Uncover Vercelli's Hidden Gem: The Palace Hotel Awaits!
Uncover Vercelli's Hidden Gem: The Palace Hotel Awaits! - A Review (and a Rant!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged from the… well, palace that is the Palace Hotel in Vercelli, Italy. And let me tell you, it’s a mixed bag. A glorious, frustrating, utterly Italian mixed bag. This isn’t your sterile, corporate hotel review. This is the real deal, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster.
First, the Basics: Accessibility & All That Jazz (Mostly Good!)
Right, so, Accessibility. Now, I didn't personally test everything here. (I'm not a wheelchair-bound reviewer, thankfully!) But from what I saw, they've made a decent effort. Wheelchair accessible areas are flagged, and the elevator is a lifesaver (especially when you’re lugging too much luggage…guilty!). Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I'd recommend calling ahead to clarify specifics. They seem to get it. Well, mostly. The car park [on-site] is a huge bonus in a city like Vercelli – parking can be a nightmare! And car park [free of charge] for some folks, bonus!
Now, the internet situation. Ah, the internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glorious! Internet access [wireless] is readily available, but I confess, I didn’t dive into the intricacies of Internet [LAN] because, frankly, I was there to escape the internet. (Except to post this review, obviously!) Plus, the Wi-Fi in public areas was strong and reliable. God bless the Italians, they get the internet… finally.
Cleanliness & Safety – Trying to Be Responsible (But… Italian)
Alright, let's talk COVID. The Anti-viral cleaning products are there. You see the signs. The Daily disinfection in common areas is supposedly happening. Hand sanitizer is everywhere. They even have Hygiene certification on display. They tout Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. This is all good, right? Right. BUT. Don’t expect surgical levels of cleanliness. It’s Italy. There’s a certain… laissez-faire attitude. Still, I felt reasonably safe. The Individual wrapped food options during breakfast was a plus, and the Cashless payment service is a godsend.
I DID appreciate the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Made bumping into grumpy Italians on the breakfast line that much easier. And the Safe dining setup in the restaurant was a relief… more about that later.
Rooms & Comfort – Sometimes a Dream, Sometimes… Less So
The rooms. Oh, the rooms. Mine was generally a good experience. The Air conditioning was a lifesaver, especially after a long day of exploring Vercelli in the heat. Blackout curtains? Thank you, sweet baby Jesus! Sleep! The Extra long bed was a godsend for this tall gal. And the Bathroom phone? I may or may not have called room service at 3 am… (don’t judge.)
Some rooms are better than others. The Soundproof rooms claim is, well, optimistic. I did hear a lot of door slamming and someone’s incredibly loud Italian phone conversations. But, hey, that’s part of the charm, right? The Non-smoking rooms are a definite win! I did appreciate the Alarm clock, although I kept smashing it instead of using it. Complimentary tea and Free bottled water are always welcome.
The Mini bar? Well stocked. But let's be honest, did I use it? Probably. The In-room safe box did its job – kept my passport secure. The Mirror was useful for looking at a good makeup job.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Spa Day Dreamin', or Not!
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Palace Hotel boasts a Spa. But “boasts” might be the wrong word. The reality… is… well, let's say it's Italian.
Let's start with the positives. They have a Fitness center. I didn’t go. Exercise on vacation? Are you kidding me? But it looked decent enough through the glass door.
They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Spa/sauna. I tried the sauna once. It was… hot. I’m not really a sauna person. But it was there with Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], This is where the "view" aspect of Pool with view comes in; it's a stunning panorama of the Italian countryside. It’s worth it!
Now, don’t expect a Ritz-Carlton spa experience. The ambiance is… let’s call it “rustic.” The treatments are… effective, if a bit no-frills. The Massage was good, once the masseuse deciphered my desperate attempts to explain my aching muscles. I am not sure what happened but when I got to my room, the spa was amazing. It's worth it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Food, Glorious Food (Mostly Glorious)
Ah, the food. THIS is where the Palace Hotel truly shines.
