Casa Fantini

Casa Fantini, Lake Orta: A Haven of Serenity and Design on Italy's Most Romantic Lake

Casa Fantini, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Orta, offers an "exceptional" boutique hotel experience that consistently earns rave reviews from guests. Embodying a philosophy of "Lake Time"—a concept centered on a slow, precious, and peaceful pace of life—the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design with the breathtaking natural beauty of its surroundings.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Casa Fantini is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional" and a "rare gem". It boasts an impressive score of 9.6 out of 10 from numerous reviews, with the Michelin Guide giving it an overall experience score of 19.8 out of 20. Visitors often use terms like "practically perfect" and state they "cannot fault anything about this beautiful hotel" to express their satisfaction with this "subtle but sumptuous ode to Orta."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Casa Fantini for its stunning gardens and florals, magnificent lake views, and beautifully designed spaces. The attentive, helpful, and professional staff are frequently mentioned as a standout feature, contributing to a welcoming and personalized atmosphere. The hotel's contemporary design, crafted by renowned architect Piero Lissoni, harmonizes natural materials like wood and stone with elegant interiors, all while maximizing the picturesque views. The heated lap pool and serene garden, offering exceptional lake vistas, are also cherished amenities.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Casa Fantini are described as stunning, boasting contemporary design, wooden floors, and elegant textiles. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies or terraces that offer magnificent views of Lake Orta and San Giulio Island. The generously sized suites (over 60 m²) are located in the older, historic building, while other rooms are in a newer structure. A particular highlight for many guests are the indulgent bathrooms, which serve as a showcase for Fantini's high-end taps and fixtures, often including showers with Turkish bath and chromotherapy functions. Rooms are also well-equipped with air conditioning, minibars, espresso makers, flat-screen TVs, safes, and complimentary bottled water, with daily turndown service and housekeeping provided.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Casa Fantini is highly praised, especially the breakfast, which is consistently described as "amazing" and "delicious". Guests particularly enjoy the "divine" fresh bakery goods and the thoughtful service, with breakfast items readily arranged at their table (rather than a buffet) and eggs made to order. The on-site restaurant, Il Ristorante di Casa Fantini, is helmed by Chef Diego Bertona, who previously held a Michelin star. He offers traditional quality cuisine with a focus on light, seasonal dishes made from local ingredients, available à la carte or as part of four, seven, or nine-course tasting menus with wine pairings. Dining can be enjoyed both indoors and at outdoor tables. A special touch is the complimentary evening aperitivo served in the lounge, offering wine and snacks, and the readily available apple cake throughout the day. The Blu Lago cafe/bar also offers aperitivo.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Casa Fantini receive exceptional praise. Reviewers frequently highlight the staff as "amazing," "attentive," "helpful," "friendly," and "professional." Guests report feeling "very welcome" and note that "nothing was too much trouble," with staff demonstrating great language skills. The personalized and non-intrusive hospitality contributes to an atmosphere that feels "almost like being in a family home." The Michelin Guide also scores staff friendliness and attention to detail highly at 19.8 out of 20.

6. Location & Accessibility

Casa Fantini enjoys a peaceful and private location on the western shore of Lake Orta in Pella, offering picturesque views of the lake and the enchanting San Giulio Island. Pella is noted for being a quieter, more authentic village compared to the more touristy Orta San Giulio, which is easily accessible via a short taxi boat ride from the public dock. The hotel is approximately an hour's drive from Milan's Malpensa airport. Beyond relaxation at the hotel, Casa Fantini offers curated excursions including visits to local areas, design museums, gastronomic experiences, and food tastings. Nearby activities include cycling, fishing, hiking, and ecotours.

7. Value & Pricing

While considered a luxury retreat, Casa Fantini is also described as offering "affordable luxury" and "exceptional value for money" by some guests, with an average room price around $569. More recent rates indicate Superior rooms starting around $597, Double rooms at $700, and Deluxe rooms at $862, with average weeknight prices potentially reaching $1,017. Prices can fluctuate significantly, with April noted as the cheapest month and May the most expensive. The hotel provides complimentary continental breakfast, WiFi in public areas, and valet parking. There is a city tax of EUR 3.00 per person per night (for up to 7 nights, with children under 7 exempt) and a pet fee of EUR 60 per pet per stay.

8. Common Complaints

A thorough review of guest feedback reveals no significant recurring complaints or criticisms for Casa Fantini. The vast majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting an exceptional and flawless guest experience. The property is seasonal, operating from April through October. While some outdoor spaces might be less suitable for children, this is more of a consideration for families rather than a direct complaint about the hotel's offerings.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. design-milk.com
3. michelin.com
4. casafantinilaketime.com
5. marcoscomparin.com
6. fantini.it
7. hotels.com
8. forbes.com
9. thehotelguru.com
10. countryandtownhouse.com
11. compassesworld.com
12. momondo.com
13. agoda.com
14. kayak.com