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> SlowTrav > Italy > Hotel Reviews > Piemonte Acqui Terme: Baur Bed & BreakfastStrada Regione Valloria 28,, Phone: 0144.311.286www.bauerbb.com Reviewed by: Salli from GA, review #2628 When: June 2009
My husband calls me a "born again " Italian because of my love affair with Italy and my pestering him to go there at least once a year. Together we have enjoyed 16 trips to Italy - and I can count about 6 more myself. So when I say that Baur B & B is very special, I write from many fabulous experiences in bella Italia. The ambiance and setting are both terrific - more on that later. Most salient was the hostessing of Diana and Michael (Micha) Bauer. They are the perfect team, offering the artistic, the luxurious, as well as intellect - and never-ending willingness (I would say eagerness, but it sounds cloying) to make the visits of their guests . . . well . . . perfect! Diana is quite a chef. She made fresh pastries in the morning and (for example) vitello tonnato for a snack at night. She is happy to prepare requests. Her artistic skills (art is another profession of hers) are evident throughout - especially in the room/sittingroom/bath we had, and her brand new kitchen. From the well-stocked refrigerator in our room (yes, with local wines and cold beer for an afternoon refresher) to the Ritz Carlton style bedding (actually better), we felt like royalty. Micha was also important to our stay. We'll never forget his personalized wine tour. We visited small (but very serious) vineyards that are owned by his friends. More big welcomes. One family that hosted us in their fields included daughter, father and nonna (grandmother). None spoke a word of English, which I thoroughly enjoyed because I speak Italian and our visit gave me the opportunity to practice (show off) my mastery of Italian grammar! Of course Micha was there to translate, which was a help to my husband. While we were at Baur's, construction was ongoing for the new, third, suite. Diana warned us in advance, but we said we would enjoy watching the reconstruction of a Casa Colonica - for us, an added treat. Cost was 160 euros a night including a fabulous breakfast - truly a bargain. The views from the B & B were gorgeous - including from our rooms. There is a large pool, and lovely spots outdoors for relaxation. And finally, there is Max - a real personality - but I'll leave your meeting with Max a surprise. We loved the town of Acqui Termi which is authentic, full of history, charming and upscale; and, it is virtually unknown to tourists. There is the requisite piazza with fountains and trattorie. Acqui Terme is about 50 drop-dead-gorgeous minutes by car to the heart of the barolo country. (Acqui Terme is in dolcetto country). So - Baur B & B is a special find, and I wanted to share that find with the slowtrav fans. Salli Reviewed by: Louise from PA, review #2610 When: June 2009
I wanted to plan the perfect trip for my husband and I for our anniversary ... first time to Italy for both of us. I did a lot of research on line to find the perfect place. I was apprehensive about where to stay, not being able to actually “see” the places first, and trusting online photos. I came across Baur B&B in Acqui Terme, Piedmont, loved the pictures of the place, it looked exactly what I was looking for - quiet, modern, secluded but near great restaurants and fun town ... an added bonus for us was the innkeepers spoke English, which for our first time visit was essential!! When we arrived confused and disoriented in a foreign country, we were welcomed to the comforts of Baur B&B. Diana and Micha (and Max, their labrador) at Baur B&B helped make made our trip to Italy everything we’d hoped for. The grounds and rooms were beautiful, the food was homemade, fresh from their garden, and the view from the terrace was breathtaking. The rooms were very modern, clean and comfortable. Diana and Micha are very knowledgeable about the area, so they were able to help us plan our driving trips to see all the highlights of the Piedmont Region, and recommended the best local restaurants and wineries, which were all wonderful! We’re definitely reserving to stay again at Baur B&B, and recommend it to everyone! Reviewed by: Giffnow from CA, review #2609 When: September 2008
My husband and I spent one delightful week at Baur B&B last fall. We travel from the San Francisco Bay area to Italy as often as we can, every three years or so. We're pretty independent travelers; we visit a different region each time, and generally prefer villa-type lodgings over hotels. This time we'd read some great reviews for Baur B&B, and decided to give it a try, even though we would almost never choose to stay at B&Bs in the U.S. From our warm and gracious welcome to our slightly tearful goodbye, we were 100% thrilled with our choice. This is a gorgeous property and an unbelievable value at about 160 euros/night. I'll try not to repeat the earlier reviews here--you can rely on their glowing descriptions of the spacious rooms, the lovely property, and the genuine hospitality. I will add that our stay at Baur B&B combined the best elements of a villa retreat with