Our luxury 4 star hotel Villa Crespi is a splendid example of nineteenth century palace, built in 1879 with interiors that recall those of an emir’s palace. The elegant damask stuccos, horseshoe shaped arches and turquoise frescoed ceilings are indeed reminiscent of the domes of Eastern mosques.
The villa features an imposing minaret that can be freely visited by our guests who wish to admire the park surrounding the villa and the views of rare beauty over Lake Orta and the nearby Alps.
Originally called Villa Pia, the original architecture of Villa Crespi was the result of the owner’s travels abroad, during which he fell in love with the irresistible charms and beauty of the East.
Cristoforo Benigno Crespi was a successful cotton merchant who purchased his raw materials in the Middle East and during one of his frequent visits became enchanted with the architecture of Baghdad. On his return he built not only the villa in Orta, where he had spent much of his childhood, but also a similar building near Pavia.
During the 1930’s the villa offered hospitality to poets and captains of industry, kings and princesses, King Umberto of Savoy being a regular visitor.
In the late 1980’s, after some years as a centre of spirituality, Villa Crespi was converted into an exclusive hotel by its current owners, a place where nature, art and history entwine to leave guests with unforgettable memories.
More than a century after its foundation, Villa Crespi has been subject to complete refurbishment and in 1999 reopened its doors under the management of the Cannavacciuolo Family. Cinzia, from a long line of hoteliers and restauranteurs, and her master chef husband, Antonino Cannvacciuolo, personally manage their hotel where the utmost care ensures that no detail is overlooked, assisted by a young staff with experience in the finest hotels and restaurants or Italy and Europe.
The 6 rooms and 8 suites with canopy beds and period furniture are comfortably and spaciously appointed with elegant marble bathrooms featuring whirlpool tub or shower, air conditioning, Satellite and Sky TV, direct dial telephone, minibar and safe.
The pride and joy of the Hotel Villa Crespi is the chef patron’s modern Mediterranean cuisine which has been awarded two Michelin stars, three forks in the Gambero Rosso Guide and three hats and a score of 18/20 in the Espresso Guide.
The hotel’s amenities are completed by the small wellness center with a sauna and Turkish bath and a broad range of massages and treatments, and future plans to further enrich the hotel’s facilities.
