The Albergo Alba is a small, family-run hotel. Nothing fancy but I didn't need fancy--I needed proximity to my work location. The neighborhood (i.e., within one-block radius) is nice and has caffes, restaurants, and a grocery store. It is only about 8 blocks from the city center and quite close to the Po River. I had a crisis upon check-in, realizing that I had either lost or had stolen my wallet with all my money, credit cards, and passport. The family was extremely helpful despite our language barrier, going so far beyond the minimum to help me that I teared up in gratitude several times. You couldn't hope to find kinder people. I will forever carry a fondness for the Albergo Alba of 34 Via Maria Vittoria. (And for those wondering, the police found everything but my cash.)