This was to be the beautiful end to my Italian journey. The reviews, pictures and description had me sold as soon as I found B&B Al Salvatore.
The description states there are three rooms with private bathrooms/ ensuite. Each of those rooms has an internal, attached bathroom with shower and a sitting area immediately outside. I was given a fourth room with a communal kitchen immediately outside. As the hosts were away, their friend happily took me (and the torch I was given) past all the other rooms to my outside bathroom- with cold shower! The bathroom had not been cleaned.
The choice to allocate me such accommodation appeared to be fundamentally dishonest and probably discriminatory.
When I contacted the host asking for a better room, they offered me an alternative apartment in the town. Months ago I had chosen to stay in this more rural location, with gardens and views in B&B-style accommodation. I did not want to be in town. The hosts should have contacted me well in advance, if they knew they were unable to guarantee the provision of the advertised standard of accommodation, to allow me the time to seek similar accommodation with proper facilities.
Many of the advantages of staying became apparent- the rural, rustic charm, wonderful views, peaceful location and delightful fellow guests. The very favourable reviews I had read proved largely accurate.
Upon their return, Marcello and Paola were very hospitable and kind hosts. This, unfortunately, did not remove the elephant from the room (as I traipsed back and forth from my room to my cold shower at the opposite end of the premises.)
The breakfast was one of the best of any B&B I stayed at in Italy- plenty of homemade food including savoury options. Despite this, the whole experience was leaving a rather bitter taste in my mouth.
Finally, when I heard the room I was allocated, having booked 4 months prior, referred to as an "emergency" room I sought an explanation and some reimbursement. After some time and a less than satisfactory explanation about conflicting requirements of other booking services, it was agreed that I should be given for free a car service normally paid for. It was an adequate outcome.
It was explained to me that future incidences like this can now likely be avoided.
B&B Salvatore was indeed beautiful, in many ways a unique experience but I would recommend prospective guests seek a guarantee of accommodation standards- and then relax and enjoy.