Where to Stay in The Langhe... Alba and beyond

I always get asked for recommendations of where to stay in the Langhe.

And I always give a similar response, so I decided to write a post on where to stay in the Langhe, to make it more efficient!

The truth is that there are many, many amazing places to stay.  Piedmont hospitality is second to none, and the choice, quality and service levels are vast.  The first thing you need to decide is WHERE to stay.  And by this I mean location according to your needs.    

Options are: Alba, as bigger town, it's central hub.  If you don't have a car, this would be pretty much your only option (or nearby Asti).  In general I suggest that visitors have a car as the area is not really set up for public transport, and guided tours, while improving, are limited and can be expensive.  It's more convenient to have your own car and explore the area at your own pace.
In a little village: this is an attractive option, to indulge the Italian country life.  Depending on your needs, if you select a little village, I would recommend one that has some amenities, like restaurants, bars, supermarket etc, so you have the option of forgetting the car and walking.  Best villages in this respect would be: Monforte D'Alba, La Morra, Neive. 
In the countryside: for the quintessential Langhe lifestyle experience, I would recommend staying in a family-run place nestled in the vineyards.  While the vineyards can be busy and noisy places at times (think tractors during pruning and harvest), otherwise, it is about as beautiful and relaxing as you could imagine.  If you stay in the country, I would recommend a place that has a good restaurant attached, because it is always nice to have the option to eat well, drink better (you are, after all, in the heart of red wine country), not worry about driving and quietly retreat to your lodgings after, also with the remains of the wine bottle in hand....

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Villa Beccaris, Monforte D'Alba

So, here are some suggestions within the three 'location' options for a range of budgets (although in general nothing is particularly cheap) and needs.  Be warned, the Langhe is popular, particularly in the Summer months and truffle fair season (late Sep - mid Nov) and good places book early.
     
Alba centre 
L'ortodellerose B&B ($$): beautiful B&B right in the heart of Alba, also on airbnb.
Vincafe ($$): in the heart of the action, modern, well-equipped rooms, also possibility of self-cater apartment, but can be noisy and difficult to park.   
Hotel Calissano ($$$): just outside of historical centre, large well-appointed hotel with parking.    
Piazza Duomo rooms ($$$): elegant, quality rooms attached to Piazza Duomo three-Michelin star restaurant.

La Morra
Agriturismo Brandini ($$): modern but classic rooms in country side backed by Eataly and Joe Bastianich.

La Morra / Novello
Angolo di Rosina ($): fantastic, friendly, family-ran B&B with terraces, restaurant and great feel.

Barbaresco
Casa Nicolini ($): pool, great restaurant with stunning view, modest lodgings.

Monforte D'Alba
La Torricella Agriturismo ($$): pool, great restaurant, winery, top class operation.
La Casa Gialla ($$): self-catered well-appointed apartments run by passionate couple.
Villa Carusera ($$$): Luxury private villa for hire, in historical centre, with pool.  
Villa Beccaris ($$$): beautiful villa lodgings with cozy rooms, gardens and pool in centre of Monforte D'Alba, with car park.


Beyond Alba (nearby Asti)
La Villa Hotel (Casa Daina) ($$$$): beautiful estate, luxury rooms, if you want to splurge.

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La Villa Hotel, bathroom