Escape to Italy: Discover La Locanda del Notaio Pellio Intelvi's Hidden Charm
Escape to Italy: My Brain Dump on La Locanda del Notaio Pellio Intelvi (and why you need to go!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the (delicious, probably Prosecco-stained) tea on La Locanda del Notaio Pellio Intelvi. Forget polished brochures and robotic reviews – this is my unfiltered take, warts and all, and why you should absolutely, positively book this Italian escape RIGHT NOW.
First Impressions (and the Impatience Kicking In)
Okay, so I'm not going to lie, my flight was delayed. Italian airports, am I right? But the thought of finally getting to Intelvi Valley, to this "hidden charm" of a hotel, basically kept me from completely losing it. And the moment I saw the road leading up to Locanda? Breathtaking. Seriously. Like, "wow, is this real life?" breathtaking. And that's before I even got out of the car.
Accessibility & Safety: They Actually Thought About This! (Phew!)
Look, I have to be honest, I’m not exactly the best at remembering to consider the accessibility stuff until I’m in a place and struggling. But here, they've done a pretty darn good job. Elevators, ramps, the whole shebang. Plus, the whole COVID thing? They're taking it seriously. Hand sanitizer everywhere (not the sticky kind!), daily disinfection, staff masked up and trained, individually wrapped food… I felt safe. Like, really safe. They even had the little temperature checks, which, let’s be real, is both annoying and reassuring. So, kudos, Locanda. You got my germaphobe heart. And the anti-viral cleaning products? A nice touch.
Rooms & Creature Comforts: My Happy Place (Literally)
Okay, so the rooms. Chef's kiss. Beautiful. They're not just rooms; they're little sanctuaries. My room? It had a window that opens (a small detail, but a huge win for me!), blackout curtains (essential!), and a ridiculously comfortable bed. Plus, air conditioning (Italy in summer? Necessary!), a coffee/tea maker (more than necessary), and free Wi-Fi in every room? Yes, please! (And the Internet access – LAN – was lightning fast when I needed to actually WORK – which, let's be honest, is still a work in progress). The bathroom? Spotless. Plus, bathrobes and slippers. I lived in those things. And the little things like complimentary tea and that in-room safe box made it easy to relax, to hide from the world.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Worth Every Pound/Euro/Whatever! (I Probably Spent Too Much)
Right, let's talk food. This is where La Locanda really shines. Prepare to loosen your belt buckle. Seriously. With Asian breakfast on offer, and a buffet and à la carte options, I was spoiled for choice. The Asian Cuisine in the restaurant was a pleasant suprise. The Western breakfast? Glorious. And the restaurants themselves! So many. Think delicious. Think variety. Think… I'm still dreaming about the pasta carbonara. The coffee shop? Perfect for that afternoon pick-me-up to keep me from collapsing on the job. The coffee, and the pastries… OMG. Don't even get me started on the poolside bar. A bottle of water at the table? A tiny gesture, but it's nice. And, let's be honest, the happy hour? Essential. The staff was also very respectful of my dietary restrictions.
More Rambling on Food (Seriously. I’m Obsessed.)
One thing I loved? They had a vegetarian restaurant. Not just a few sad veggie options, but a whole dedicated menu. And it was amazing. I, a card-carrying carnivore, actually devoured some of the vegetarian dishes, which is a testament to how good they were. The salad? Sublime. The desserts? Worth every single calorie. I’d probably happily go back just to eat. And the room service - 24-hour? Genius! Especially after a long day of… well, of doing nothing but enjoying myself.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating): Finding Zen (and Maybe a Cocktail)
Okay, so, yes, I spent a LOT of time eating. But I did manage to tear myself away from the buffet. The pool with a view? Spectacular. I spent a good portion of my time there, just staring at the mountains (or at the very least, the people lounging peacefully). The spa/sauna was calling my name, and I answered. The sauna, the steam room… pure bliss. The Body scrub? Amazing. Body wrap? Yes, I indulged. And the massage? I honestly don’t remember much except pure unadulterated relaxation. I’m pretty sure I drooled. (Don’t judge me.) The fitness center? Okay, fine, I looked at it. Once. (The pool bar was more enticing.) But for those who, unlike me, are capable of exercise, it's there!
Hidden Gems: Little Touches That Matter
Things I really appreciated? The daily housekeeping. The rooms were always immaculate. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. They had a convenience store for those last-minute essentials. The concierge was ready to help with every need. They really went the extra mile.
