Casa Bach

Comfortable enough for a short stay, and lt safe. Owner was responsive to preliminary questions. And the flat was clean if minimal. (See critique below]

Rating: This flat is a solid 6, maybe a 7. It is no way an 8.7 (the rating when I booked it). I'm not saying the ratings are faked. But they are certainly questionable. I've booked dozens (maybe over a hundred) places on Booking.com...from hostels to very nice hotels. Also a few dozen more on AirBnB. I've stayed in both average and very highly rated places. This flat, while clean and safe, is basically average. Dark: At night or with balcony shutters closed, it's dim. Only one overhead light bulb worked (out of 2 or 3). The "closet" has no light, just a hole cut in the ceiling to let light through (the site's photo showing bright light from the closet has to have a lamp within). The overhead cable, as with the bedside lamp, is just exposed cord, seemingly makeshift). Bathroom access: The site photo does not show it, but the washer blocks access to the bathroom, so you have maybe 20" clearance to enter. Awkward if you are not especially slim. (See my photo) Balcony: The view from the balcony is depressing, at best. Opens to dirty tiled roofs and the courtyard tables of an apparent bar that was fortunately closed when I was there. The small area itself is dark and less than clean. Dishes and cooking; Minimal, at best. Two small water glasses, no wine glasses. No dish towel or paper towels. Silverware and dishes are cheap and minimal. The gas stove does not have a pilot light, and the handheld lighter available was out of fuel. The spark it generates worked to light the gas, but don't try this if you don't know what you are doing (it could be dangerous). The microwave and pots and pans for cooking are just leftover stuff the owner probably replaced at home (see my photos). The pans still had old grease and stains on them. Access: A long walk from the station. I don't drive, so can't speak to parking.

This is essentially an apartment offer. It was great for a night on the Via Francigena. It had all the facilities we needed and we got a good nights sleep. There are plenty of bars and cafes nearby so it was easy to get breakfast. We did not meet the host as access was arranged via a lockbox but it worked quite well. The only problem we had was working out which flat in the block was ours for the night. Its a little way from the centre of the city but the price reflects this.

The only problem we had was working out which flat in the block was ours for the night but we got there in the end.

Very central studio, with comfortable bed. Lots of parking available on the street and very close restaurants to the property.

The studio is 10 mins walk to Piacenza's city centre. We did not have problems in finding a parking space at a walking distance from the flat, but keep in mind that is free only overnight (which is to be expected as it is near the city centre). It was a good find for an overnight stay. Kitchen is well equipped and bathroom adequate. Agnese was also very responsive.

nothing in particular

There was not at least one bottle of water when we arrived in the apartment, if I compare to my other apartment that I booked via booking.com. There could be a few small things to eat & drink for the guests.

Easy check it with good instructions, well equipped kitchen and Netflix was good.

The place wasn't very clean. the bathroom especially, toilet not flushed and lots of hair in the bath plughole. Communicated this to the owner who really wasn't bothered, just sent me some picture of it clean.