Laqua by the Lake

Laqua by the Lake, a Michelin Key One-Key property on the tranquil shores of Lake Orta in Italy, offers a refined and deeply relaxing escape, generally garnering exceptional reviews for its modern design, prime location, and outstanding service. As part of multi-Michelin starred Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo's hospitality collection, it promises a unique blend of luxury and culinary excellence.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Laqua by the Lake is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "exceptional" and "wonderful." The property often scores highly across various metrics, including cleanliness, facilities, comfort, and staff performance. It's seen as a perfect spot for unwinding and enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Orta.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of Laqua by the Lake:

• Modern Design & Aesthetics: The property features a minimalist, modern, and thoughtful design, utilizing fine, natural materials like wood, stone, travertine, and marble, seamlessly integrating with the landscape.
• Lakeside Location & Views: Its direct beachfront access and position in a private bay on Lake Orta are major draws, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Exceptional Service: The service is frequently highlighted as "top," "exceptional," "welcoming," and "helpful," with staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.
• Amenities: The facilities are described as exceptional, including a clean swimming pool with an amazing view, a private beach area, a sun terrace with sand, and spa facilities like a hot tub and rooftop pool. Etro toiletries in metal tubes are a small, appreciated touch.
• Culinary Connection: The association with celebrity chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo and the quality of dining are significant highlights.

3. Room Quality

Laqua by the Lake offers 18 units, primarily suites and apartments, designed to provide a "home-like" experience on Lake Orta.

• Spacious & Modern: Rooms are described as spacious, modern, comfortable, and clean, feeling brand new and very well-designed.
• Apartment-style Comforts: Many units include fully fitted kitchens, living areas, private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and balconies or private gardens.
• Penthouses: The property's two penthouses, located at the highest point, boast breathtaking panoramic views, spacious terraces, and outdoor Jacuzzis, ideal for a romantic touch.
• Technology: Rooms are equipped with smart TVs and offer customizable lighting and climatic comfort.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Laqua by the Lake is a significant draw, overseen by Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo.

• Michelin-Starred Restaurant: The on-site restaurant, "Cannavacciuolo by the Lake" or "Bistrot Cannavacciuolo by the Lake," holds one Michelin star and is led by Executive Chef Gianni Bertone. It serves modern Piedmontese and Italian cuisine, often with a focus on local produce and flavors from the chef's home region of Campania.
• Exceptional Breakfast: Breakfast is consistently lauded as "absolutely top-notch," far from standardized hotel offerings. It includes a large buffet with a variety of sweet and savory options, fresh pastries, cheese, fruits, juice, and hot made-to-order dishes, along with "real coffee" and "real cappuccino."
• Dining Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a modern, romantic setting, with dining often enjoyed alfresco with stunning lake views. Hotel guests also receive priority booking at Chef Cannavacciuolo's 3-Michelin-starred Villa Crespi nearby.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Laqua by the Lake receive consistent high praise.

• Guests report "probably the best customer service we have had in years."
• Staff are described as "exceptional," "top," "welcoming," "helpful," "kind," and "friendly" without being intrusive.
• They are noted for their willingness to resolve issues and make guests feel comfortable and attended to, offering services like concierge assistance, private transfers, and babysitting.

6. Location & Accessibility

Laqua by the Lake is nestled in Pettenasco, on the eastern bank of Lake Orta.

• Lake Orta: This lake is often described as a quieter, less crowded alternative to Lake Como or Maggiore, yet equally picturesque with its rolling mountains and charming villages.
• Nearby Attractions: The charming medieval village of Orta San Giulio and the island of San Giulio, a UNESCO heritage site, are easily accessible from the hotel. Other activities include water sports, trekking, and visiting nearby designer outlets.
• Transport: While Pettenasco has a train station nearby, reaching the hotel by car is often recommended for greater flexibility, especially from Milan Malpensa Airport (about an hour's drive). The hotel offers free private parking and electric vehicle charging stations.

7. Value & Pricing

Laqua by the Lake is considered a luxury property.

• Price Range: Room rates for a basic suite were noted around €230, with a classic suite at approximately €275 (based on a 2025 review). Special offers and wellness packages are available.
• Inclusions: Breakfast is typically included when booking directly through the hotel's website or certain luxury travel platforms.
• Perceived Value: While guests generally find the experience to be of high quality, some experiences have led to questions about value, particularly regarding additional charges for certain amenities.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a couple of recurring criticisms have been noted:

• Restaurant Expectations: While highly rated, some guests found the Michelin restaurant "good but a bit overrated" compared to very high expectations.
• Unexpected Charges: A significant complaint was an unexpected charge for using the sauna and steam room after a nearly €1000 single-night stay, leading a guest to feel "ripped off." This suggests that guests should clarify all inclusions and potential extra costs for spa facilities.
• Room View Limitations: One reviewer noted their room overlooked an RV picnic area, with a house partially blocking the lake view, and a large balcony that wasn't particularly useful. This indicates that while lake views are a highlight, not all rooms offer unobstructed vistas.

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