Pavia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Excelsior - Unforgettable Italian Stay
Pavia's Hidden Gem: Hotel Excelsior - Honestly, Your Italian Dream Awaits (Maybe!) 🇮🇹
Okay, so, I just got back from Pavia and honestly, my expectations for the Hotel Excelsior were… well, let's just say they weren't sky-high. Pavia, right? Beautiful, historic, but not exactly known for its dazzling, modern hotels. But damn, did the Excelsior surprise me. This isn't just a hotel; it's a whole vibe.
Accessibility & Safety: More Than Just a Checklist (Thank God!)
First, and super importantly, let's talk about safety. With everything in the world, I was seriously anxious. But the Excelsior gets it. They've got CCTV everywhere (inside and out - phew!), smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, the works. And the super-detailed stuff: Anti-viral cleaning products, individually-wrapped food (thank you, modern medicine!), and staff trained in safety protocol. Seriously, I saw them sanitizing everything like their life depended on it. They’ve got hand sanitizer stations everywhere. I even saw someone wearing a mask in the elevator - even though it's not required anymore. Made me feel like they REALLY care.
As for accessibility, they're doing pretty well. They have an elevator. and facilities for disabled guests. I didn’t see the actual rooms designed for accessibility, but I saw the lobby and restaurant are easily navigable. I can't speak to the rooms specifically, but they seem to be trying. HUGE bonus points.
Internet Access – Finally, a Real Wi-Fi!
This might sound silly, but strong, reliable internet is a MUST for me. I need to work, stream my shows, and send those envy-inducing travel pics. The Hotel Excelsior? Nailed it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually WORKED! There's also Internet [LAN] if you're old-school (like, super old-school). And yeah, Wi-Fi in public areas. You can't escape it!
Getting Around & Parking: Convenience is King
Okay, this is crucial in Italy. Car park [free of charge]? YES! Car park [on-site]? YES again! Valet parking? Okay, fancy! And they even have a car power charging station (though I didn't use it). They also offer airport transfer and taxi service. Seriously, getting around was a breeze.
Rooms: Clean, Comfy, and Cluttered with Charm
Alright, the rooms. Not perfect, okay? But they're GOOD. I got a room with air conditioning, and a window that opens (important for fresh air!). Blackout curtains were an absolute godsend for sleeping in after all the delicious food. Free bottled water? Always a win. There was a coffee/tea maker, but I'm a proper coffee snob, so I ventured out to the coffee shop instead. I loved having a seating area and a desk to work at, and the interconnecting rooms are a great option for families. They are offering amazing services like daily housekeeping and I'm sure that would be very convenient.
The bathroom…. The private bathroom was clean. The shower was hot. The towels were fluffy. I mean, it's not a spa, but it's absolutely functional.
Food, Glorious Food! (And Maybe a Little Too Much…)
This is where the Hotel Excelsior really shines. I'm not going to lie, I gained five pounds. Totally worth it.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]! Oh, the joy! A wide selection of pastries, fresh fruit, and a made to order omelette. I ended up with a Western breakfast the first morning, and an Asian breakfast the second morning.
- Restaurants: The Excelsior has several restaurants. I indulged in some international cuisine and Italian delicacies, but it was the desserts which were the real star. The desserts in the restaurant were so delicious.
- Poolside Bar: The Poolside bar? It would be a perfect place to unwind.
- Bar: They have a bar. What more could you want?
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour] (they knew me by name when I ordered my late-night pizza.)
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Little Bit of Everything (Including a Pool with a View!)
Okay, here’s where it’s a bit of a mixed bag, depending on your definition of "relaxing."
- Pools: There's a swimming pool [outdoor] with a pool with a view. It was lovely but not quite as dramatic as the brochures suggested.
- Spa: The hotel has a spa. While I didn't get to the body scrub or body wrap, they did have a sauna, steamroom, and a gym/fitness center.
- Other: They have fitness center and a gym/fitness, but I was too busy eating.
The Imperfections (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, let's not pretend it was all sunshine and roses.
- The Decor: It’s not exactly minimalist chic. Think "classic Italian," which sometimes translates to "slightly dated." But honestly, it's charming. Just don't expect a modern marvel.
- The Noise: I was in a soundproof room, but you could still hear some revelry from the street. Pavia is a lively place!
- The Staff: The staff are generally amazing, but sometimes things got lost in translation. But they were always trying.
Services & Conveniences: They Really Thought of Everything!
Okay, this is where the Excelsior really blew me away. They have everything. Just look at the list:
- Contactless check-in/out: HUGE convenience!.
- Concierge: Helpful and knows the area.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Got my favorite shirt cleaned, and I didn't have to lift a finger.
