Villa Crespi

Villa crespi is absolutely beautiful!  And the staff are wonderful. And the location is a nice walk to town. However I have no idea how they received a gold key last year!  The rooms were so hot I could not sleep (march) and I asked them to turn off the heat!  But that did not work. I also asked them not to continue spraying perfume all over my room because I was allergic… however housekeeping continued to do so until I locked them out. In addition the mattress was limp and old- very uncomfortable. The shower is vintage and needs to be upgraded- nice to loook at but impossible to shower in if you stand over 5’2”!

Amazing

Has to be right up the top of historical elegance and charm. Stayed for 3 nights and went for a larger room with great views of the lake and surroundings. From checkin to leaving the staff were right on point and very capable - almost one step a head at every moment. Breakfast outside on the vast patio was beautiful each morning as was the cocktail bar area each evening- all upscale and appointed. The 3 Michelin star restaurant was a total treat - super efficient and amazing food (we were pretty full by the end). They have a sister property right on the waters edge (very modern) so was nice to go there and enjoy swimming in the lake (and lunch by the lake). Totally loved our stay and highly recommend.

This is a definite 5 star experience! The moorish designed villa is divine set amongst beautiful gardens with views overlooking the water. We stayed for 3 nights in a suite with the 4 poster bed and a beautiful bathroom with gorgeous toiletries and good quality bed/bath linens. It was a very comfortable, beautiful room with orchids in the room and handmade jellies in a little glass box left in your room together with a bottle of Prosecco - it's these nice little personal luxuries that are included (that you pay for too!) that make the stay so enjoyable. Had drinks in the bar downstairs a few times, breakfast outside on the terrace one day and inside another (due to inclement weather). The breakfast provided is of very high quality with beautiful fruit selection, pastries etc. Coffee is barista made, omelettes made to order by chef. Everything is of the highest quality. One waiter was a bit hopeless but I forgave him as he was so obliging and apologetic!! One night we ate in the Michelin starred restaurant - set menu, staff very professional and precise, beautiful linens and table scapes serving a divine menu and exquisite wines. Yes we spent a fortune but it was worth it. The whole experience is otherworldly, like being on a very glamorous movie set - imagine Cary Grant and Grace Kelly and you'll get the picture (pardon the pun). So it was lovely swanning around feeling like lady of the manor - even if it was only for a few days! p.s. Location was good - we walked into the village of Orta (which is lovely - there is a linen shop with beautiful tablecloths etc - a must visit if you like that sort of thing (my husband nearly fell off his chair when he saw how much I spent there!) If you go in there the owner will show you a photo of Richard Gere buying linen there! Who knows if this is true but it did look like him or someone like him and it made us chuckle.. Anyway, I bought a beautiful white linen table cloth with hand blocked blue fish and napkins to go with it - very good quality. Restaurants in the village square are good too but you need to book. We also stayed in Stresa and we preferred Orta.