HOUSE FANTINI / lake time — Hotel in Pella

Everything about Casa Fantini was amazing and brought us joy. Sometimes, for some reason, staff at nice hotels can be unwelcoming and snooty— this was not the case at Casa Fantini. They were so kind, welcoming, and went the extra mile to help and accommodate in the most professional and kind way possible. The extras provided also set the hotel over the edge. On arrival they offered a coffee or water (and they went out of their way to make me an American latte). When we arrived to the room, they had the most fresh delicious fruit waiting. It was also our honeymoon, so they left us a bottle of sparkling wine. Delicious apertivo + wine were provided as well later in the evening. At night they took down our bed with a good night note, cookies, and samples of non toxic skin care which I loved (I own a skincare and wellness store so i inspected the ingredients and they were non toxic and very effective!). The wait staff in the restaurant and bar were also all so nice. The blonde male waiter with the beard was SO sweet, happy, and helpful. The mixologist made me the most delicious custom cocktail with homemade syrups. The dinner was delightful!! I did the tasting menu with wines to match. The waiter catered it to me. The breakfast is beautiful, delicious, fresh, outstanding.

Now with the design. The design of the hotel is top notch. Modern done right, and really high end. When you walk through the gate your flooded with the smell of gardenias. The pool is delightful. There is a beautiful view right on the lake. The shower is the most amazing thing ever. I think I am convinced to buy one for me house. It is a steam shower, sauna, and light therapy all in one. Again, design is beautiful, as is throughout the whole hotel. Very comfortable bed. Extremely clean.

The location is amazing, you have a private gate so only guests can come in. It is juxtaposed to beautiful old buildings, right on the water and there is a very to the island right in front of the hotel. Also— if you ask the front desk, you get private access to a beautiful beach on the lake that is a lovely 10 minute walk and there are services like delicious cocktails and apertivo. Beautiful views including the island and the mountains.

If I am ever back at Lago di Orta— I will be back at...

We are very lucky to be able to extend our stay here to 2 weeks. Despite the complications that COVID 19 is causing everywhere, the hotel has lots of systems in place to keep everyone safe whilst still being able to thoroughly enjoy the stay. The hotel is very beautiful and it’s position on the water is stunning. Only 11 rooms, but the hotel feels very spacious with communal rooms galore - other hotels would have aimed to squeeze in more bedrooms, but not here. It’s a really beautiful, informal ‘home’. Breakfast is delicious, and the same for dinner. On our first night we did the tasting menu with wine pairing - excellent quality and value for money. We have set Alberto (who has worked at incredible 5 star hotels across the world) a task of feeding us each night ‘off menu’ which the chef will gladly organise: so far the duck and chateau Briand have been excellent. Rooms are very comfortable, all with views, and the toiletries are very good quality. This hotel is a brilliant choice, probably because the whole team genuinely want customers to enjoy their time here. Daniela, the lovely owner, checks discreetly that everything is in order, and Simona who manages the hotel will arrange for every single request to be seen to immediately. Nothing is too much trouble. The same is true of every member of staff from the cleaning team to the breakfast team, all working really hard with a smile. It’s a really excellent quality hotel and an...

This is very much a designer boutique hotel. Sadly rather too often style has triumphed over practicality. For example, our suite had the most fantastic bathroom with a steam room, massage shower and even a chromatherapy system. What it didn't have was sufficient lighting, a shaving/make-up mirror or anywhere to place soap or shampoo when using the beautiful free-standing bath. We had a very sophisticated in-room safe but in order to use it one had to go on one's hands and knees! The television had a vast number of channels but sadly not one of them was British. Lastly, and most seriously, the dark colour of the floor coupled with very poor demarcation of steps caused this guest to plunge head first into a wall mounted fire extinguisher!||On the positive side, the staff are wonderful, the garden is small but lovely, the breakfast is a delight and the food served from the restaurant, albeit from a rather limited menu, is delicious.||Pella is indeed a very small and quiet village ( part of its charm ) and this could easily be established prior to travelling there one would have thought.||In conclusion, Casa Fantini is a delightful place in which to spend a few days but it needs to improve a few things in rder to justify a five...