The best things happen when you least expect them. Such was my experience of my stay in the NH Collection Piazza Carlina hotel in Turin. As Turin was not my final destination, but rather a break on a long road trip, all I was looking for was a convenient and quiet place to sleep. But the hotel which is situated in the most beautiful part of Turin, made me stay longer than planned. The hotel is located on Piazza Carlina, one of the town’s most beautiful squares and everything worth visiting is only a short walk away, including the city’s oldest park Parco Valentino, the beautiful square Piazza Castello, museums, antique shops and luxury boutiques, as well as superb trattorias and restaurants.
The building of this new hotel has a peculiar history. It was once occupied by an organization that trained impoverished and homeless people, later it was the home of Antonio Gramsci, the founder of the Italian Communist Party. My local friends were therefore eager to peek inside the historical building that has been superbly reinvented into a very modern setting.
The hotel is fast becoming one of the city’s new hot spots. The atmosphere is elegant, yet young and trendy, with minimalist design cleverly mixed with traditional details. The interior is cosmopolitan but doesn’t cease to remind us that we are in Italy. This is a big hotel with 160 rooms but it has nevertheless managed to create an intimate atmosphere.
The room I was staying in was modern, simple, clean, quiet and nicely furnished. Its only downside was the room temperature, which was far too low for my taste. After a nice Italian dinner in the hotel restaurant, I had a good night’s rest and was happy to find a coffee machine in my room in the morning. I had breakfast overlooking the splendid courtyard. Since the passage where the breakfast is served is usually busy it might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but there are calmer dining rooms at the back so the guests can choose their breakfast setting, as well as the buffet dishes which are numerous and delicious.
During my visit, the hotel seemed to be very busy, however it didn’t affect the service. I was treated very well throughout my stay. The only downside was the fact that the hotel parking was full, so I had to park in a nearby rather pricey garage.
I didn’t stay long enough to try out the SPA that looks lovely, but didn’t miss a drink on one of the two rooftop terraces overlooking historical Turin – this is certainly something not to miss. I am sure I will be back in Turin which seduced me with its grand squares and Italian feel as well as its famous hot chocolate and I am almost certain I will stay at the NH Collection Piazza Carlina. Partly because of its perfect location and partly because it suits all purposes – whether you are in Turin for a romantic weekend, city break with friends or a business trip, you will feel that with this hotel you made the right choice.
The Details
NH Collection Piazza Carlina, 15 Piazza Carlo Emanuele II. 10123, Turin, Italy
Tel: +39 011 8601611
Website: https://www.nh-collection.com/hotel/nh-collection-torino-piazza-carlina
Email: nhcollectionpiazzacarlina@nh-hotels.com
The hotel is approximately a one-hour drive from Turin-Caselle Airport and a short walk from the metro station Porta Nuova.
Type of Hotel: 4-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms and Suites: 160
Insider Tip: Do be sure to have a drink on the roof top terrace if the weather is nice.
Price Band: Good value for money with complimentary Wi-Fi included.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8/10
Author Bio:
Ana Muhar is the London Correspondent for Jutarnji list, the biggest daily paper in Croatia.
Photographs courtesy of NH Collection Piazza Carlina
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