Hotel Don Abbondio

During my recent visit to Lecco, Italy, I had the pleasure of staying at the uniquely charming Hotel Don Abbondio, located at Piazza Era 10. My stay was nothing short of a cozy comedy of errors, reminiscent of a classic episode of Fawlty Towers. Upon arriving, I was immediately struck by the hotel's old-world charm. The building itself is quite old, with decor that seems frozen in time. There is no elevator, so be prepared to haul your luggage up the quaint, creaky stairs. The highlight of my stay, however, was the eccentric older female owner. With her Basil Fawlty-esque demeanor and less-than-stellar personal hygiene, she was a constant source of entertainment. Her interactions with her submissive husband were particularly amusing, as she barked orders and he meekly complied, much like Basil and Sybil Fawlty. One memorable morning, I witnessed her fierce protection of the breakfast buffet. She refused anyone access before the exact starting time, standing guard like a hawk over her lackluster spread. When the buffet finally opened, it was a bit of a letdown – the bread was stale, and the cappuccino was clearly not from an espresso machine. Nonetheless, it added to the overall charm of the experience. Her strict rules extended to the use of the hotel facilities as well. Guests were not allowed to use the toilets before check-in time, which led to some humorous, if not slightly inconvenient, moments in the lobby. Despite these quirks, or perhaps because of them, my stay at Hotel Don Abbondio was truly unforgettable. The breakfast might have been subpar, and the decor might be outdated, but the hotel's character and the owner's antics made it a stay to remember. If you're looking for a place with personality and a touch of humor, Hotel Don Abbondio is the place for you. Just be sure to pack your patience and sense of humor!