the best of a fine hotel. Our home for the week was just outside of the city of Acqui Terme, on a hilltop overlooking vineyards, mountains, and valleys. It was just a short ride into town to buy a few local, fresh grocery items for lunch or dinner, and return to Diana's "guest" kitchen to assemble a beautiful meal to enjoy on the terrace or by the pool, just as you would in your own villa. Your red and white "house" wines are delicious and complimentary, and generously re-stocked daily in your room, along with water and fruit for your mini-bar. Some days we didn't even leave the property, just took a picnic to the pool and relaxed and enjoyed the scenery. You will feel completely at home. The "fine hotel" elements include completely knowledgeable and enthusiastic concierges (your hosts, Diana and Micha) and a high-end, restaurant-quality breakfast that will keep you going all day. Also, great beds. Diana sent us off on a number of very fun day-trips, armed with detailed maps that came to our rescue when my Garmin-Nuvi GPS frequently lost her bearings, through vast wine-country hills whose vastness completely dwarfs those of Napa and Sonoma. One afternoon she even found time to accompany us on an unforgettable winery visit to an impossibly high hilltop overlooking the Monferrato and the Langhe where organic and sustainable farming is done (see Diana's blog ) and terrific wine is produced and generously shared. And the breakfasts! Stunning, staggering--if you aren't careful, you won't even be hungry again by dinnertime, which would be a shame, because the food in Piemonte is really, really excellent. I can still picture those red, ripe, juicy tomatoes from Diana's garden arranged among the mozzarella and basil...the crispy warm fruit tarts...all prepared and served up lovingly by your hostess, whenever you are ready. Above all, your hosts Diana and Micha are wonderful people that you absolutely want to know. They'll not only enhance your explorations of the region immeasurably, but they'll also get you thinking about your life differently. Which, to me, is what travel is all about. Reviewed by: cittacastello from FL, review #2603 When: May 2009, May 2008
As owners of a home in Umbria, we make a seasonal trips to our favorite regions in Italy to enjoy the unique qualities of each region. We have stayed at the Baur B&B each spring for the last 3 years. Diana and Micha Baur are the perfect hosts for this small B&B which has just 2 rooms and a third to be completed this summer. Diana's broad artistic talent is evident in every aspect of the rooms artwork, decor and furniture. The beds are so comfortable we have copied Diana's linens and duvets in our own home. Micha is a wine expert with many vineyard contacts in the area. He will gladly provide a custom tour or make appointments for you to take your own self-guided tour. Micha will even sell you a few bottles of his own wonderful wine collection. We especially like the bottomless bottles of excellent red and white wine provided in each room along with the well stocked small drinks fridge. Breakfasts are made to order with local breads, homemade pastries and strong cappuccini. In the evening munchies of local cheeses and sausages are provided while you sip your house wine on the terrace with spectacular views of the valley. At E160 a night this is 5 star luxury at a 3 star price. We will return every year. Peter and Marsha Reviewed by: JDeQ from Canada, review #2272 When: May 2008
It would be impossible to say enough good things about this B and B. The setting is ideal - quiet and peaceful but well situated for exploring this area of Piemonte. The hosts - Diana, Micha, and Max - provided us with numerous tips and were excellent with directions. The B and B is beautifully landscaped. There are lots of places to sit and relax - overlooking the valley or by the pool (which we didn't use but I imagine it would be great in the warm summer months). The room we stayed in was huge, well appointed, and beautifully decorated. Diana's touch to detail and art is everywhere. The bed was more comfortable than the one we sleep in at home, the linens fresh and crisp. In the room was a TV with a DVD player and a CD player. The refrigerator was well stocked with beverages (wine, water, pop) which was included in the price of the room. Our bathroom was large and very serviceable. The shower strong and the supply of hot water was plentiful - something we really appreciated. The towels were large, soft, and fluffy - something you don't often find in Italy. The breakfasts were just amazing. Diana cooked them in her newly renovated barn which has been made into a beautiful kitchen and large dining room. They were definitely the best breakfasts we have ever eaten in Italy. The food was fresh and creatively prepared. The eggs for the omelets were laid the day before - you can't get much fresher than that! She was excellent at asking what you were interested in and making sure that you got what you wanted. Be sure and ask your hosts about things to do in the area - winery visits, restaurants to go to, etc. Their advice is spot on; if Diana or Micha suggest that a restaurant is good make a reservation and go there - you won't be disappointed. The price was 160 euros a night - our least expensive room in Italy this trip and by far the best value! Reviewed by: Maria L from New Zealand, review #2173 When: September 2007
