Relais Casali della Cisterna

Come here if you'd like to find out what great Italian home cooking tastes like. We had two diners here, and regret we didn't have more. The minestrone soup, lasagna and aubergine Parm are so fresh and refreshing, even though I'm used to the great Italian restaurants in Manhattan and Brooklyn. It's nice to have a comforting dinner overlooking the lake, after a day of sight seeing, and finishing with home made apple cake and ice cream or rum with chocolate.

Thank you for a lovely stay.

A Magical and Heartwarming Stay at Relais Casali della Cisterna We originally planned to stay for just one night, and ended up staying for two, simply because we couldn’t leave! Relais Casali della Cisterna is a truly special place, elegant, peaceful, and full of warmth. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with genuine kindness. The hosts, Simona and Alberto, went above and beyond to make our stay perfect, offering great local tips, and always making us feel at home. Our room was beautifully designed, spacious, and spotless, with breathtaking views of Lake Maggiore. Waking up to the view of the lake from our balcony was unforgettable. The gardens surrounding the villa are lush and peaceful, perfect for relaxing walks or a quiet coffee in the morning sun. Breakfast was excellent, fresh pastries, fruit, local cheeses, and eggs made to order. It’s one of those places where every detail feels cared for. The location is also great, just a few minutes’ drive from Stresa and Belgirate, close enough to explore but quiet enough to feel completely away from it all. We’ve stayed in many places across Europe, but this one really stands out for its charm, authenticity, and the warmth of its hosts. We left with a full heart and wonderful memories. Highly recommended, and we’ll definitely be back!

The room was clean and nice enough, but the view of the lake was obstructed by an adjacent building. The gardens were not very impressive and the pool and hot tub were not good. The exercise equipment and "arcade" were basically a few pieces in an outdoor storage area. The staff and owners were very nice and helpful. You can take a ferry from Stresa to Islo Bella, which is very nice, but parking is difficult and it is very crowded.