Aula Arcobaleno

The apartment was comfortable and nice, and the views really are lovely. But getting to the property was extremely difficult, and the directions in the listing were inaccurate. The owners should consider being more transparent about that. There’s no toaster, kettle, or microwave either, just a two-ring hot plate. We didn’t get to meet the owners and had little or no communication with them, so I’d be very reluctant to recommend the apartment or location.

We’d love to come back. The apartment was cozy, and with that beautiful lake view, even making dinner in felt as lovely as going out. The house, garden, surroundings, and hosts were all amazing. Fausto and Chiara were warm and happy to suggest places to eat, things to see, and places to go.

The bed made for an uncomfortable stay. The fitted sheet kept coming off, and a couple of times I ended up with my face on the bare mattress. There wasn’t a mattress protector or another layer underneath. In the heat, I tried opening all the windows for a breeze, but had to turn the lights off because there were no mosquito screens. The apartment is bright and airy, with a gorgeous view, and it was lovely to sit with coffee or wine and look out over the landscape. The wooded hills give the house a peaceful feel and a great view of Lake Orta, even in high season. Chiara and Fausto are friendly and laid-back. Some little things could use attention: the shower head was broken, the honey jar was empty, there was no cloth to wipe the table or bottle opener, and the power outlets weren’t easy for guests to use. The hosts sell honey, so perhaps the jar had been left for the previous guests to try, but I found it empty. The place is special, and with a few changes it could be a wonderful spot to unwind. Communication was difficult for me. I had to ask for the house manual in English, some questions went unanswered, and that left me feeling a little unwelcome. The directions weren’t precise either. After passing under the train bridge, you need to take the narrow road on the left marked “Forbidden for Trucks.” The description mentioned a “Red sand road,” but there wasn’t one there, which was confusing.

We spent four nights here and had a great time. The family were caring and really friendly, and the apartment was clean with everything we needed. It’s a peaceful place with a view of the lake.