The Imperfections (Because, You Know, Life)
Okay, this isn't all sunshine and rainbows. There were a few minor hiccups. The Wi-Fi, while generally reliable, occasionally sputtered out (but hey, it's Italy. Sometimes things just… happen). And, the parking situation? While free, it could get a little crowded at peak times. Minor things, really. They didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Services and Conveniences: They Really Thought of Everything
From the airport transfer to the dry cleaning, from the babysitting service (for those traveling with their kids) to the air conditioning in the public areas, they really thought through everything. I noticed the safety/security features like the smoke alarms and fire extinguishers, and it made me feel at ease.
For the Kids & Couples
Oh, did I mention, they're family-friendly? And a perfect quiet spot to do a proposal? They have kids facilities. And the couple's room? Sigh.
Why You NEED to Book This Hotel
Look, if you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, this isn't it. La Locanda del Notaio Pellio Intelvi is different. It's got that genuine charm, that warmth, that something that makes you want to stay forever. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and escape the everyday. It's a place where you can eat yourself silly, get pampered senseless, and maybe, just maybe, find a little bit of magic.
So, my advice? Book. It. Now. Don't wait. Don't hesitate. Your future, relaxed, well-fed, and possibly slightly sunburnt self will thank you. And hey, tell them I sent you. Maybe they’ll give me a free pasta dish next time. (Okay, I’m kidding… mostly.)
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Yoghurt Home Awaits in Ko Pha-ngan!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't your average, antiseptic, pre-packaged travel itinerary. This is… well, this is me trying to wrangle myself into some semblance of order while I get absolutely wrecked by the beauty of La Locanda del Notaio in Pellio Intelvi, Italy. Prepare for a wild ride.
Day 1: Arrival… and Utter, Soul-Crushing Beauty (with a side of potential logistical disaster)
- Morning (or Whenever I Actually Drag Myself Out of Bed):
- The Struggle: Okay, flight's landed. Smooth-ish, considering they lost my carry-on (pray to the travel gods it shows up!). Finding the rental car was an adventure in itself. Apparently, "small Italian car" translates to "Tiny, possibly sentient, death trap." Pray for me.
- The Drive: The drive up to Pellio Intelvi? Holy mother of God. The winding roads… the views… I almost drove off the cliff and into, well, beautiful nothingness. The only reason I didn’t is because I’m a terrible driver.
- Anecdote: I swear, at one point I saw a squirrel give me the side-eye, like, "Lady, you’re clearly not handling this."
- Afternoon: La Locanda – First Impressions… and Maybe a Tear?
- Arrival: Finally! Arrived at La Locanda. Website photos don't do it justice. I literally gasped. Actually, I might have made a small, pathetic whimpering noise. The old stone, the ivy, the views… it's like a movie set.
- The Room (or, My Little Slice of Heaven): My room. Oh, my ROOM! Seriously, the view from the balcony alone is worth the price of admission. Sun glinting off the mountains, the village just… existing in its charming, perfectly imperfect way. Okay, I might have shed a tear or two. Don’t judge.
- Emotional Reaction: Okay, I'm feeling this. Like, really feeling it. This is what I needed. This is what I've been craving – to not only be somewhere with beautiful scenery but to feel the quiet, the stillness, the… peace.
- Evening: Dinner and the Pursuit of Happiness… and a Lost Fork
- Dinner at the Locanda's Restaurant: Oh. My. God. Seriously. This food… chef's kiss. The pasta was so simple, so fresh, so… everything. I swear I could taste the sun and the happy cows in the milk. And the wine? Forget about it. I had a glass (or three… who’s counting?) and I was in a good place.
- Impfection: Okay, here's where it gets real. I had a minor incident where I knocked the fork off the table and under the table. I panicked, and then I got over it. The servers handled it with grace. I just laughed.
- Observation: Everyone here is so kind. Even the other hotel guests smiled. I think they saw me making the most of it.
- Late Night (or, My New Best Friend: The Balcony Chair): Sat on the balcony, drinking in the night air, the quiet hum of the village, and the twinkling lights. And I did it all for a long time.
Day 2: Exploring Pellio Intelvi… and Fighting My Inner Cynic
- Morning: Hiking… or, the Art of Almost Killing Myself (and Loving It):
- The "Plan": I’d planned on a hike. A nice, gentle stroll through the mountains.
- The Reality: Found a trail. Ended up scrambling up a goddamn cliff face. Almost slid off a ledge. Saw a snake. But the view from the top? Absolutely worth nearly dying for. My legs are screaming, but my soul is singing.
- Emotional Reaction: I've never felt closer to complete awe than when I was standing on top of that mountain.
- Afternoon: Exploring the Village… and Finding True Coffee
- Wandering: Wandered the village. Tiny alleyways, ancient stone buildings, and a slow, easy rhythm to life. It's like a postcard. No, it's better than a postcard.