- Cash withdrawal : No need to carry around huge amounts of cash!
- Convenience store: For those late-night cravings!
- Facilities for disabled guests: They're trying and if you need it, it's a huge plus!
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Useful for events!
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Air conditioning in public area : Stay cool!
- Elevator: A huge deal for us.
The Verdict: Book It (But Manage Your Expectations!)
Look, Hotel Excelsior isn't perfect. But it's got soul. It’s clean, safe, the food is delicious, and the staff genuinely care. It’s a great base for exploring Pavia and the surrounding areas.
Here's the honest truth: If you're looking for a sterile, super-modern, personality-free hotel, then go somewhere else. But if you want an authentic Italian experience, with a touch of old-world charm and incredible food, book the Hotel Excelsior.
My Rating: 8.5/10. Would definitely return (and probably gain another five pounds).
P.S. The little gift shop has some really cool souvenirs. I bought a bottle of local wine that's AMAZING.
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Tired of the same old vacation? Craving an authentic Italian experience? Escape to Pavia and discover the Hotel Excelsior – a hidden gem offering an unforgettable stay!
Why the Hotel Excelsior is Your Perfect Italian Escape:
- Unparalleled Safety & Cleanliness: Prioritizing your well-being with anti-viral cleaning, sanitized rooms, and staff expertly trained in safety protocols.
- Stress-Free Comfort: Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms, ensuring you stay connected.
- Delicious Dining Delights: Savor the flavors of Italy with a breakfast buffet, exceptional dining options.
- Relax & Recharge: Unwind by the outdoor pool, or in the convenient spa.
- Explore Pavia with Ease: Benefit from convenient services including airport transfer, and free car parking.
- Accessibility for All: We are happy to offer facilities for disabled guests and elevator access.
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Escape to Paradise: Hotel Europa, Termoli's Hidden Gem!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is a fever dream of a trip to Pavia, Italy, specifically focusing on the Hotel Excelsior. And by the end, you'll probably need a nap. Consider yourself warned.
The Pavia Pilgrimage: A Mostly Accurate, Highly Emotional Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Impending Pasta Panic
10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival at Malpensa Airport (MXP). Oh, the joy! Except, wait, where’s my luggage? Yep, classic. After some frantic gesturing at bewildered airport staff (mostly Italian, naturally, so the charades level was expert), I locate it, smelling faintly of airplane peanuts and existential dread.
11:30 AM - Train to Pavia. The train! A glorious metal snake! Or, you know, a train. Finding the right platform was a mini-adventure, involving a panicked sprint past bewildered tourists and a near collision with a very important-looking man in a beautiful suit. He glared. I may have mumbled "Pasta, PLEASE" under my breath.
1:00 PM - Check in at Hotel Excelsior. FINALLY. The Excelsior. Looks grand, feels grand. The lobby smells faintly of… expensive soap and a whiff of history. I, of course, stumbled and nearly took out a priceless antique vase. The desk clerk, bless her, just sighed and handed me my key. Room: decent. View: not bad, overlooking… something. I'll figure it out later.
1:30 PM - The Great Pasta Quest (Lunch). Okay, this is where things get real. I'm starving. Ravenous. Pavia is known for its food. I'd read about risotto, about agnolotti, about a thousand delicious things. My first attempt to find an authentic trattoria was a disaster. Ended up at a slightly depressing cafe that served… a questionable sandwich and a lukewarm coffee. My stomach actually groaned in disappointment. This is a bad sign. This is a very, very bad sign.
4:00 PM - The Pavia Cathedral (Duomo). Okay, back on track! Time to actually see something. The Duomo is immense. Gigantic. Holy. Probably. I’m not particularly religious, but I appreciate a good architectural spectacle. I stared up at the ceiling, feeling small, and maybe a little overwhelmed by the scope of it all. It's a gorgeous piece, but a little daunting. Took a photo. It's blurry (my phone is old).
6:00 PM - Wine and Existential Dread. Found a tiny, charming enoteca. Ordered a local red (can't remember the name, but dark and delicious). Sat outside, watching the people go by, feeling… thoughtful. Life's short. Eat the pasta. That's my takeaway. Also, the wine was a good decision.
7:30 PM - THE PASTA ROUND TWO! (Dinner). This is it. Redemption time. I consulted Yelp (I know, I know, I'm a tourist), and bravely ventured into a recommended restaurant that was, thankfully, full of smiling faces and the aroma of garlic and… bliss. I ordered the risotto with saffron. And it was… sublime. Actually sublime. Tears may have welled up in my eyes. This. This is why I came. This is what it's all about. Pure, unadulterated, carb-loaded joy.
