Hotel Leon d'Oro

Rudest reception we have ever experienced Recently traveled to Piedmonte area for a sporting event our son was competing in. We are regular visitors to the area and hoped to have enjoy a tranquil 2 nights in Orta San Guilio after the competition. Unfortunately the event over-ran by several hours and we had to drop our son off at Malpensa airport before going to the hotel. On arrival at the airport we checked our booking and realized that we had missed the 9.30pm check in. We promptly called the hotel and spoke to a very understanding gentleman who apologized for the fact that we could not stay in the hotel that evening due to this. We completely understood that is a small family run hotel and would probably struggle to staff reception late. We agreed that we would come to the hotel 1st thing in the morning and booked into the excellent Villa Malpensa for the night. On leaving, we again telephoned the hotel and let the nice gentleman know we were on our way. He again confirmed our room was ready for us as soon as we arrived at the agreed rate we had booked. Unfortunately, things were about to turn very nasty indeed. On arrival at the hotel we were 'greeted' by Barbara. We explained the situation. We were regarded with utter contempt from the outset & told we were 'no shows' Our reservation had been completely cancelled! If we wanted to stay she did have a room available (obviously) but we would be charged a much higher rate for the remaining night. She also made clear be we wouldn't checking in anytime soon as she was still 'checking out' and couldn't possibly 'check in' at the same time. We were given no indication of when this might change. We were very disappointed and again mentioned the gentleman we spoke to. She gestured toward the desk and said 'do you see any man here? 'Must have been someone in the restaurant'. Barbara then made off toward the restaurant and we heard an extremely heated argument taking place at high volume. We can only assume the friendly gentleman had become a victim of her wrath for daring to be helpful towards us. She then reappeared and took up a position of stony silence behind her desk. A younger receptionist looked on in dismay but we knew there was nothing she could do without getting the same treatment as her colleague and ourselves. Still in reception, surrounded by our bags and utterly dismayed we came to the realization that our hopes of a peaceful time in Orta San Guilio could not possibly happen in this hotel. Still to make our exit, we inched toward the door, only to be caught in Barbara laser gaze. We tried to explain that we couldn't stay due to the treatment we had received. Barbara then launched into a torrent of abuse where she accused us of lying and that we should change our attitudes! There were several other guests in the reception at this point but Barbara showed no consideration for them or us as she unleashed her tongue. We could still hear her ranting from the street outside as we took a moment to calm our nerves. I cannot convey to you the level of venom this lady displayed towards us. We simply wanted to stay in the hotel as planned for the remaining night we had booked. We totally understood we would be charged for the first night and telephoned twice to ensure we could keep our booking for the second. We acknowledged that we had missed the check in time but hoped to find the courtesy and understanding that was promised to us when we rang. Just awful, we did have a look at some of the reviews and would encourage you to do the same before booking. We noted that several people commented on the older owners of the hotel treated staff & customers badly. There is also reference to inflexibility of the owners which we can confirm 100%. Orta San Guilio has much to offer and there are some lovely hotels staffed by fabulous, friendly staff, just not this one.

We had apero 2 nights here. On the lake with no crowds. We decided to have dinner and we were not disappointed! Delicious food and wonderful service! We look forward to coming back!

Great view over the lake in a historical restaurant which opened in 1815. The decoration was quite likeable. The food was also quite nice, traditional with local products, but nothing crazy about it. But the staff was indeed rude, and weren’t helpful at all; they felt very angry for some reason... The main advantage would be that it’s open during winter time, which makes it one of the only options in the neighbourhood.

Great view of the lake and especially great food. Every time we visit Orta San Giulio we have lunch at Leon d'Oro. Quality and service always good, and now even better than in the past with the latest improvements in the team and location.

The hotel customer service is only average. The restaurant staff are simply rude. It seems the people working at this otherwise beautiful hotel would rather be working somewhere else.

In spite of the lovely view, I cannot recomend this at all, service is horrible and unfriendly, the room has been cold, no heating activated (when I asked for it, the owner told me it will only be switched on from the 15th of october - I have been there the 9th and we had 7 degrees during night), towels worn out and with wholes (at home I wouldn't even use them for cleaning the toilet), room was not clean (crumble scattered all over the table and floor) breakfast very simple, every extra coffee or egg would be charged), bed uncomfortable - and for all this they charge 100€/night/person. when I very politely gave feedback at the reception and asked for a little gesture of discount, they started shouting and screaming at me as if it was my fault. incredibly primitve style of conversation which doesn't match at all with the lovely site.

strictly for restaurant, good food, but not for 5 stars.

Stunning views of Lake Orta. Very comfortable room product, great spa treatments on offer and location is charming in Orta San Giulio.