We recently stayed at Villa Crespi and can't say enough positive things about the experience. We had misread our date of arrival and were thus a no show on thursday night. When we showed up on friday they could not have been more gracious . They applied our prepaid night to the night we actually stayed at the hotel though we certainly did not expect it. Our room was fantastic, charming antique furniture, high ceilings, and the bathroom amenities included products from Etro. The food and service in the dining room was the best we experienced in our 10 day trip to Milan. They do indeed deserve their 2 Michelin stars. The town of Orta is delightful and a quick boat trip to the small 'island of silence' just off shore was well worth the modest fee. The hotel was close to Malpensa- we were at the airport in one hour. We will certainly stay at the hotel on our next trip to Italy.

We booked a four day package for Villa Crespi on luxurylink.com and shared it with another couple. We each had a beautiful suite with a big four poster bed and fabulous bathroom, a massage for two and delicious breakfast in-suite each morning. We also received two tasting menu dinners at their glamorous 2 Michelin Star restaurant. Everything about our stay was memorable and romantic.

If you are a fan of Relais and Chateau properties, Villa Crespi is for you. It is not a R&C affiliate mind you, but it is very much of that type: a beautiful, unique property with a superb kitchen. It’s a jewel box, not a big hotel, and a gem at that. There are fewer than twenty rooms, and the bath fixtures differ from room to room, so if you require a shower rather than a tub or vice versa, be sure to specify that. Dinner at the restaurant is pricey and the menu will look unfamiliar, but don’t be intimidated. Try it and you will be rewarded with a truly extraordinary meal. It was without question the best meal of our two weeks in the Lake District and Milan and the most unique, utterly unlike anything else we found. I’d also recommend you stay and savor Orta San Giulio rather than just pop in and out for dinner. Lakes Como and Maggiore are larger and more dramatic. Orta is low key, carless (except for residents) and simply charming.

Beautiful hotel with intricate carving in the main hall. Nicely decorated room but only shower in a 350 Euro a night hotel. Also, it was merely a garden view which was disappointing. It is possibly a little overpriced for the faults stated above. Also, steer clear of the restaurant which is very overpriced at 135Euro for a surprise menu with very average food.