Villa Palazzola

Palazzola is my idyllic place to relax, whatever the season. Its atmosphere is unique and its beauty will take your breath away. You won't find bland luxury, impersonal service, or incessant activity here. Rather, it's more like being a guest in a large lovely private villa, extremely comfortable, welcoming, and full of character, where you always meet interesting people and feel at home. Think of leisurely lunches at long tables in the shade of evergreen trees, chatting over a drink on the terrace overlooking the serene lake, or reading in the sun with your feet up and, in cooler seasons, snuggling down in the atmospheric library. Beside the rock-face is a fabulous pool, with volley-ball and tennis court close by. The tranquil gardens are the perfect place to stroll, watching the ever-changing cloud shapes and at dusk unforgettable sunsets over the lake. On an upper terrace there is a secret garden, with the huge tomb of a Roman consul built into the rock-face, speaking of its still older classical past. You can explore the charming surrounding towns, such as Ariccia, Nemi, and Frascati, and visit the historic papal palace and grand imperial gardens of Castel Gandolfo. Or you can simply walk in the woods around the lake, listening to birdsong, and dreaming about past centuries, with history and beauty all around you. The Villa is a 13th-century monastery, sensitively modernised, with a cloister round a central courtyard with ancient well-head, and the sublime chapel leading off. The bedrooms, the best ones with lake views, are elegantly simple and comfortable. The food is delicious, plentiful, and homemade. The fine Castelli wines flow freely at lunch and dinner, and there is a well-stocked bar for befores and afters, beside a spacious sitting-room with a lovely grand piano. Nearby is the tea-room for cuppas at any time, and a coffee-machine that delivers an excellent cappuccino for one euro. Dining is a communal affair in the characterful frescoed refectory. There is a set menu, with special diets and other requirements happily catered for. The staff are incredibly friendly, considerate, and efficient, and all speak English. The inclusive atmosphere is very special, making everyone feel welcome, whether on your own, with friends, family, or in a group. Trips to nearby Castelli towns or down into Rome can be easily arranged, as can transport to and from the airports. Added to all this, it's amazing value - full or half board. Not to be missed!

Absolutely stunning location overlooking Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo, with views down to Rome and the Mediterranean. You'd never get tired looking at it. Palazzola is an ancient monastery converted and upgraded to modern use and is fantastic value. The daily rates include full board with a set menu and loads of local wine at lunch and dinner. The staff all speak English and are really helpful. In summer lunch is served on the terrace and it's just a lovely experience. You meet all kinds of interesting people there so it suits couples, families and single travellers. After dinner you can go out on the terrace with a digestivo and admire the panorama. There are lovely walks in the woods nearby and Rocca di Papa and Castel Gandolfo are within easy reach, via off-road woodland paths. They can arrange airport pick ups or a taxi to Marino station with frequent trains down to Rome, costing €2 each way. It's been called Rome's best kept secret, a wonderful place, I can't recommend it highly enough.

Returned from Palazzola last week after a 5 day stay with a group. To say I didn't want to leave would be an understatement. This place is truly beautiful and very, very special. Met so many interesting and friendly folks that I won't hesitate to go on my own next time. Special shout out to the lovely guys visiting from the English College in Rome providing after dinner musical entertainment too, and requests! All my friends now want to visit after seeing my photos. The staff... Marcello, Beatrice and Philomena were a delight. ..Special shout out to Marcello too for pre and post dinner drinks.. Angela - vino rosso - room 53! It's communal dining at Palazzola.. Breakfast was standard continental with freshly baked bread. Lunch and dinner were off the scale delicious, and all freshly prepared. The pastas and risotto starters were amazing, and plenty plenty too along with wine! I worked in an traditional Italian restaurant when I was a student in London so I know good Italian grub. We were so lucky that the weather was still warm for al fresco lunches. Yet another of my 'so special' moments here as it's a jaw dropping location with incredible views of lake Albano, especially at sunset. It's not for nothing that the pope's summer retreat can be seen clearly across the lake, but Palazallo has the better view! Gorgeous pool and had it all to myself one day as not that many visitors. Lucky lucky me! If you are looking for a luxury hotel, then this isn't the place for you, but you're seriously missing a trick and it's your loss! I can't wait to go back and I hear new years eve is pretty incredibly too, so I might just be back sooner than expected! Thank you again Team Palazzola .

We stayed in the Palazzola for my daughters wedding in August 2022. My daughter visited the Palazzola on recommendation and decided to have her wedding there. The villa is located in beautiful surroundings overlooking the lake. She raved at how beautiful and peaceful the Palazzola was and how friendly the staff were. I want to confirm this, it was amazing, beyond our expectations. The staff could not do enough for us to make our stay as amazing as it was. The wedding was perfect, our every need request was catered for. The wine was beautiful and the food was excellent, fresh and plenty. Accommodation was clean, comfortable, good showers, spectacular lake views with ensuite. We loved the evening relaxing in the sunset, with the beautiful sing songs. it was so lovely to be able to make a cup of coffee for ourselves in the evenings/night if we wanted to. We also enjoyed the spiritual, relaxing peaceful feeling. The guests were lovely and friendly and we met some lovely people. I want to thank the Palazzola, Philomena and staff for your hospitality and making my daughters wedding so perfect. The Palazzola was amazing and I intend to return. Thank you.