Lo Scoiattolo Piedmont Bike Hotel

What an amazing experience end to end ! My second visit and everything was incredible. The food in the restaurant was first class. The way Davide and Giani looked after us on the road was faultless. Would highly recommend and can’t wait to visit again!

We were on a cycling tour and stayed here for 7 nights. It was a comfortable stay throughout. Gianni and his team were extremely helpful throughout our stay from the reception to the restaurant to the housekeeping and the cycling tour guides. We had the double room and it was spacious for 2 adults, 2 large bags and 2 cabin bags. We were located on a new wing, on the ground floor. There's no elevator to our room, so we had to carry our heavy stuff down the stairs. There's an in-room safe to store your valuable items and TV with 3 international English language channels. Our room was quiet, facing the pond. We left the window open most of the time. Window had a screen, don't need to worry about insects. If anything to improve, would be to provide a hot water kettle and iron for guest use. Alternatively could provide an iron and hot water dispenser at a common area for all guests to use. Had breakfast and dinner daily at the hotel restaurant. I must say the food were really good and the restaurant had enough options for us try something different every day (for dinner). You could make a request to customise some dishes if you have any dietary restrictions. For breakfast, there was a good selection of yogurt, fresh fruits, cakes, bread and option for an egg dish as well as tea/coffee. Laundry was available for technical (cycling) clothing. Laundry bags were provided and you need to drop them in the bin before 7pm to get it back at 8am the next day. Nearest shops is quite a bit of a walk. If you're on a cycling trip, you can cycle to the shops. It is quite central if you're on a cycling trip though.. the travel time to the different cycling routes are about the same.

A very enjoyable week, Gianni, Sarah and staff were very kind and helpful, lovely hotel and grounds. excellent and varied menu which we enjoyed every evening. Davide provided very good cycle hire with Pinarello road bikes and a good range of day ride routes, the grand Roero being particularly impressive, lovely countryside with beautiful hill top villages. My only fault which is not a fault on the hotel or staff is the location which is on a fast main road about 1.5km from the village, with no pavement making it rather isolated if you like walking and exploring the area

I went for two weeks of riding, nutritious food and relaxation. The hotel is a 15 minute walk from Pralormo. There is a pharmacy, a couple of restaurants and bars. If you like to be in the center of things, it's probably not for you. It was quiet and I could have my window wide open 24 hours. There's nothing like fresh air. The staff and owner go out of their way to ensure you have an excellent stay. The guides are excellent and there is a huge variety of rides. I had 10, ranging from 65 to 115 kms. There is excellent bus service from out front of the hotel. Keep in mind it runs Monday to Friday. Weekend service rare. Plan your rest days Monday through Friday. I took a taxi from Turin and the bus back. For a rest day the bus out front goes to Alba as well. Perfect spot to shop, walk and relax. I loved riding Saturday and Sunday as the markets are going on in villages. The Casa Martini experience was excellent. it runs Thursday through Monday. Book in advance as it sells out. The food in the restaurant was very good. Home of the slow food movement and all the wines, ingredients etc are from nearby. Gluten free pizza was wonderful. I would definitely go again. My only complaint is the king bed, made of two mattresses slip apart. They don't have a mattress pad on them that stops you from falling in the crack. I came home feeling so healthy and rested.

Great service, nice staff and excellent food. The bike centre was very good - big choice of routes, experienced and affable guides, with secure bike storage and workshop facilities. Bedrooms were clean and functional, with air conditioning, and the pool, albeit very cold, and gym of a good standard.

I just returned from a seven day stay at Piedmont Bike Hotel. My experience with the staff and my personal guide, Massimo, was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I arrived, Gianni and his staff made me feel welcome. Liz, one of the hotel staff was my first interaction with the staff. We conversed over my first lunch, she informing me about the ins-and-out of the hotel and giving me tips. Her cheery and warm attitude was what to come. After my first ride with Massimo, he took time to understand what type of ride made me happy and worked with Gianni to change my program to maximize my experience. He devised new routes, modified existing routes to ensure I get to see and experience the most of what Piemonte region had to offer. He showed me towns that had significance in the region (e.g. Montaldo Roero, Bar, Alba, Barolo, La Morra and Pollenzo). Each time sharing with me the history and context behind the towns, Beside great service, I also gained a good friend with Massimo. I felt he genuinely cared about me. During this trip, I also rode some of the most significant climbs/cols in the region (e.g. Colle del Nivolet, Colle dell'Agnello, Colle della Lombarda, Colle delle Finestre and Colle Sestriere). Nivolet, Finestre and Lombarda are a must-ride cols. I think they are the gems of the area. I take away lifetime memories and can't wait to return. Until then, I have tons of pictures and short clips to keep the memories fresh.