It has been some months now since we were at Baur B&B but the memories are still vivid of our wonderful holiday there. At the time, exhaustion reigned and after flights and a drive from Milan with very loose directions of our destination we arrived at this stunning rustic farmhouse on a perfect late summer day. Micha and Diana, our hosts, made us feel like we had come home. It wasn't long before we were laying by the pool, drinking fabulous local wine and a platter from heaven. Nothing was an effort for them, their attention to detail was superb... they suggested the most amazing resturants to eat at (all down country lanes that we wouldn't have even noticed) - from phoning the restaurant owners, translating the menu, ordering prior... to suggesting places to see, things to do or just allowing us to share their hideaway with them. The locals were overwhelmingly friendly and they too made us feel like we had come home. One afternoon we picked late harvest Barbera and Muscat grapes with the neighbours in the valley. Lovely people, beautiful weather, stunning region, peace, food and wine to die for and hosts from heaven - Baur B&B is the place to rejuvenate. 160 euros a night for the two of us, this included unlimited local wine, a divine breakfast, rooms are beautifully finished and the cost was a privilege to pay! Micha offers wine tours and Diana has a ceramics studio on-site, they also can arrange spa/therapy sessions amongst other delights. You have to stay for a minimum of 3 days but I don't think there are ever any complaints about having to do that! Thanks and love M Reviewed by: Pauline Kenny from NM, review #2137 When: July 2007
We stayed at Baur B&B in July 2007. Diana and Michael are wonderful hosts and made us feel very welcome. The setting is gorgeous - on a hillside with beautiful Piedmont views - and you are only a few minutes by car from Acqui Terme. From a country road outside of Acqui Terme, you drive up their long driveway to the top of the hill. The buildings and the setting are beautiful. The large farmhouse has two B&B rooms on the top and the owners live below. Both rooms are reached from the same internal staircase. Our room was very private, beautifully furnished (the bed linens are incredible), comfortable, and had views from two large windows. The bathroom was also beautiful with fabulous towels. Behind the farmhouse is a nice pool area. In the front is a lovely terrace where you can enjoy the views in the evening. A very good breakfast is served here in the morning. Baur B&B would be a good place to start your Italy trip if flying into Milan airport. It is also a good base for exploring the Piedmont region. We had a lovely stay there. Reviewed by: colleenk from MA, review #2116 When: September 2007
I had the good fortune to have won 2 nights at Baur B&B as a Slow Travel Contest prize and added 3 more nights in September of 2007. The following is a description (with minor editing) of my prize for the ST message board but it serves as a review of the B&B as well. I am not sure if I can heap enough praise on the amazing job Diana and Micha have done in creating this oasis. Three words come to mind when I recall my time there, tranquility, beauty and grace. The setting itself is beautiful in the hills of Piemonte and Diana’s phenomenal artistic abilities have made it even more beautiful. It was so lovely that I must have taken 25 different pictures at different times of the day. It really is as stunning as their website pictures depict. The tranquility was a gift to me. I am generally an on the go person with lots of energy. More often than not on my trips to Italy I am anxious to see as much as I can and have a planned out though flexible itinerary. When I got to Bauer B&B however and Diana suggested that we ease into our first day and suggested comfortable close by places to see, I was happy to put myself in her hands. And so it went for the 5 nights we spent there. The setting too is so peaceful that it is easy to relax there. The grace is in how comfortable and cared for Diana and Micha make their guests feel. They are just easy, welcoming people to be around as well as very interesting to talk to. Whether it is making dinner reservations, translating menus or mapping out detailed scenic routes you know you are in good hands. The room we stayed in was so beautifully and lovingly decorated, mostly with Diana’s great art. The room is very large with sitting space and a desk as well as a TV, CD player, a well-stocked refrigerator and lovely views. The beds with their exquisite lines and separate down comforters were both luxurious and comfortable. The bathroom is also large with beautiful tiles and as it is new a wonderful bath and shower with great water pressure. The towels are large, soft and fluffy as are the bathrobes and slippers. Oh and all the wine you would like is included in the room rate. I could write another paragraph on how fabulous the breakfasts were but suffice it to say that it was all fresh and delicious with home baked bread and/or pasties every morning. And just in case you didn't have enough to eat, Diana offered eggs cooked to order any style you like. Add fabulous cook to her talents! Truly the best breakfast I have had anywhere in any country. I know that all the reviews on ST for Baur B&B seem too good to be true. Believe them! It really is a special place with special hosts. I can't wait to go back some day and experience it all over again! Reviewed by: Sue S from RI, review #2056 When: September 2007
