Castelvecchio****

On the edge of the old town, the hotel looks out over the Lago di Albano some 100ft below. From the roof-top pool, bar and patio there are wonderful views out over the lake and towards the Pope’s summer residence in Castelgandolfo.

The hotel restaurant is exceptional – both in terms of choice and quality and the special resident’s menu means it is also very good value too. On the ground floor you will find another bar and the hotel also has its own secure car-park.

The bedrooms (with showers rather than baths) are fairly simply furnished but have everything that you might expect, TV, mini-bar, air-conditioning etc. Suites are also available.

Castelgandolfo itself is an array of narrow streets around the central piazza where you will find several cafés, shops and other restaurants plus a lively antiques market at weekends.

Castelgandolfo Resort****

On the exciting course of the same name, the Castelgandolfo suites perch on the crater’s lip overlooking the golfing panorama below. The suites come in a variety of combinations (1, 2 or 3 bedrooms) and so combinations of suites can be made-up to suit all groups. The suites all have a sitting room, mini-bar and South-facing patio (please note that there are no cooking facilities). The 17th Century clubhouse has a charming bar and restaurant (where breakfast is provided each day) both of which open out onto the lawn – ideal for a relaxed dinner on a long summer evening. The Club lies about ten-minutes drive from the town so dining elsewhere will involve taking the car. The Club also has a good driving range and practice area, tennis courts and open-air swimming pool; the latter is only open during the warmer months.

For an exclusive holiday the Villa del Cardinale is a venue with a real difference. On the far side of the lake from Castelgandolfo, close to the little village of Rocca di Papa, the Villa del Cardinale has twenty lovely rooms and four suites, swimming pool, tennis court and extensive grounds.

Available by special arrangement for groups, the luxurious 17th Century Archbishop’s residence will feel like your private corner of Italy.