The Restaurants are great! Western cuisine in restaurant for the win! The Breakfast [buffet] is legendary. Not just your standard croissant and coffee affair. Oh no. Think mountains of pastries, fresh fruit, cheeses, meats… the works. The Asian breakfast option was less impressive, don't bother. The A la carte in restaurant is a nice option too.
The Coffee/tea in restaurant is consistently excellent, because, Italy. The Breakfast takeaway service is a life-saver if you're in a hurry. The Happy hour at the Bar is worth checking out. The Poolside bar is perfect for a pre-dinner aperitivo. The Snack bar is handy for a quick bite. They even offer Desserts in restaurant if you want even more sugar. There are Vegetarian restaurant, and of course, International cuisine in restaurant. It is all good!
I sampled the Soup in restaurant a few times. Delicious. The Salad in restaurant was surprisingly good. And the Bottle of water is a constant presence, thank God. Room service [24-hour] is a life-saver.
The only downside? The Buffet in restaurant could get a little… chaotic. The Italian passion for food sometimes meant a bit of a scrum for the best items. I even saw one old woman take the last croissant. But that’s part of the charm, right? Alternative meal arrangement is provided if you make arrangements.
Services & Conveniences – Everything and the Sink
The Palace Hotel truly tries to cater to every whim. They offer Air conditioning in public area, Concierge services, and Daily housekeeping. The Laundry service is efficient. The Luggage storage is a lifesaver. The Cash withdrawal is essential. The Currency exchange is handy. The Elevator helps (as mentioned above)
Additional Amenities (Mixed Bag)
There's a Smoking area (thank God). They have a Terrace (lovely for a pre-dinner drink). Meeting/banquet facilities are available. They even offer Audio-visual equipment for special events. A Gift/souvenir shop is fine. You'll find Facilities for disabled guests. The Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events are nice for special occasion. Essential condiments that make things easier for your stay. Business facilities, Conferencing and meetings.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
The Palace Hotel gets it: family friendly! They offer Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, and Kids meal. It is all perfect for a family.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Airport transfer is available – a HUGE bonus, especially if you're arriving late or leaving early. Car park [free of charge] (yay! More free!) The Car power charging station is good for those of you who came in an electric vehicle. Taxi service is readily available.
My Verdict?
The Palace Hotel in Vercelli is a delightful, slightly chaotic, thoroughly Italian experience. It’s not perfect. But its charm, its food, its location, and its genuine attempts to please make it a winner. It's a little bit of a mess, it does a whole lot of things, and it does most them well.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (Worth It!)
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Sapporo's Hidden Gem: Daiwa Roynet Hotel Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get the raw, unfiltered truth about my "perfectly planned" trip to Vercelli, Italy, and my sojourn at the Vercelli Palace Hotel. Spoiler alert: "perfectly planned" went out the window faster than a pigeon escaping a tourist's breadcrumb offering.
Day 1: Arrival, Anticipation, and a Pasta-Induced Coma
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Flight from… shudders… New Jersey. Let's just say the less said about Newark Airport security, the better. Arrive in Milan, which is gorgeous, even from behind the bleary-eyed fog of jet lag. The train from Milan to Vercelli? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. Except… I forgot to validate my ticket. Cue the panicked scrambling and the very disapproving glare of a very stylish Italian woman muttering something I suspect meant, "idiot American."
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check into the Vercelli Palace Hotel. The lobby? Classic. Think grand chandelier, marble floors, and a front desk attendant who looks like she's seen it all (and probably has). My room? A little smaller than advertised, but hey, it had a balcony. A balcony! This is where the romance of Italy starts… Or so I thought. I was hit by the craziest wave of fatigue.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Okay, I had envisioned myself gracefully strolling through the Piazza Cavour, taking in the Duomo's splendor… Instead, I collapsed on the bed and woke up two hours later, starving and cranky. Found a little trattoria nearby - "La Tavola dei Sapori". Ordered the agnolotti al ragu. Dear God. It was a religious experience. The pasta practically melted in my mouth. The ragu? Rich, savory, and utterly divine. I swear, I ate three plates. Three! Followed by a tiramisu that made me want to weep with joy. Suffice it to say, the remainder of the evening was spent in a pasta-induced stupor, watching Italian TV and feeling a profound sense of contentment. The Duomo would have to wait.
