Hotel Giardinetto

What a lovely experience. This was our second visit to Hotel Giardinetto. Our first visit - last year - was a package by TUI. We often tell ourselves that we will return to a venue, but rarely do. This time we couldn't resist. We were offered a substantial discount as previous visitors and this made a saving - even when including the air fare from UK and the taxi from Malpensa airport. This enabled us to stay a few more days for the same sum. The booking by email was totally straightforward and we weren't asked to pay one penny until the day we departed. The lake-side location is very attractive, providing easy access to the water for swimming and boating. The small ferries that ply the lake call at the hotel's own landing stage. They are not frequent, but do operate to a reliable timetable and provide access to Orta San Giulio and Omegna. The hotel has grown from humble beginnings as witnessed by the black and white photos proudly displayed. This results in a somewhat quirky layout which is full of atmosphere. Bumping into the off-duty owners will result in a conversation loaded with anecdotes. Discovering bookshelves loaded with volumes donated by previous guests provide unexpected reading material. Famed locally for it's spectacular setting, the hotel is a favourite for local weddings. Far from being a difficulty for the visitor, these provide a wonderful spectacle, especially when the happy couple are whisked away across the lake in the speedboat. Plenty of sun loungers are provided either on the decking beside the lake or around the infinity pool. The ice cream/drinks/snacks cabin with its very attentive staff provided the essential support needed when 'lounging'. The breakfast area is separate from the dining rooms and so there is no pressure to leave your table. Some tables are on the terrace immediately over the water, providing views across to the wooded hillside on the opposite shore. Our half-board option ensured we had a reserved table for our evening meal in the dining room with its floor to ceiling glazing. Again, the no-rush atmosphere meant there was time to see the sun go down and the stars come out from our table - unless there was a spectacular rainstorm and lightning show - which could be equally fascinating. The four-course menu for our 'package' followed the same format throughout our stay, but included a reasonable variety of choice. Not having our own transport we relied on the ferries to provide access to the outside world, although we did walk into the adjacent village of Pettenasco. We were made to feel entirely 'at home' by the highly professional hotel staff who seemed genuinely enthusiastic about their work. Our room included all the facilities expected for a hotel of this quality, but special mention should be made of the very comfortable bed and the small, but essential, balcony overlooking the lake.

Brilliant hotel and location for a really lovely relaxing holiday. The staff throughout the hotel could not do enough for you. The room was lovely and spacious with a fantastic lake view from the balcony. The restaurant was on the lake with beautiful views and the food was excellent with great variety. The ferry called at the hotel so it was very easy to visit other location on the lake. We loved our holiday and will certainly be back for another visit. The cocktails were excellent as well !!!

We stayed for 4 nights as a group of friends and the staff here were very welcoming and helpful throughout. The hotel was in a pretty spot, the road location is occasionally intrusive but we had lakeside rooms so this rarely bothered us. Food was on the whole good, the cocktails fantastic. Nearby restaurants served tasty local food. I would definitely stay again.

Re-visited this beautiful hotel, 34 years after spending the summer in Pettenasco. It remains as welcoming and stunning as I remembered and it’s still run by the wonderful Primatesta family who have recently celebrated their hotel’s 90th anniversary. Stunning location, right on the lake - perfect for open water swimming (which I did every day). There have been extensive renovations and modernisations since my last visit and all have made the hotel even more perfect - especially the addition of the roof bar, which provides a perfect setting for a sunset aperitif. Hotel staff, without exception, were all helpful, friendly and efficient and a credit to the family. The solarium area has been extended since my last visit and provided ample sun beds for guests with no issues finding plenty available, both overlooking the lake or around the pool. Lake Orta is one of the smaller lakes, so the towns and villages are fairly quiet and not over populated by tourism, so you get the “real” Italian experience. Public transport is, as others have noted, a little thin on the ground - so would recommend hiring a car for stays longer than a few days so you can explore the wider area without paying the exorbitant cab prices. Will definitely be returning again at some point - certainly not going to wait another 34 years that’s for sure!

A real gem of a hotel. Staff helpful and friendly, very comfortable room ( Deluxe, lake view), excellent restaurant and beautiful location. Would highly recommend a visit.