Hotel Borgo Vistalago

Centrally located with stunning lake views, the accommodation offers a warm atmosphere, traditional charm, and a good quality breakfast. The rooms provide comfort and cleanliness, but the outdoor service may have limited options.

We had a good stay and enjoyed the quirk and character of this hotel. The 12 rooms are situated in various units, all within less than 100 metres of the main reception/breakfast room. Rooms are all quite different. Our Lake View Suite with Terrace was light and airy, with patio doors opening onto the main road and lake, whereas our sons’ split level Superior Room was located on an ancient side street, utterly charming, but dark. Both suffered from the noise of late night revellers. The staff were all friendly and helpful, the manager, polished, engaging, and the go-to fella if you don’t speak Italian. Parking is on-street and the hotel can provide you with a pass which brings the charge down to just €0.50 a day (€1.00 per hour without it, free between 8pm and 7am). We usually managed to find a spot (mid- May) but I can imagine it’s trickier come July. The sweet little breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and served from 8 till 1030am (the lovely staff kindly allowed us to come a little earlier). The town boasts plenty of restaurants within walking distance, nearby bus stops for travel to Bracciano and Anguillara Sabaza, and a ferry in season. But back to the rooms - I suspect guests will report greatly varying experiences given the diffuse layout and styling of rooms. Number one criteria for me is always light - as much natural light as possible, so I was delighted with our Lake View Room which was bathed in it, as well as boasting magnificent views. We also appreciated the provision of a kettle, coffee machine and fridge. WiFi was good, as was our shower, but the supply of bathroom products was as skimpy as it gets, and the quality of them as basic as it gets. Our room was also crudely and cheaply finished, very rough and ready in areas. Our son reported that his shower was weak and ineffectual, but he was otherwise happy with the room. Our stay wasn’t for leisure purposes, we were in the area to compete at the nearby Vallelunga Race Circuit, less than 20 minutes drive. The hotel was a convenient base for us, and if returning we would certainly consider staying again.

Our plane was delayed several hours, we emailed the hotel to inform them. We arrived around 930PM and were greeted by the front desk lady who screamed at us for being late as she closed at 6pm. Huh? I told her I emailed her and we cannot call them when we are flying in the air. Anyway, the room we booked had two floors and real beds for our teens (2). We were put into another room with a fold out sofa and cot. This lasted 1 night. Our room should have been next door but we were pushed into a room that they probably did not want. We were told the next morning by the front desk that "booking DOT com" changed the reservation. IUmm? Anyway, the staff after the first nite was friendly and helpful. Location was perfect in the middle of the town. Beds were "ok", nice bathroom and decent space. I would recommend if you want something central but we prepared for a surprise (change in room). Breakfast was croissants, bread, cheese etc... they do not have a kitchen.