Built by the princely Meli Lupi family whose fortress-castle dominates this quiet little Po valley town, the 18thC Locanda del Lupo has a timeless air, especially in the series of dining rooms which makes up its noted restaurant. Like the rest of the hotel, they are simply decorated, yet remain rather grand, with beamed ceilings, terracotta floors, antiques, old fireplaces and copper pans hanging on white-washed walls. The air of refinement is continued through the formal sitting room and the handsome bedrooms. These are mostly spacious, again with heavily-beamed ceilings and tiled floors, and furnished with antiques.