9:00 PM - Regret (and Gelato). Okay, maybe I overdid it on the pasta. And the wine. And the bread. My stomach feels like a hibernating bear. But! Gelato! It feels like a crime not to have gelato in Italy. So, I did. Chocolate and pistachio. Worth every single calorie. Crawled back to the room, defeated, but happy.
Day 2: The Charterhouse, the Panic, and the Unexplained Coffee Incident
9:00 AM - Breakfast at the Hotel Excelsior. Breakfast buffet. Standard hotel fare, which means the coffee is either weak or burnt. Or both. I also managed to spill orange juice on myself. I'm a delicate flower, obviously.
10:00 AM - The Charterhouse of Pavia (Certosa). Okay, now we're talking. The Certosa is a masterpiece of architecture and a feast for the eyes. It's opulent, over-the-top, and utterly breathtaking. Every detail, from the intricate carvings to the soaring ceilings, screams "rich and powerful". I was absolutely stunned. I walked through the cloisters, feeling pious-ish, even though I'm pretty sure I was still thinking about pasta. It's that impressive.
12:00 PM - Minor Panic. Realizing I'm running out of Euros, so I need to find an ATM. Which I did, but the machine kept rejecting my card. I started sweating. Visions of being stranded, penniless and pasta-less, in a foreign country filled my head. Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. Then, finally, after much fumbling and cursing, it worked. Relief washed over me like a tidal wave.
1:00 PM - Lunch, Take Two: The Accidental Pizza Adventure. Still reeling from the ATM drama, I stumbled into a small, unassuming pizzeria. Best. Pizza. Ever. Thin crust, perfectly cooked, simple ingredients. This might have been better than yesterday's risotto. I need to rethink my life.
2:30 PM - The University of Pavia. Okay, time for a dose of culture. Pavia has a famous university, one of the oldest in Europe, apparently. Wandered through the courtyards, imagining myself as a brilliant student from centuries past - except I'd probably be complaining about the lack of Wi-Fi.
4:00 PM - The Coffee Incident. Back at the hotel. Decided to get a coffee from the machine. It was… wrong. The machine sputtered, hissed, and produced something that looked like motor oil and tasted vaguely of despair. I tried again. Same result. Abandoned the mission. Lesson learned: hotel coffee machines are the enemy.
6:00 PM - Free time and reflection. Sat on the balcony, watching the sunset, reflecting on the day. Pretty good day. Pavia is growing on me.
7:30 PM - Farewell Dinner. Found another restaurant, ordered a different pasta dish (obviously!), and tried to savor every single bite. Tomorrow I leave, so no room for regrets.
Day 3: Departure - Sayonara, Pavia!
- 9:00 AM - Last breakfast at the hotel.. Same buffet. Coffee remains questionable.
- 10:00 AM - Check out, and head to Milan.
- 12:00 AM - Goodbye, Pavia. And, with a slightly heavy heart (and a very full stomach), I departed.
Postscript:
Pavia, you glorious, pasta-filled, historically-rich city. Thanks for the adventure. Thanks for the food. Thanks for the moments of panic and the unexpected joy of a perfect pizza. I'll be back. And this time, I'm bringing more Euros. And maybe a better coffee maker. Because the Excelsior's coffee… well, let's just say it's a tragedy in a mug. And one last thing: Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Pomorie Seaside Apartments Await!
Hotel Excelsior, Pavia: The Unfiltered FAQs – Brace Yourselves!
Okay, seriously, is this Hotel Excelsior REALLY a hidden gem? I've seen Pavia. It's not exactly… bustling.
Bustling? Honey, Pavia is practically whispering sweet nothings in your ear. And yes, the Excelsior? Hidden? Absolutely. Gem? Well… that depends on your definition of “gem.” Think less Tiffany's, more your eccentric aunt's attic filled with fabulous, slightly dust-covered treasures. It’s not the Ritz, thank the heavens. It's… characterful. Let’s just say I wouldn’t take my demanding mother there, but I'd heartily recommend it to my mates for a laugh AND genuine comfy bed. Seriously, the beds are surprisingly good. Like, maybe the best part of the whole experience.
What's the room situation like? Is it all antique furniture and creaky floors? Because, honestly, that can be charming or a total nightmare.
Creaky? Oh, you *bet* there are creaky floors. And antique furniture? Yep. Think… mismatched, a little bit worn (a lot, actually), and probably sourced from various Pavia estate sales over the last century. One time, I swear I saw a tiny, slightly-burnt-orange floral armchair that looked like it had witnessed the Spanish Inquisition. It was either charming or terrifying. I couldn't decide. You're definitely trading in sleek modernity for something with genuine history… and maybe the lingering aroma of a forgotten aftershave. Don't expect pristine. Embrace the imperfections! I'm still haunted by a tiny, almost unnoticeable stain on the bathroom mirror that looks like it's been there since the dawn of time. I kept trying to clean it... it wouldn't budge. It’s part of the charm, I guess.
