Villa Feltrinelli (Lake Garda, Italy) hotel
Sep 15, 2014, 1:52 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: VCE
Posts: 14,165
Airports in order of convenience: VRN/VCE/BGY/TSF/LIN/MXP/BZO
Sep 16, 2014, 2:30 am
#18
formerly vienna-resident
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Montepulciano, Tuscany
Posts: 1,062
Lovely review which confirms why I've been wanting to go there for some years now. Unfortunately, for different reasons it never worked out, which is a shame as would be rather easy to reach from Zurich.
Sep 16, 2014, 12:41 pm
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Entering the Villa Feltrininelli is a secluded affair. Wrought iron gates slowly open up after you’ve pressed the almost hidden buzzer and announced your name to the hotel reception. Hardly noticeable from the main road you turn to the Villas private road meandering down the hill, as if to someones private residence. The Hostess greets you and suggests lunch at the enhancing restaurant overlooking Lake Garda, whilst the staff unpack your bags. From that moment onwards you know all your wishes will be taken care of, even before you have an inkling of a thought of something in your head.
The Villa is a complex of three Residences, with the main Villa Feltrinelli, Mussolini’s old summer palace, oozing of history and housing guest bedrooms and suites as well as a charming bar and a restaurant. The Decor in the main house is slightly darker than in the other two building housing two to three suites each. Bobs Boathhouse sits on the lakefront, offering a private pier and several bedrooms and terraces for exclusive use.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner can be taken anywhere on the Villas grounds and staff are more than accommodating and initiative to your needs. Sitting by the immaculate croquet lawn with no staff in sight, enjoying a bottle of wine that was finishing a new one magically appeared with some delicious antipasti. There no need to sign for bills at the Villa, everyone know who you are. The food was italian, and mostly excellent, as you would expect, but the chef always happy to deviate from the menu if you had any special requests.
The Villa has a spectacular green marbled infinity pool, reflecting of the greenness of Lake Garda itself, with its crystal clear waters. The Villa has a private meticulously restored Riva that can be hired to explore the Lake or to be taken for lunches or cocktails at neighbouring towns and villages.
The suite I stayed was understated, but decidedly Italian. Wooden beans in the ceiling, exquisite bedding and breathtaking views of Lake Garda from the balcony. The Bathroom featured a double shower and a bath and, of course, Acqua di Parma toiletries in full sizes. It wasn’t the biggest suite I’ve ever stayed in , but you don’t come to Garda to sit in your room. I made full use of the swimming pool and the wonderful service provided there, swimming in the fresh lake, the unforgettable Riva and countless croquet matches. My only regret was that I only stayed for 2 nights. The Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli – Aman in all but name.
cheers,
JB
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Visit WWW.GETSETJETSET.COM for more luxury hotel and restaurant reviews
The Villa is a complex of three Residences, with the main Villa Feltrinelli, Mussolini’s old summer palace, oozing of history and housing guest bedrooms and suites as well as a charming bar and a restaurant. The Decor in the main house is slightly darker than in the other two building housing two to three suites each. Bobs Boathhouse sits on the lakefront, offering a private pier and several bedrooms and terraces for exclusive use.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner can be taken anywhere on the Villas grounds and staff are more than accommodating and initiative to your needs. Sitting by the immaculate croquet lawn with no staff in sight, enjoying a bottle of wine that was finishing a new one magically appeared with some delicious antipasti. There no need to sign for bills at the Villa, everyone know who you are. The food was italian, and mostly excellent, as you would expect, but the chef always happy to deviate from the menu if you had any special requests.
The Villa has a spectacular green marbled infinity pool, reflecting of the greenness of Lake Garda itself, with its crystal clear waters. The Villa has a private meticulously restored Riva that can be hired to explore the Lake or to be taken for lunches or cocktails at neighbouring towns and villages.
The suite I stayed was understated, but decidedly Italian. Wooden beans in the ceiling, exquisite bedding and breathtaking views of Lake Garda from the balcony. The Bathroom featured a double shower and a bath and, of course, Acqua di Parma toiletries in full sizes. It wasn’t the biggest suite I’ve ever stayed in , but you don’t come to Garda to sit in your room. I made full use of the swimming pool and the wonderful service provided there, swimming in the fresh lake, the unforgettable Riva and countless croquet matches. My only regret was that I only stayed for 2 nights. The Grand Hotel Villa Feltrinelli – Aman in all but name.
cheers,
JB
------------------------------
Visit WWW.GETSETJETSET.COM for more luxury hotel and restaurant reviews
Sep 19, 2014, 7:08 pm
#21
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: United global services, BA gold,
Posts: 837
One of my favorite resorts in the world. There are also a couple if great restaurants in the nearby town for those who stay more than a few days. The restaurant at the villa is of course terrific. Renting a boat for a half day is wonderful. When we were there they took you out with it her guests for cocktails one day a week on a gorgeous villa owned yacht. Not sure if that us still part of the program, but worth asking!
