Kiki Deere
Hotel expert
Kiki Deere is a freelance travel writer who contributes to a wide range of newspapers and magazines.
Hotel Review
Villa Crespi, Orta San Giulio, Lake Orta
WHAT WE LOVE...
Sitting on a small hill on the shores of little Lake Orta is this extraordinary 19th-century Moorish villa, complete with minaret, ornate arabesques and marble columns. The interiors recall a Middle Eastern palace, with glistening chandeliers and priceless antiques. The 14 rooms are warm and inviting, with polished parquet floors and silky rich fabrics. It's most famous for its outstanding two Michelin-starred restaurant run by Antonino Cannavacciuolo, Italy's superstar chef who is a household name throughout the country. Cannavacciuolo's cuisine is exceptional, skilfully combining local ingredients and creative cooking techniques to create dishes that blend northern and southern Italian influences. It's the perfect choice for avid foodies and romantics seeking a unique boutique bolthole on one of Italy's most charming lakes.
Your expert reviewer
THE DETAILS
Location
We love the fact that one of the country's most celebrated chefs works at this delightful villa located on the shores of one of Italy's lesser known lakes.
You'll find this hotel in the medieval village of Orta San Giulio on the shores of Lake Orta.
By plane: there are direct flights to Milan Malpensa from London (1 hours 50 mins) and Manchester (2 hours 15 minutes). The hotel is an hour's drive from the airport. Free on-site parking. skyscanner.net
Style & Character
Villa Crespi is perfect for avid foodies who like the finer things in life and who want to indulge in Cannavacciuolo's delectable cuisine. The building is utterly unique, and its historical features have been beautifully preserved.
Service & Facilities
Cinzia and Antonino take the time to personally meet and chat with guests (many of whom are veritable Cannavacciuolo fans).
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Lakeside location
- Spa
- Free parking
- Free Wi-Fi
Rooms
The Junior Suites are particularly cosy and atmospheric, with dark blue wallpaper marrying with nut-brown parquet floors. The gorgeous parquet floors have been beautifully preserved.
Classic Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, Premium Suite, Master Suite
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries, bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, TV, air conditioning, Wi-Fi
Food & Drink
The award-winning cheese trolley has a selection of local, Italian and international cheeses that are simply to die for. This is one of Italy's very best restaurants - each dish is a melt-in-your-mouth explosion of flavours.
Restaurant: two Michelin-starred restaurant by renowned chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo. Tasting menu and à la carte options. Mains include beef cheek and tail with onion vanilla purée and quail with shrimp scampi and yakitori suace. Mains from 60€.
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Rooms available from £422.86 per night
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