Breakfast? Tell me about the breakfast! I live to eat.
Alright, breakfast. This is where things get… interesting. Don't go expecting a gourmet buffet overflowing with artisanal cheeses and freshly squeezed juice. Prepared? Kinda. Think classic Continental, with a few Italian touches. There are certainly croissants. There's always cold cuts. Expect a LOT of bread. The coffee… well, let's just say it’s Italian coffee. Strong. Black. And might just kickstart your day with a jolt you won't soon forget. I had this one experience… the first morning, jet-lagged, barely able to function, I stumbled down to the breakfast room. The woman running the show? She was a force of nature. She looked at me, took one look at my hair, and without saying a word, thrust a double espresso in my hand. It was… brutal. But it worked. The coffee was so strong, it practically rewired my brain. I swear I could see in color for the first time in days. It wasn't the best breakfast ever, but it WAS an experience. And the bread, actually, was surprisingly good. Especially with some of that suspiciously-pink ham.
Location, location, location? How is it situated in Pavia? Close to the sights (and the Aperol spritzes)?
Location? Excellent! Pavia is compact, so pretty much everything is within walking distance. And the Excelsior? Central. You're practically stumbling distance from the Ponte Coperto, the main bridge, and all the pretty canals, the cathedrals and cool streets. Aperol Spritzes? My friend, you are in Italy! They practically grow on trees, or at least, at every bar. You're practically in walking distance of aperitivo heaven. I even managed to wander into a tiny, nondescript osteria one evening, and it was all locals, and the best damn plate of pasta carbonara I have *ever* eaten. Serendipity, thy name is Pavia (and maybe the Excelsior – it seemed to be the perfect jumping-off point).
Is the staff friendly? I can't handle surly hotel staff.
Friendly? Listen, Italians are, on the whole, pretty fabulous people. And the staff at the Excelsior? They're authentic. They're not going to be fawning all over you, but they're genuinely helpful. They might not speak perfect English, and you might have to resort to some frantic hand gestures and half-remembered phrases, but they'll absolutely try. They seem to really care about their hotel, in a slightly chaotic, endearingly Italian way. There was this one time I got totally lost trying to find a specific antique shop. The receptionist, bless her heart, spent like, fifteen minutes drawing me a map, using colored pens from behind the desk. It was a work of art. I still have it. And even though she probably didn't understand a word of what I was saying she nodded sympathetically as a list of complaints and praises about their hotel spewed from my lips.
Okay, so you've been somewhat vague. What's the ONE thing, the SINGLE experience, that you’ll remember the Excelsior for?
Oh, that’s easy. It was a rainy afternoon. The kind of Italian rain that makes you want to curl up and disappear. I was stuck in my room, battling a stubborn Wi-Fi signal that kept cutting out (another 'charm', haha). I was in a complete funk. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was a cleaning lady. I figured she was there to restock the mini-bar (which, by the way, had the most incredibly sad selection of snacks). Instead, she pointed at the open window – the rain was absolutely bucketing down - and then proceeded to do a little, almost theatrical, gesture and hand me the most amazing, fragrant, steaming cup of... something. I couldn't tell you what it was, hot chocolate? coffee? Cinnamon-infused tea? It had the scent of a thousand spices, and it warmed me from the inside out. She didn't speak a word of English, I barely spoke Italian, but she smiled, and I smiled back. It was the most genuine, unexpected act of kindness. And in that moment, the creaky floors, the dodgy Wi-Fi, the stained mirrors… it all faded away. It was a perfect, simple, utterly human moment. THAT's the Excelsior. That's what makes it special. That's why it's a hidden gem. It's not perfect. It's not glamorous. But it's *real*. And that's a rare and beautiful thing.
Are there any downsides I should be aware of? Any dealbreakers?
Dealbreakers? Hmm. If you need a gym, forget it. If you need 24/7 room service, forget it. If you can't handle a slightly-fusty smell and the occasional creak in the night, maybe it's not for you. If you're allergic to realness, avoid it. The Wi-Fi is truly terrible at times. The air conditioning is unreliable. And there are some questionable color choices in the décor. But, honestly? For me, the downsides are part of the appeal. It's all part of the character! I wouldn't change it. If it lost its quirks, it wouldn't be the Excelsior. And then, you’d just be staying5 Star Stay Find
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