Okay, dumb(-ish) question from "the junior member"...

My wife and I have corresponded in our (my) horrible Italian to our hotel reception person several times, who has kindly responded to our inquiries and essentially has not told us to get stuffed (presumably b/c we are at least polite enough to TRY and email in italiano??).

To wit, we would like to bring her a little gift to thank her for her hospitality when we arrive. Any appropriate recommendations?

Thanks for the help gang... /tb

Banker, your thoughts to show appreciation are really very kind, but you dont need to take a gift. The receptionist was doing her job and I am sure if you approach her and thank her personally for the assistance she gave you, she would be more than happy.

Aliena, I'm sure you're right... thank you for your reply. As we are visiting an area that we are considering as a possible second home/retirement spot, we want to be "extra nice" to the people we meet. (I also worked in the hospitality business for several years before, and can appreciate her efforts more so.)

We suspect that she might actually speak English, but I am choosing to speak only (my limited) italiano to her (con tutto rispetto). Maybe this is the best gift we can offer. However, if there was something, perhaps small, we could offer as a token... say, excellent chocolates? ... we are agreeable to that.

Hi Banker

When my wife and I go back to England, we buy typical English biscuits to give as presents when we visit friends - nothing hugely expensive. If you would like to show your appreciation, I would choose something typically American that wouldn't be found in the shops here.

Hi Banker

When my wife and I go back to England, we buy typical English biscuits to give as presents when we visit friends - nothing hugely expensive. If you would like to show your appreciation, I would choose something typically American that wouldn't be found in the shops here.

I agree with Markymark, foreign typical food is very well accepted by Italians. In Italy also little plants are considered a very nice gift.

I agree with Marky,Mark.

How about a nice tin, maybe a Currier & Ives type filled full of Oreos?

A box of chocolate will be more than fine.
Something more expensive would embarass her.