Relais Casali della Cisterna

It was our first visit to Lake Maggiore and I am so pleased we chose this hotel to spend the last 4 nights of our trip to Italy. We were lucky enough to be able to stay in the Dinghy suite overlooking the lake, which was amazing. Unfortunately our tour operator really messed up our booking made in December, but after emailing Simona direct, she was able to allocate this suite to our reservation at short notice. The room was very spacious, comfortable and clean and the view was to die for. The balcony had both sun beds and a table and chairs at which to sit and enjoy a glass of Prosecco on an evening. Simona and Alberto are really friendly and nothing was too much trouble for them to make our stay so enjoyable. Simona speaks four languages so is able to converse with most holidaymakers effortlessly. Alberto was very knowledgeable of the area and gave us advice on how to navigate the lake by bus and ferries and suggested places to visit, which we found interesting. There was plenty of choice at breakfast and we ate at the hotel on two occasions and although the homemade food was very nice, the menu was a bit limited, however Simone did give us suggestions of restaurants to visit. They have two daughters, Emma and Sveva, who helped their parents one evening and both girls were lovely and spoke good English. We will definitely be returning to the hotel next September and have already spoken to Simone regarding this. If you are looking to visit Lake Maggiore we would definitely advise you to consider this beautiful hotel, which is run by such a warm and accommodating couple. Special hello to Kayla their very sweet dog, we’ll see you next year.

The Relais Casali della Cisterna is rated as a 3 star hotel but as another reviewer noted, it is not the number of stars of the “official” hotel rating that count. Instead, it is the traveler rating that counts, and in the case of the Relais Casali their ratings are a solid 5 star. The owners, Simona and Alberto Anni, have achieved a balance between charm and understated luxury. They are expert hoteliers, warm, friendly, and knowledgeable and ensured that our two stays in September and October were perfect. The hotel was a large palazzo built in 1827 with several separate buildings on the western slope of Lago Maggiore. It has large rooms and suites, decorated with a keen eye for style. The rooms are extremely quiet. The well maintained grounds include sequoias and redwoods, walking trails, a jacuzzi, an above ground pool, a hammock, and exercise equipment. The suites have either a private patio or deck overlooking the lake. The breakfasts include a wide selection breads and pastries, local cheeses, meats, jams, fruit juices, cereals and more. Caffe macchiatos and cappuccinos are available at the espresso bar. The dinner menu includes specialty dishes by Nonna which can be enjoyed the entire day. We dined in most evenings as it was comfortable and enjoyable. Despite being off of the main lake shore road, the hotel is easy to reach. If you arrive by train it is about a 12 minutes walk from the Belgirate station to the hotel on a paved single-lane road. From the Belgirate docks it is about a 15 minutes walk. I was hesitant to write this review as I would like to keep the Relais Casali della Cisterna all to myself, 365 days a year. But as my mother always said "You need to share..."

Very good hotel excellent staf very good service very good rom , over looking the lake, excellent brekfest. Free parking we stay in Palma room it is very good and spaices room withe double king bad big bethroom a dressing place, sofa mini bar with espreso

Where do I start! Everything about this place was amazing!!! The owners were just the sweetest and paid attention to every detail. They even drove us into town to restaurants and the bus station. The property is beautiful and so well kept. The room…omg!!!! Stunning!!!! This place is a MUST GO TO!!!

Wow, what a find!! The owners make you feel so welcomed. It is truly a relaxing and beautiful place. Home cooked food with immaculate rooms really make this a worthwhile stop. One suggestion, very helpful to have a car if you are there for more than a couple of days.

Our stay was wonderful. Great location, beautiful property. We were so impressed with the management by Simona and Alberto. Great people who worked very, very hard every day to support their clients. Our room was classic and the view was tremendous. . Massive bathroom and massive bed. Had great aperitivos on the patio (when it wasn't raining) and a dinner with Nonna's lasagne on our last night. Highly recommended for a romantic get-away in Lake Maggiore. Which in it self is worth a week.

Wow, Simona and Alberto, the owners, make this a special place. Well appointed large rooms with beautiful views of Lake Maggiore, and a terrific breakfast. They were always wiling to provide ideas and answer questions. Suggest getting a room with a terrace. Plenty of parking, and 15 minutes from the ferries at Stresa and the restaurants in Arona. Stay here!! They speak 4 languages as well.

We had the absolute best time at the Relais. My husband and I got married at the Villa Claudia and many of our guests were staying at the Relais. The both of us also stayed there a few more days after the wedding for a “mini moon”. We couldn’t have hoped for a better more romantic location for this very special week. Simona & Alberto were absolutely perfect, helped us with everything we needed and made sure we felt at home and special. We are so grateful for their welcome and we are SURE we will come back - maybe even as a yearly tradition?