My husband, myself and brother and sister in law had the most wonderful experience staying at the beautiful Baur B&B recently. This wonderful place is much more than their website would lead you to believe. Gorgeous sweeping vistas of farmland, vineyards and let us not forget the Alps, sumptuous and luxurious bedding, smartly decorated rooms with handmade art and mosaic framed mirrors, by our gifted hostess (there is nothing that Diana cannot do with style), the bathroom alone is, well, more like a spa retreat than a place to shower and brush your teeth! From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Diana and Micha, I knew that this lovely place was going to be much more than a place to rest my head. If one has ever had a “waiting to exhale” moment you will understand what I mean when I say that I was absolutely swept away by the utter beauty of this place! In a word, divine. Just when I thought that it couldn’t get any better, there is the breakfast. Diana and Micha put on a breakfast that appears as though it was meant for the cover of Food & Wine. As beautiful as it looked however, it tasted even better! Yummy freshly made breads, focaccia and fruit tarts. Sauteed cheese and fruit (don’t ask, you have to experience this to believe it), meats, yoghurt and did I mention the freshly squeezed orange juice and the heavenly coffee? A healthy and delicious way to start our Piemontese adventure. As if the Baur’s expert attention to our breakfasts weren’t enough, their restaurant suggestions were over the top! Di and Micha made reservations for us at places where we dined like royalty on luscious Piemontese cuisine. Caution: Making plans after a multi-course three and a half hour lunch may be something one would want to think twice about! This is a lovely place with gracious, loving, and gifted hosts. I can honestly say that I am lucky to have been touched by the magic of this wonderful place. Reviewed by: jgk from FL, review #1724 When: 2006
I have put off writing this review because I just don't have enough superlatives to describe our experience with Diana and Micha! The rooms: We stayed in the queen-bedded room. My husband and I slept in the bedroom and our teenage daughter slept on the comfortable pull-out sofa in the sitting room. There was plenty of space and we all felt comfortable with this arrangement. Each room is fully decorated with personal touches by Diana and they are lovely. Each lamp, table, piece of furniture, linens and even the floors are thoughfully beautiful. The bathroom was large by Italy standards; the shower worked great and the bath products were divine and generously provided. Diana is one of those people who could have had a successful career doing many things. Decorating is certainly one of her many strengths. The town: Acqui Terme is a great little town. It is bigger than a village and has lots of shopping, churches, restaurants, street markets, and arty architectural touches around the town. We enjoyed the archeological museum which is small and the Ba la la, a very up-to-date coffee/internet/shopping spot. Diana and Micha are great about pointing you in the direction of greatest rewards. Day trip opportunities abound! The setting: Baur B&B is about a 5 minute drive from town. The views from the front patio and pool area are classic. I took a million pictures right out of our windows. Also, they have planted the grounds with flowers and herbs everywhere. We saw tiny "hummingbird moths" in the verbena. The pool has great furniture for reading a book and for just hanging out. The breakfast: Everyday there was something new! Micha goes to the bakery bright and early to get fresh and delicious breads and pastries. The yogurt, doctored ever so slightly, by Diana was perfect with the beautiful fresh fruit. Diana makes great eggs if you think you will want them. The variety and quality of local cheeses and meats were top notch. Every morning there was a very small ceramic ramekin of nutella for my daughter. Personalized service at its best! I can't imagine going back to Italy without stopping a Baur B&B. Now, I have run out of superlatives so I'll say: It's just the best! Reviewed by: Rebecca from USA, review #1545 When: August 2006
