Passalacqua

One of the most beautiful hotels I have ever stayed at in my life. From the moment you enter the property you are greeted with a big smile and feel like you are home, we had some issues during our stay which was mostly caused by a big group of guests who just acted like the hotel was completely theirs ( one of them just entered our room while we were in the bathtub) tip: the rooms have “old” doors which means you need to close them with a key, so it doesn’t automatically close- so please be aware of this. Also during the night they were extremely loud and left their music on which caused we couldn’t sleep ( the side building is quite noisy and you can hear what happens in the next room). The manager handled everything very well and professionally and made sure the rest of our stay was as amazing as he promised it would be, the hotel owner is really lucky with him, he is absolutely a gem and makes a big difference, you also always see him working and doing everything he can for his guests, he works just as hard as everyone else and is genuinely kind. The breakfast is really really good, also the lunch is really good ( expensive but good) but tbh we really didn’t liked the dinner, it was extremely expensive and the Chateaubriand was just not good, it was not tender like it should be and for the amount they asked this is unacceptable, also the pasta I ordered still had some hard parts in it so was not al dente. We went to a very nice place close by which is named: Baia di Moltrasio ( walking distance) and it was an absolute 10 and 1/4th of the price they charge you in the hotel. The spa is absolutely beautiful ( they do are a bit pushy for treatments every time you enter which is a bit annoying). Most of the staff in the hotel is very friendly we did had some encounters with some which weren’t that friendly ( especially in the beginning) when they didn’t knew we were guests yet, after telling them our room number they cooled off, but as I said the manager just makes up for every flaw. I would definitely recommend to book a suite, it’s just so worth it, the rooms in the side building are very small, if you can afford it treat yourself and you definitely won’t be disappointed, it’s just wonderful. The rooms are extremely clean and the turndown service with a little gift is just amazing, I have OCD and struggle in some hotels, but Passalacqua is just immaculately clean. We didn’t liked the gym as it’s just too small, as real gym fanatics it just didn’t had the right equipment, the pool area is just wonderful. Overall I wouldn’t stay for more then 2 days as tbh it does gets a bit boring ( especially with bad weather) I also think that the activities they offer are just too pricey ( I know it’s a pricey place and I don’t mind) but they really charge you more then premium for most activities. Overall a big YES, don’t think twice and just book, it’s absolutely stunning and they make sure you feel appreciated, butttt there is still room for improvement, if they manage to fix those things then I agree it’s one of the best hotels in the world - not the best.

This is a stunning hotel. Everything is decorated in that old world decor but feels fresh and new and not old and outdated like their absolutely abysmal sister hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The service is 50/50. Breakfast was excellent service but we had some mishaps with service a few times at dinner. We also had a kind of disaster of a picnic where nobody knew what to do, food was missing, we had no cups or plates, it was a mess. Another time we were having the most amazing dinner over the pool and the cooks were having screaming match. It was funny for a minute but then just awkward. The waiter had to run over and yell at them. It was odd. Other than that service at the pool was good and service for the rooms was excellent with little to no wait time whenever requesting anything. Food. Breakfast was amazing. Lunch and dinner very good for the most part with some average dishes as well. Grounds. Way bigger than you would think with multiple levels of various areas and you can easily walk down to the lake and swim or just relax (but not service there). The hotel is very private and you cannot enter the property unless you are having dinner which I appreciate. Spa is very small and kind of hidden in a small area that's really dark. Room. Our room was huge and amazing. Full dyson hair care in every room is amazing. Built in speakers is amazing. This part of the lake is stunning. There is a lot of air noise from helicopter tours and small planes but you get used to it. It's really a beautiful place not to be missed.

Passalacqua is easily one of the most beautiful and elegant hotels in the world, with a rich history (it used to be the villa of the opera composer Bellini) and unparalleled attention to detail. i was impressed to find not only one, but three different Dyson hair accessories from the air warp to flat iron , in the bathroom. Everything is beautifully curated , from the outside garden overseeing the lake down to every accessory in the room.

It is a dream! The location by the lake. The gardens. The interior. The spa is beautiful and very private.

The gym could have been cleaned a little better and the swimming pool windows. I think at breakfast each table could have its owner server. Having multiple people keep attending to just 2 people was a bit uncomfortable. Some space is also required at the table. We were very late and nearly didn’t make our booking :-( I think the reception could have maybe had a drink waiting on arrival ? Offered an upgrade ? Asking whether they should book the restaurant for us was too pushy when we didn’t even know if we would arrive! The Gotthard Tunnel was closed. The room service pizza was awful. More options should be made available for a hotel like this.

Overall, it feels the proper Italian experience where simplicity meets understated luxury. Service: spotless. Friendly and easygoing, yet perfect - from the reception, to the valet and luggage service, to the restaurant and bar. Personnel is prepared and professional, but makes you feel “at home”. Room: the attention to detail and quality of the room is beyond exceptional. Every single detail is carefully thought, from silver details (glass saucer, bathroom sets etc). Spacious room and bathroom, warm and cozy, yet maintains the style of its grandeur past. Restaurant: fine dining yet traditional and sensible menu with good portions and peculiar amuse-bouche. Very careful with allergies and pregnancy requirements (quite a combo!). Interesting non alcoholic drinks. Bar: nice selection of light lunch menu, perfect for a quick bite. Spa: amazing. The way the hotel recreated a secluded space in the tunnels below the villa is simply stunning.

Frankly it was all perfect. Even if the stay comes at a high price point, it is very much deserved as the level and quality of our stay was impeccable.

Passalacqua is just flawless. Everything about the property is jaw-dropping - first the lovely lake views, and then the lavish decor. The details are outstanding - from the signature scent to the flowers and Christmas music, a cozy and elegant environment is created, in the form of a true winter wonderland. Every single staff member is very polite and friendly, going out of their way to make your stay perfect. My husband and I, on our honeymoon, received a very warm welcome and even a room upgrade. We were initially thinking of taking the ferry to explore nearby towns, but were so fascinated by Passalacqua that we decided to just spend our three days enjoying the lovely views. Not even the low temperatures deterred us from enjoying our stay thoroughly. We had both the formal dining experience and the bar food, and both were great. Our thanksgiving dinner was particularly flawless, with both great food and an unforgettable reception with live piano music. Breakfast was also unbelievable- Passalacqua has an amazing selection, and the staff is absolutely amazing at making you feel at home. We were constantly asked if we needed anything, and all of our needs were instantly catered to. The spa was also a highlight. We were given an amazing tour of the installations and had a blast at the newly inaugurated indoor pool. Overall, this was a memorable experience and made our honeymoon unforgettable. We sure hope to be back in the future.

We have nothing negative to say. Just beware that, if you don’t have a car, you will be a little isolated - Moltrasio is a really tiny villa with not a lot to see. During the winter, taking the ferry is not as pleasant as in the summer, so staying inside has more of an appeal. We didn’t mind that at all, given how absolutely outstanding Passalacqua is.

Yes the property awesome. View and ambiance.

Fantastic!

On the expensive side of things...