Day 2: Culture Clash and a Quest for Coffee
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The hotel breakfast was… okay. Continental, with a decent selection of pastries. Though, the espresso machine was a constant source of frustration. I'm a coffee person, and my first two cups were like brown water. Finally, after much fiddling and what I think was a silent prayer to the coffee gods, I managed to get a decent shot. Victory! Then, on to the Duomo. It was beautiful. Truly. But the sheer scale of it. Overwhelming is really the word. My brain was starting to feel a little overtaxed with too much beauty.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a tiny osteria, "Osteria del Corso". I actually managed to order something in Italian! Turns out saying "spaghetti al pomodoro, per favore" is a lot easier than understanding what the waiter is saying in return. The spaghetti was simple, perfect. I felt a renewed sense of energy that only the Mediterranean sea can provide.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): This is where things get…interesting. Found a little gelato shop, "Gelateria Dolce Vita". I'm talking about the kind of gelato that makes you question your life choices (in a good way). I ordered pistachio and hazelnut. And that's when it happened… The pigeons. They descended on me, wanting a bite of my gelato. Suddenly I was on a full-blown sprint, dodging angry pigeons, my gelato melting onto the cobblestones. It was ridiculous. I was cackling with so much joy. I’m still not sure who won, me or the pigeons. Dinner was just some pizza back at the hotel, because I had been pigeon- traumatized. That night, I fell asleep dreaming of pistachio and a slightly traumatized pigeon.
Day 3: Searching for Risotto and Acceptance of the Unexpected
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, so risotto is the specialty of the Vercelli region. I had to have it. I asked the hotel staff for a recommendation. They sent me to a restaurant called "Ristorante Il Gatto e la Volpe". It didn't disappoint. Creamy, perfectly cooked risotto with mushrooms. Pure bliss.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Wandered around Vercelli, got lost, found a charming little bookstore. Bought a book in Italian, even though I can barely string a coherent sentence together. Who cares? It's the idea of reading in Italian that counts, right? I spent an hour taking in the vibe.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back at the hotel for the evening. Just sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset, sipping some prosecco. And then, a realization dawned on me: My "perfectly planned" itinerary? Completely irrelevant. The true joy of traveling is embracing the chaos, the unexpected encounters, the moments of pure, unadulterated silliness (like the gelato-pigeon incident).
Day 4: Departure and Fond Memories
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Last breakfast at the hotel. Another attempt at the espresso machine. Success! Took a final walk through Vercelli. Bought a ridiculously oversized souvenir for my family, and started mentally planning my return.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Train back to Milan, flight back to Newark.
- Evening (After 4:00 PM): Back home, exhausted but happy. The Vercelli Palace Hotel? Not perfect, but comfortable and charming. Vercelli? A place I'll never forget. And hey, if I ever go back, I'll be ready for those pigeons. I'll bring gelato and breadcrumbs. Let the games begin!
So, there you have it. My messy, imperfect, and utterly delightful experience in Vercelli. Remember, the best trips are the ones that don't go according to plan. And never underestimate the power of good pasta and a healthy dose of gelato-dodging. Buon viaggio!
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So, what *is* this "Palace Hotel" thing, anyway? Sounds fancy... and probably expensive.
I'm on a budget! Will I be eating ramen noodles for a week if I stay there?
What's the food like? Pray tell, does the chef know how to cook more than just… well, stuff?
Is the service good? Like, do they actually *care* about you?
What's the best thing about the Palace Hotel? Give it to me straight.
Is it suitable for families with kids? It looks rather formal.
Anything I need to watch out for? Hidden fees? Ghosts of disgruntled Roman Emperors?
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