Villa Della Pergola Relais et Chateaux

I don't know why TripAdvisor lists this property as a "villa" instead of a hotel- quite odd. The mgr should contact them to correct this mistake. Frances Mayes mentioned Villa Della Pergola in one of her books- I think that's how I first became aware of it. We flew into Nice and were looking for a property not too far from the Nice airport before we continued on with our Italian travels. We stayed in the Ruth suite in one of the two original bldgs and it was wonderful with the best beds of our trip. Super comfy mattresses and excellent bedding. The two beds in this suite are "French" size/style which I hadn't heard of before and a bit smaller than an American queen. Our views of the sea and gardens below were sensational. There's also a private gate and path up to the pool from this room. The private terrace and bathroom were enormous as was the room. The two main bldgs from the 1800s are Pergola and Villino and there appear to be some brand new suites near the new pool at the top of the property. I can't vouch for the new rooms or their views- I would probably stick with a room in one of the two original bldgs. Names of rooms in Pergola: Sylvia, Walter, Ruth, Thomas, Wm. Names of rooms in Villino: Edward, Frances, Lewis, Margaret, Elgar and Cecil. I would ask for photos to make a selection. The GM told us that their gardens were voted most beautiful in Italy last year and they are sensational. What really wowed us though was the brand new swimming pool at the top of the property- just gorgeous and large with plenty of deep water. The casual pool-side lunch bar was excellent with outstanding food and service. Food is brought to your table or chaise lounge outside- there's no space for indoor dining within the pool cafe. Landscaping throughout the property is breathtaking. It's true that there are many steps and levels throughout the property so just be prepared. I have bad knees and only encountered problems in these areas which I hope they will correct: the lovely infinity pool at the top is aesthetically pleasing but needs at least one hand grab along with glass wall where you first enter the pool and the underwater steps. Likewise, the older small circular pool on the level below has absolutely no rails or posts to hang onto when entering the steps to go into the water. The chaise lounges at the top new pool are beautiful and well padded but so low -almost sitting on the ground and too low for people with bad knees to get up and down. I think a few higher lounges should be added. I noticed an older woman with her grandchildren sitting in an upright chair- I'm sure she was scared to get down on one of those lounges for fear she wouldn't be able to get up again! The beauty and aesthetics can be maintained with a few minor adjustments. The pools are unheated and wonderfully cold and refreshing on a hot, sunny day. The upper level was very windy and we enjoyed the strong breezes as it was quite hot and nice not to feel sticky from humidity

We travel a lot and stay in lovely hotels and when driving away after our stay we agreed that this is our number 1 hotel. The staff are focused on making your stay wonderful, the view is stunning and the rooms very comfortable. It is a small hotel of (currently) 15 rooms and during our visit there was an option between two of them so we were shown both and offered the choice. The beds were very comfortable ( very unusual for Italy where hard and uncomfortable beds are the norm) and when I asked for additional hangers and decaf coffee for the espresso machine they were quickly delivered. The gardens surrounding the hotel are award winning and there are daily guided tours with a gardener who speaks Italian and English. They are currently completing an infinity pool, along with gym and spa at the top of the hotel grounds with views across the coast. The hotel has a dining room and is also a 15 minute walk down to the town of Alassio where there are many bars, cafes and restaurants as well as the chance to stroll along the promenade.