garage is. We each had a wheeled suitcase and a backpack. I recommend one stop to get a drink on the way at the covered shopping area. We walked back to the train station when we left even though the hotel really wanted to call us a cab. We enjoy the walk.



U. Sidoli's family owns a balsamic vinegar business and a beautiful restaurant in the mountains. I recommend a trip to the restaurant, and Umberto will give you a tour of the balsamic vinegar business or will make arrangements for someone else to do so. The smell is heavenly. The ride however to the restaurant and business is quite confusing. A taxi costs alot ( I think we paid 30 Euros each way), but it is much easier, and you can drink all you want with no worries. The hotel will make arrangements for the cheese tour if you want to do this.



I love this area; it is not touristy. The food is great. Parma and Bologna are an easy train ride. Rimini and the beach is not too far. All are as easy as getting on the train and watching for your stop.



I haven't been since the fire, but we are talking about going back next summer. As stated by others, the breakfast was great; the hotel staff are very courteous and helpful, and the rooms are nicely sized. This is a great package.