Hotel Merloni

The hotel is highly regarded for its inviting atmosphere, with a swimming pool nestled amidst stunning mountain views serving as a signature feature that captivates many guests. Its tranquil setting, away from the bustling town centers, makes it an ideal retreat for families seeking a peaceful getaway and motorcyclists looking for a convenient stopover. The hotel consistently receives praise for its overall cleanliness and the generally friendly staff who strive to make guests feel welcome. With ample parking available, it is particularly well-suited for travelers with a car who wish to explore the surrounding areas at their own pace. To maximize your experience, consider renting a vehicle or scooter, as the location, while scenic, benefits greatly from personal transportation.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests frequently highlight the hotel's excellent swimming pool, describing it as large, clean, and well-maintained, offering a refreshing escape with picturesque mountain backdrops. The pool area is well-equipped with numerous sunbeds and umbrellas, providing ample space for relaxation. The hotel also offers a spacious and free parking area, with many spots shaded by trees, which is a significant convenience for those traveling by car. While Wi-Fi is generally available throughout the property, some guests noted that the connection in individual rooms could be inconsistent. Air conditioning in the rooms is consistently praised for its effectiveness. The hotel features a bar and a pleasant outdoor terrace for guests to enjoy. However, some guests noted the absence of an elevator to the upper floors and found the number of electrical sockets in rooms to be limited and sometimes oddly placed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, with many guests describing rooms as spotless and well-maintained. Room sizes vary, with some guests finding them spacious and comfortable, while others felt they were a bit snug or dated. Feedback on bed comfort is mixed; some guests found the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, while others described them as quite firm or even hard. The bathrooms are generally functional, though some guests noted that the shower stalls could be small or lacked a convenient soap holder. While air conditioning is effective, some rooms, particularly those facing the street or near corridors, may experience noise levels from outside or neighboring areas. A small fridge is typically available in the rooms.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's restaurant generally receives positive feedback for its tasty dinner options and good food quality, with some guests enjoying the half-board experience. However, the breakfast experience garners significantly mixed reviews. While some guests found it varied and abundant, others described it as basic, simple, or even poor, particularly for those with dietary restrictions, noting a lack of fresh fruit and vegetable choices beyond a single plate of sliced tomatoes. The coffee quality was also a point of contention for some. A recurring concern was the perceived behavior of some staff during breakfast, with guests feeling their food consumption was being policed or that they were prevented from taking items to their rooms.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel is situated in a quiet area surrounded by mountains, offering a peaceful and scenic retreat away from the more crowded lakeside towns. Its strategic location makes it a convenient base for exploring both Lake Como and Lake Lugano, though it is not directly on the lake. Most guests emphasize the necessity of having a car for convenient access, as the hotel is a short drive (approximately 7-10 minutes) from Menaggio. While a bus service is available, its schedule can be limited, especially in the evenings, making walking to town impractical due to distance and uphill terrain. The hotel provides ample free parking, which is a significant advantage. It is also well-positioned for those interested in walking or cycling, with proximity to paths like the Pista Ciclopedonale Menaggio-Porlezza.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff is frequently praised for being exceptionally friendly, helpful, and welcoming, with many guests highlighting their attentiveness and willingness to assist with requests and provide local recommendations. The check-in process is generally described as quick and efficient. However, there are notable instances of negative feedback regarding specific service interactions. Some guests reported issues with staff being unaccommodating regarding refunds for cancelled bookings due to unforeseen circumstances, or refusing basic requests like ice or a bottle opener if items were not purchased directly from the hotel. There were also reports of staff being perceived as overly strict or rude during breakfast, leading to uncomfortable experiences for some visitors.

Additional Information
This hotel operates as a family-run establishment, which many guests appreciate for the personalized and caring atmosphere it provides. While generally accommodating, guests should be aware that the hotel has a specific check-in policy, with some reports of difficulties or misunderstandings regarding arrivals after 8 PM or 9 PM, even for pre-paid bookings. The hotel also maintains a pet-friendly policy, which is a welcome feature for guests traveling with animals. Built in the 1980s or 1990s, the property has a classic, slightly dated aesthetic, but it is consistently described as clean and well-maintained, offering a comfortable stay despite its age.