Just in time after we returned from our huge summer trip through the Caribbean consisting of living in hotel rooms for nearly 55 days, we make up our travel plans for this autumn. It's not time again for a long haul flight again - thanks to the Caribbean airline nightmare of no punctual arrivals, lost baggages and flight cancellations. No, I really don't need to see a plane again for the next months. What I actually want is a gourmet hideaway in my favourite country: Italy. It will be October and what's better than strolling through the crowded streets of the pretty, little town of Alba in the Piedmont while savouring a very special smell: the smell of truffles. Beginning on 7 October and lasting until 26 November, the "Fiera Internazionale Tartufo Bianco d'Alba" is my version of Eurovision. Not because I absolutely love truffle, no! The main reason is because a very sleepy and dusty region like the Piedmont gets super crazy and amazingly crowded during these one-and-a-half months. Hotel rates are skyrocking and restaurants are filled up months before you even think of Truffle season and remember: a restaurant that's not totally booked on a weekend during the season is not a good one. Since the Piedmont can be a nightmare when it comes to classy, chic and luxurious places (except the two lavish and overpriced official 5-star hotels), I went to find the real hidden places that are under 200* euros a night:

1. Corte Gondina Boutique Hotel - La Morra, 16km (Alba)
2. Villa del Borgo - Canelli, 30km (Alba)
3. Réva - Monforte d'Alba, 25km (Alba)
4. Relais di Tenuta Santa Caterina - Moncalvo, 23km (Asti)
5. Villa Vitae - Castiglione Falletto, 15km (Alba)
6. Palas Cerequio - La Morra, 16km (Alba)
7. Arborina Relais - La Morra, 16km (Alba)
8. Mia Clara Relais - Alba
9. Le Due Matote - Bossolasco, 27km (Alba)

Some more places that might suit your taste but wouldn't be one of my choices:

1. Langhe Country House - Neive
2. Tenuta Bricchi - Sinio
3. Villa Bracco - Dogliani

And if you are ever going to the Piedmont with your friends or family, rent those places:

1. Villa Althea - Bossolasco
2. Villa San Marzano - San Marzano Oliveto

* lowest rate on the price list throughout the year, excluding high season prices.

This article was not sponsored in any way. It's just a list of places I will consider for my trip to Italy this fall.