Motel K

Motel K is a mid-range property with funky interiors that have a bit of a retro feel. Despite it's name, it doesn't really resemble North American-style motels, as Motel K has more emphasis on design and the rates aren't the most budget-friendly. Decor wavers between retro vintage and a dated look, with elements like wood paneling on the walls and colorful carpets lining the floors. Vivid colors pop throughout, such as green walls in the staid breakfast room, art on hallway walls, and yellow carpeting in the lobby. Many guests cite excellent cleanliness levels.

The property mainly attracts couples (mostly Italians) and it's a popular spot for romantic getaways. Many come here to celebrate special events like anniversaries, birthdays, Valentine's Day, or other holidays. The hotel caters to such occasions with a variety of packages and add-on gifts that can be purchased, like red roses, candles, and love notes. It's very much a destination in itself for most guests (and draws repeat visitors). Note that there are a couple of different ways that room rates are calculated here, including under 10-hour options.

The location of Motel K is a bit peculiar, as there's not much in the tiny town of Casei Gerola or the surrounding area. But the property is situated off the Autostrada dei Giovi which runs from Milan to Genoa, making this a good midway stop for travelers on the route. Milan is an hour north from here, while Genoa can be reached in about an hour and 15 minutes. The nearest bigger town is Voghera, which is around a 15-minute drive and has a train station as well as several dining options and shops. Pavia is 40 minutes away and Alessandria can be reached in about a half-hour. Turin is an hour and a half away. A car is necessary to get around (and on-site parking is free), unless guests want to take a cab to/from the nearest train station in Voghera.

Rooms are individually decorated, many of them are romantically themed, and they offer the same kind of look seen in the hotel's public spaces -- retro verging on dated. Themed looks include Zen, the Amazon, Arabic, Greek, and outer space, and they're a bit kitschy, but guests seem to like them. Suites are the main attraction here, with four different categories available: Junior Suite, Senior Suite, Wellness Suite, and Fantasuite. Besides these, there are also simpler Standard Rooms and Design Rooms.

Flat-screen TVs are hidden in mirrors, and other standard amenities include minibars, telephones, and free Wi-Fi. Upper-category suites add lots of extras, such as indoor plunge pools, whirlpool tubs, and Turkish baths in the Wellness Suites. Fantasuites are the largest and most lavish option, with hydromassage pools big enough for four people, as well as Finnish and bio saunas. They even have private gardens with sunbathing areas. Some suites have round beds, and one has a water bed.

Bathrooms vary in terms off style and some are more modern than others, with updated fixtures like rainfall showerheads. They're equipped with either showers or jetted tubs, plus all have bidets. Wall-mounted hairdryers are provided, as are individual toiletries.

Features are few, and what's available is mostly private. There's a small dining room where breakfast is served in the mornings (for an additional fee). It's also available as room service, as are lunch and dinner, and all rooms have a privacy hatch through which the meals are delivered. There's also 24-hour bar service with drinks delivered directly to rooms. Food gets good reviews from guests, though many say it's overpriced.

All rooms have private parking spaces right in front of their entrances. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A number of services and add-on items can be purchased to customize the rooms, such as heart-shaped balloons, candles, and red roses.