I have to write about our stay at Albergo Costa! We booked online and were billeted at Hotel Immagine then prior to our arrival we received an email letting us know we have been transferred to a better and more accessible hotel, the Albergo Costa. We were driven by Luciano who was really charming and he happens to be the great grandson of Padre Pio's altar boy. It was a simple dwelling with 3 floors, very clean and very homey. He gave us the penthouse which he said was his former quarters. We were five in all so we easily fit into the 2 bedroom 1 bathroom penthouse. It was very comfortable and the view of the sanctuary from the balcony was amazing. San Giovanni Rotondo has its own charm, people who love Padre Pio (now St. Pio) flock to visit him. It is a delight to know that although the town is very touristy, its very safe and even vendors don't take advantage. Communication was the main problem all over town but Luciano speaks very good english. His great grandfather used to tell him that Padre Pio wants the townsfolk to treat guests and pilgrims with a white glove while they are visiting San Giovanni Rotondo, we presume its the hospitality glove. And we felt it 100%. when it was time for us to go to the bus station, Luciano himself drove us there in his little car and when we asked how much, he said
to just pray for him! What a precious gem, these people are!
By the way, lodging was cheap, clean, personalized and included breakfast.