Jul 31, 2016, 4:21 pm
#24
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: France
Posts: 971
Just back from Villa Feltrinelli. We stayed in the 1-bedroom suite called Bougainvillea (#33) in Casa Dei Fiori. We made our reservations 2 weeks ago so availability was limited!
Pictures don't do justice to the decoration, it is very difficult to capture the elegance and glamour of Villa Feltrinelli!
Obviously you shall expect high prices (transportation from/to Milan Linate airport is 350 Eur one way, we had a couple massage for 80 minutes at 440 Eur, and lunch / dinner will go up easily to 200 Eur per person, may be 100 only if you stick to a main dish with dessert).
The pool is gorgeous and the manicured garden makes the place very relaxing and peaceful. I could spend hours there, watching life on Garda Lake.
Complimentary minibar and laundry is a nice touch. I have to admit that my expectations were not so high, it was difficult for me to understand the praise and enthusiasm. But indeed you have to go and live the experience to understand why it is such a special place.
Some amenities could be improved (there is no proper spa, only a treatment room called 'Rejuvenation Room' with Aqua Di Parma products and no gym). And service while excellent is not perfect. But it's still worth it!
Shall we go back I would choose the 2-bedroom suite in Casa Dei Fiori or others buildings (Casa Rustica or preferably la Limonaia) as these enjoy a covered private terrace.
Last but not least, in July and August the traffic during weekends is a nightmare. It took 2 hours to arrive and 3 hours to come back. It you can afford it ask for a helicopter transfer!
Pictures don't do justice to the decoration, it is very difficult to capture the elegance and glamour of Villa Feltrinelli!
Obviously you shall expect high prices (transportation from/to Milan Linate airport is 350 Eur one way, we had a couple massage for 80 minutes at 440 Eur, and lunch / dinner will go up easily to 200 Eur per person, may be 100 only if you stick to a main dish with dessert).
The pool is gorgeous and the manicured garden makes the place very relaxing and peaceful. I could spend hours there, watching life on Garda Lake.
Complimentary minibar and laundry is a nice touch. I have to admit that my expectations were not so high, it was difficult for me to understand the praise and enthusiasm. But indeed you have to go and live the experience to understand why it is such a special place.
Some amenities could be improved (there is no proper spa, only a treatment room called 'Rejuvenation Room' with Aqua Di Parma products and no gym). And service while excellent is not perfect. But it's still worth it!
Shall we go back I would choose the 2-bedroom suite in Casa Dei Fiori or others buildings (Casa Rustica or preferably la Limonaia) as these enjoy a covered private terrace.
Last but not least, in July and August the traffic during weekends is a nightmare. It took 2 hours to arrive and 3 hours to come back. It you can afford it ask for a helicopter transfer!
Aug 9, 2016, 8:51 pm
#26
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Colorado
Programs: UA Premier Silver, AA Executive Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 813
I can attest to the loveliness of La Limonaia as we stayed there a couple of summers ago. It was a perfect stay. Absolutely perfect.
May 26, 2018, 12:41 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
I can completely understand the praise Villa Feltrinelli gets, but it just falls short in a few too many areas for my liking to rank it amongst the best out there. The setting is spectacular and is why the prices are so high, but if I took food, facilities, rooms, spa, gym etc etc I'd choose Park Hotel Vitznau in almost every criteria it could be set against. Absolutely worth visiting, but I'd take a long look around at alternatives being revisiting.
I absolutely will do a full write-up on this property, as it does deserve it, but for now here's a whole set of photos from our 3 night stay:
I absolutely will do a full write-up on this property, as it does deserve it, but for now here's a whole set of photos from our 3 night stay:
Jun 3, 2018, 5:37 pm
#29
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: England
Posts: 1,361
As promised, my full thoughts: Review: Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
Jun 3, 2018, 6:22 pm
#30
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
As promised, my full thoughts: Review: Villa Feltrinelli, Lake Garda ? The Good, The Bad and The Luxurious
This VF reminds me somewhat of Post Ranch Inn—spectacularly beautiful location and property with little to do but gawk, eat, and concomitantly blow money, and definitely not worth it for us. At least the PRI accommodations impress. These do not.
So sorry that my helicopter landing blew you away, but then I’d saved up for the stay by having 6000 non-alcoholic drinks here and there—in case you were wondering.
P.S. Still waiting for your La Residence review. How many non-alcoholic beverages do I need to consider to get that?
