Hotel Colonne

We stayed here for a night before our morning flight out of Milan airport. We had requested for a single floor room as we had a baby with us and they had also provided a pack and play cot for the baby. The views are just breathtaking. Room and bathroom were clean but the best part was the hospitality from Silvio’s mother. She didn’t speak much English but was so kind and good to us, even making sure breakfast was ready for our early departure. The breakfast was just the perfect end to out Italy escapade and the Apple cake alone is the reason we will be back! The restaurant was closed the night we stayed so the board portion of our stay was applicable at the sister hotel just a stone’s throw from the hotel. The meal was fantastic, the views equally spectacular and service just fantastic.

We went with another couple for 3 nights. You wind up the hill to the hotel, alongside the (currently out of service) funicular station, with the Sacromonte to explore just behind and spectacular views out across wooded hillside to the plain and Lake Varese some 1600m below. Buses will take you (with one convenient change) into Varese itself. Silvio and his staff were friendly and attentive throughout, ensuring we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Bedrooms were clean and comfortable, each with a large terrace from which to enjoy the views. The highlight is the cooking. We ate off the card with its wide range of enticing dishes. There is a slightly cheaper menu with fewer choices if you want 3 courses - we found 2 courses off the card better. You must try the tasting menu! At 66 euros each it was a treat but we thought it excellent value for money. It is not specified beforehand - exactly what you get will depend what ingredients are available and best day by day. We started with flavoursome smoked fish, followed by traditional tuna with veal sauce, better than I have ever tasted. Then came risotto with truffle (which we love). We thought the spaghetti with field mushrooms even better. Then duck, beautifully cooked and tender. And an artistically presented chocolate based dessert. Having asked what style of wine we preferred and at roughly what price, Silvio produced a notably excellent Sicilian red to accompany our main course. The evening was outstanding and hugely enjoyable.

We booked this hotel after reading the reviews and were delighted to find ourselves in such an amazingly different, small hotel - the hotel is quaint, our room had a very high ceiling and a covered terrace, very chintzy which all fits into the ambiance of this small boutique Italian hotel. We booked on *********** and stayed for two nights including dinner which was served on a terrace that hangs over the side of the hotel - all very atmospherical. If you were celebrating in a special location, then the hotel would certainly fit the bill. The dinners were outstanding, beautifully presented, every course a picture in itself, the staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast is taken on a side terrace that also has views looking down to Lake Varese. We drove ourself to the hotel, we missed the rather small brown 'heritage' sign for 'Sacro Monte' (which is where the hotel is located), if you are planning to visit keep and eye out for the Sacro Monte sign and you will find it. There is also a bus service too. The hotel has parking, the roads are tight, our hire car was small so we managed to navigate the winding road that takes you up to the hotel. Whilst it may appear on first arrival that there isn't a lot to see, there is the amazing site of the Sacro Monte and there are also a few restaurants tucked away too. Recommended for anyone that wants to get away from the crowds and enjoy excellent food!