RELAIS ET CHATEAUX VILLA CRESPI Luxe

Exquisite and refined describe this most particular place. The setting seems to be out of 1001 Nights, the restaurant belongs to the most coveted eating temples in Italy, the hotel promises uniquely decorated rooms to satisfy even the most demanding of guests. A superlative place in all senses. If you have to ask about how muchs it costs, well, you may want to look elsewhere...

I hadn't done much research on Villa Crespi before arriving, so I was totally unprepared for the intricacy and uniqueness of its design Moorish design. The wow factor is incredible! Each bedroom is different, and ours had a gorgeous, circus-tent like fabric-covered ceiling. Our bed was insanely comfortable-- want to have those sheets and pillows at home! There are beautiful breakfast spreads, and we enjoyed two dinners here. The first evening, we did the Carpe Diem menu. Sensational with lovely little extra surprises all along the way. The second evening, we did the a la carte menu, and it was similarly excellent. Highly highly recommend! Service is absolutely impeccable. Friendly, attentive, and polished. Frank was our favorite! Matteo at the front desk was also wonderful. But truly, all were fabulous. The few downsides/things to know: there is no direct lake access from the hotel (it's about a 10 minute walk to the water/15 min to the village). Secondly, there's no gym. I enjoyed going on walks each morning, but it would have been nice to have an indoor option if there had been rain. Lastly, and not necessarily a negative, but our bathroom didn't have a true shower. We had a tub with a handheld shower head, which didn't bother us but might some other people. We enjoyed our time at Villa Crespi so much. It's a jewel, and we were lucky to get the chance to be dazzled by it!

an extraordinary place; moresque architecture with a large garden, in the middle of beautiful Italian countryside, and next to an enchanting lake. The rooms are nicely decorated in line with the building. The staff is extremely friendly, helpful and professional.

While the restaurant is really lovely and being in villa crespi is a one time life experience, the restaurant overall experience did not meet our expectations: Positive: We had a very warm and friendly welcome The villa is very beautiful and very nicely decorated Negative: Service -The tables are too small -Too much attention by the waiters which does not allow a deep conversation -The napkins are not placed in the lap neither at start not if someone comes back from the bathroom -My napkin fell on the floor, and no-one picked it up -I constantly had a waiter in my back The plates were removed before we were done eating -The silverware needs to be replaced, it looks really used Positive (Food): -The food was really nice presented and also tasted delicious Negative (Food): -The food was not hot, I even had the feeling that the plates are not preheated -Even the water of the tea that was order was not hot I am really disappointed, but the restaurant does not live up to the michelin star standard.

A beautiful moorish castle overlooking Lake Orta. We stayed in a classic room with private balcony and it was a sanctuary to relax in with the smallest detail catered for. We received daily petite fours. The two Michelin star restaurant is a must do. The food delicious and at the same time beautiful. If you have the opportunity to do the afternoon tea just remember it is quite a variety and you might not be able to do dinner afterwards, but I think you should take the chance because it is so delicious. The staff should get on their own a 5 star rating. They are very friendly and was always helping and giving advice. Nothing was too big or too small to help us. Public transport is not readily available and it is advisable to have a rental vehicle if you want to explore the lakes. The hotel is able to organize a taxi to take you where you need to go, but a rental give you more freedom. Would love to go back for a longer period.