If you are looking not to simply visit Italy, but to experience the authenticity of Italian culture, food, and wine, you would do well to consider the Piemonte region - and even more specifically, the Baur Bed and Breakfast. My professional life requires quick thinking, decisions made to balance the interets of many, and the ability to manage the personalities of a large staff. I needed my vacation to be none of these - to simply be a time of rest, of relaxation, and of rejuvenation. I found all of these with Diana and Micha, innkeepers of the B&B. We arrived in Acqui Terme on a sunny and hot day, somewhat weary from our travels, but excited nonetheless. We turned into the driveway and made our way up the steep hill, not exactly certain what we would find. I can tell you without reservation that we found a little piece of heaven on a quiet hill in Italy. We were warmly greeted by Diana and Micha, and found ourselves laughing at the antics of their yellow lab puppy, Max. Diana showed us to our rooms, and we settled in for just a bit before going downstairs for a swim. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, Diana served complimentary bread, cheese, and wine poolside (their house wine, included in our room rate, was wonderful). I could feel the tension and sore muscles easing their way into oblivion. The feelings of contentment we found on this first day were replicated each and every day that we were there. Diana and Micha are wonderful hosts, and their knowledge of the region (especially the vineyards!) was especially helpful as we planned our adventures each day. Micha turned out to be an invaluable resource for identifying the wines of the region and arranging for tastings at the ones that caught our interest (we even hired him to drive us one day and to interpret at the one winery where only Italian was spoken). Although we did not know it when we booked our reservation, Diana is an accomplished potter and has a studio on the premises where she gives lessons on the pottery wheel. Her work is beautiful, and the lesson I took from her was quite relaxing - and great fun! While they are many things to be said for the "Big 3" of Rome, Venice, and Florence, we found our big three in the likes of Diana, Micha, and Max on their peaceful and scenic hill. Reviewed by: FriendsofFausto from USA, review #1536 When: July 2006
Words simply cannot express how wonderful our trip was to Baur Bed & Breakfast. We decided against a traditional all-inclusive resort in the tropics for our honeymoon and opted for the small town of Acqui Terme in Northern Italy. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made. The property itself is gorgeous. Located on a quiet and very private road, the views from Baur's are absolutely breathtaking. There are numerous sitting areas located throughout the property to soak in the majesty of the area. There is a beautiful inground pool in the back and several lounging areas to read or just soak up the sun. Our suite was absolutely charming. The living area came stocked with a complimentary mini bar, including wine, beer, soda, juice, and water. Even though there was too much beauty to enjoy outside, a flat panel television, complete with DVD and CD player was also included. The bathroom was extremely spacious, complete with bathrobes, slippers, and towels. The bedroom, much like the rest of the suite was tastefully decorated. The suite truly felt like home. The meals that were prepared by Diana and Micha were absolutely delicious. The breakfasts were easily the best that we've ever had. Everything was either made from scratch or grown locally. We feasted on fruit, cheese, pastries, salami, proscuitto, and quiche, just to name a few. The orange juice was freshly pressed and the coffee was made fresh every morning. Breakfast so good and so filling that we didn't need to eat again until dinnertime! Our trip to the Baur's would not have been what it was without the two people who made it so special for us. Diana and Micha are two of the most welcoming and personable people we've ever met. Their knowledge of the area was so evident by the restaurants and shops they recommended we visit. I don't know of many bed and breakfasts where the guests look forward to spending time with the owners. Even though we had just met, it felt as though we had known Diana and Micha forever. They take such pride and have so much passion for what they do. We can't say enough about Baur Bed and Breakfast. Anyone who visits there will fall in love with the property, cuisine, and people. We are already planning our next trip back. Staying with the Baurs will be one of the best decisions you will ever make. Reviewed by: Marcie T from U.S., review #1473 When: May 2006
Baur Bed and Breakfast was a wonderful experience. Diana and Michael were made to be hosts. They are are just fun and interesting to be around. We could not have been made to feel more welcome. Their B&B is set in a lovely area with a beautiful view. Accommodations are wonderful - soft bed, wine in room, if you wish to endulge. They arranged a wine tour for my husband and me and accompanied us. We learned so much and had such fun! Diana had a "light" lunch for us out on the patio when we arrived ... oh my ... !! Breakfasts - best we ate in our 2 week stay in Italy. Just a great stay! Definitely hope to return. This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com. |
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A "born again" Italian, I fell in love with Baur B & B.
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