Bed and Breakfast Il Parco e gli Affreschi - Santa Maria del Monte, Varese

The hostess is charming and highly educated. Splendid resort.One of the best B&B we ever had.

Even if we arrived with a horrible dark weather (rain, snow, wind),and its situation on the top of a mountain, made us wait the worst, the amaizing views we had the following day with a clear day, made it worth. It is a little hotel with only three rooms, so it was nearly only for our enjoyment. The house is a true arquitectonic jewell by Ludovico Pogliaghi, including the original furniture, and with that cool decadence that works so well in Italy. A very well kept jewell by Enrica, excellent hostess. She is arquitect also, and her interest and enthusiasm for arquitecture and arts, makes chatting with her a real pleasure. And the breakfasts are gourgeous and unforgettables!

L'endroit est tout simplement magnifique. Une villa début de siècle de grand style entièrement meublée d'époque et décorée avec beaucoup de goût. Les deux chambres sont toutes deux superbes et proposent des vues incroyables. L'endroit est isolé en haut d'un mont élevé et respire la paix. L'hôtesse est très agréable et disponible. Le petit déjeuner est une merveille. A cette aune, le rapport qualité prix est un des meilleurs que j'ai connus. Je ne peux que le conseiller ardemment.

A wonderful stay !

We went in winter and so had trouble with steep and very slippery roads, also it is not easy to find just based on a map. And finally, we did not know that cash is only accepted, not credit cards. But a very unique and lovely setting for certain.

If you are looking for something really special, this is something for you. The surroundings are breathtaking, and the service is really good. You will need a car to get down to Varese, because the B&B is located high up in the mountain side. There is also a bus going up and down. The B&B is NOT suitable for small children because of the steep heights.

Wilma, the owner, was extremely helpful and friendly - she even drove down from Santa Maria to fetch us from Varese as we didn't spot the right road signs in the dark and phoned for help!! (The trick is to look for the smaller tourist signs to "Sacre Monte" at the bottom of the signposts and then, half way up the hill, signs for the B&B itself.) The house is gorgeous in a beautiful setting and packed full of history which Wilma will tell you all about in between trying to force feed you fresh focaccia, ricotta, fruit, cake, biscuits and fresh coffee/tea to taste for breakfast. We stayed in the room with the "cave bathroom" which is just as much fun as it sounds and this room also has a small kitchen attached so we could make ourselves coffee of an evening. Santa Maria del Monte is a fairy-tale village perched on the hill with narrow alleys and underground passages to explore, characterful houses, superb views, and again lots of history with the chapels etc. We ate at the Hotel Borducan in the village and were treated to 4 delicious courses of regional Italian cuisine and again, very friendly and helpful service from the owner himself. We were even introduced to the cat!

This is an unbelievably beautiful B&B. The owner is so very friendly and helpful. We were made to feel at home immediately. Although it is difficult to get to, it is definately worth the trip. It was everything we had hoped for and more. I would give this B&B and its owner an A+++++++

We had an excellent stay. Our hostess could not have been more welcoming and charming and the location is spectacular! High up in the mountain above Varese with a view all the way to Milan. I cannot recommend this B&B more highly.