My (new) wife and I stayed here recently on our honeymoon. We've stayed here before a couple of years ago which is why we returned. Whilst the hotel is probably due a lick of paint in a few areas, it's main attraction is the fact that it's a family run hotel and very friendly. If you're into faceless multinational hotel chains, then it's not for you. If you're more into a hotel with a personal touch and attentive staff then read on. The hotel is rich on the shores of the lake in a small village called Pettanesco. Whilst the village itself is not exactly kicking, it's really well placed for exploring Orta and the other islands. A trip to Omegna (the largest town on Orta) is about 15 mins by car and recommended for a morning/afternoon of people watching. In Pettanesco itself there is a Pizzeria (great food) and a restaurant, Il Cortile (see other review) as well as a couple of bars a supermarket and a deli. There is free parking at Hotel Giardinetto which is great as you'll need a car to get around. The hotel is locally renound for it's great food and wine. An outdoor pool and sunbathing area round off what is a great hotel on probably the most 'italian' of lakes.

We were made most welcome by Ezio - the son of the owner, he arranged for the lake boat service to call at the hotel & collect us to take us to the island - from there we went to San Giulio. Nothing was too much trouble! The food is still of a high standard, wines reasonable and the happy staff are still the same as they were 3 years ago!!! An excellent centre to explore this beautiful part of Italy. Lake Maggorie is over the hill and lots of lovely mountain villages nearby. Have a good stay! James from Kent UK

Our stay at the hotel was uneventful and generally nice. the food was overall good although sometimes it looked as if the cook had taken a day off. Wine was excellent and cheap. Staff was helpful especially an older waiter who was a real charm. the pool and the lake were gorgeous, but the hotel is squeezed between the provincial road (lot of trafic) and the lake so there is no garden to speak of, which makes me wonder why the hotel is called that way. beware of the rooms facing the road as they are very noisy even with windows closed!Lakeview rooms are nice but do not take the cheap ones as they could be a disappointment. It's a family business and the owners do care about the customers especially if they stay a few days. No hidden fees, no rip off experienced, no internet access though the hotel is conveniantly located near Orta and a good boat service takes you everywhere for a few €. English is widely spoken by the staff and French is not a problem either. many swiss and german clients by the way

Müßte jetzt einiges gemacht werden: - Terrasse herabhängende Elektr. Anschlüße - Zimmer warmes Wasser ( Waschbecken ) keine Funktion. Nach Reparatur funktionierte es 1 ½ Tage - Fenster können nicht gekippt werden, Rollos keine Funktion -Schadhafte Tapeten - Ein Fleisch u. Wurstladen, ein Bäcker, ein Obst u. Gemüseladen, ein Zeitschriftenladen -Um in den Ort Pettenasco ( ca. 800m ) zu kommen mußte man auf der sehr belebten Straße laufen -Bademöglichkeit durch eine kleine Terrasse vom Hotel wo Stühle u. Sonnenschirme bereitgestellt werden Wie die drei Sterne kommen ist uns rätselhaft. - Zimmer war auf eine sehr belebte Straße ausgerichtet, also nicht ruhige Lage - in der Dusche bekommt man Platzangst durch den nachträglich installierten Duschvorhang - nach jeden Duschen Überschwemmung - relativ großer Kaffeeraum f. das Frühstück, gute Auswahl aber nur eine Kaffeemaschine - öfter Stau - schöne Terrasse zum See, um das Frühstück dort einzunehmen - Parkplatz unbewacht, keine Gewißheit ob noch einer am Abend vorhanden ( Fahrzeug wurde auch angefahren ) Keine deutsch Kenntnisse. Nur Frühstück gebucht. Im Restaurant gibt es scheinbar auch nur sehr teure Gerichte u. wenig Auswahl ( nach der ausgelegten Karte ) Baden ( wenn Platz vorhanden bei den Stühlen u. Sonnenschirmen ) 1 Tischtennisplatte - Schläger u. Ball können ausgeliehen werden

Had a delightful stay, everyone so friendly. We had to leave at 5 a.m. to catch a flight, so they set us up with coffee/sweets and a special clock. They have the new wake up call, but weren't sure it would work. Couldn't have been nicer. The food was great, the waiter spoke perfect English and was great, too. Thanks for a lovely evening.