- The Coffee Revelation: Found a tiny cafe. Ordered an espresso. Changed my life. I now understand what all the fuss is about. True Italian coffee is… magic.
- Quirky Observation: Every cat in the village seems to have adopted a specific sunbeam. I'm taking notes.
- Rambling: I never thought much about small villages, and what they could do for a person. It seems a bit cliche, the idea of finding yourself in these places, but it’s absolutely true, and it’s absolutely worth it to come here.
- Evening: Cooking Class… and the Triumph of Disaster (with Delicious Results!)
- The Class: La Locanda offers cooking classes. I figured, why not?
- The Reality: Let's just say I'm better at eating pasta than making it. The pasta dough… I think it fought back.
- The Triumph: Somehow, miraculously, with the patient help of the chef, we got through it. And the food… was incredible! We made a bunch of foods, including pasta, and more.
- Anecdote: At one point another student turned to me and started laughing. “You will be a good student, one day, my friend,” they said.
- Verdict: Even the failures were delicious. And I learned a ton!
Day 3: Lake Como… and the Reality of Tourist Traps (and Unexpected Delight)
- Morning: Lake Como – The Dream… and the Horde:
- The Goal: Day trip to Lake Como. Everyone told me I had to go.
- The Struggle: The drive was beautiful. The lake… is beautiful. But wow, the tourist crowds! It's like a swarm of stylish, Instagram-obsessed ants. I was overwhelmed early on.
- The Escape: Found a quieter spot away from the main tourist areas. Leaning over the edge, I had the very best view.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: The quiet space was a welcome relief. After all this time in the mountains, even a quiet lake was worth seeing!
- Afternoon: Exploring Como Town… and the Pursuit of Tranquility (or, Ice Cream Therapy):
- Wandering: Wandered through Como town. Pretty. Picturesque. Another tourist bonanza.
- Ice Cream Therapy: Found an amazing gelateria. Two scoops of lemon. Life. Saved.
- Observation: The swans on the lake are judging me. I am sure of it. They know I’m a tourist.
- Rambling: I was starting to think I didn't like Como. Perhaps I was being too harsh.
- Evening: Back to La Locanda… The Rebirth of Sanity:
- The Relief: Back at La Locanda. Ahhhhh. The peace. The quiet. The good food. The staff.
- The Lesson: Lake Como is worth seeing, but Pellio Intelvi is where my soul belongs.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I'm in love with this place. I want to buy a house here. I might actually stay.
Day 4: Farewell (or, The Sadness of Leaving… and Already Planning My Return)
- Morning: One Last Breakfast… and Saying Goodbye to a Piece of Me:
- The Ritual: One last breakfast on the balcony. Tears. Okay, a lot of tears.
- The Farewell: Saying goodbye to the staff. Each one smiles, knowing I will someday return.
- The Bitter Sweet: I don't want to leave. Ever. But I also know I'll be back.
- Messier Structure: I will be back. I am already planning my return. I am going to learn some Italian. I will become a frequent flyer. I will live here.
- The Drive: The drive away. The winding roads. The views. I need to stop and take a picture.
- Afternoon: The Drive (cont.):
- The Re-Entry: Arrived at the airport. The line, the crowds, the noise. This is not my home. Not yet.
- Final Observation: I already miss it. I miss the smell of the air. I miss the way the sun hits the mountains. I miss my little room, and the friendly locals.
- Evening: I am already planning my return.
- I can’t wait to go back.
- Ciao, for now, Pellio Intelvi.
- Until our paths cross again. I will be back!
Important note: This itinerary is, of course, subject to change. I might decide to just sit on
Batam Island Paradise: Chola Inn Nagoya Hill's RedDoorz Gem!
Okay, seriously, is La Locanda del Notaio as magical as everyone says? (And by "everyone," I mean Instagram).
Alright, let's get real. Instagram... it's a highlight reel, right? And yes, La Locanda del Notaio IS pretty darn magical. But hold on, it's not *always* unicorns and rainbows. The first time, I arrived, I was late. Traffic was horrendous, and I'd managed to spill half a cappuccino down my front. My luggage? Lost in transit. I was a MESS. But then... I walked in. And honestly? The sheer *silence*, punctuated by the gentle *clink* of glasses from the restaurant – it did something. Like, it actually *stopped* my internal monologue. It was like a warm hug, despite the coffee stain and the missing suitcase. So, yeah. Pretty magical. Maybe even *more* magical because I was a disaster. It felt like a reset button on life's chaos.
What's the food REALLY like? Is it just overpriced pasta?
Okay, confession time: I'm a pasta snob. I judge. And yes, the pasta at La Locanda del Notaio is… well, it’s damn near perfect. I wouldn’t say “overpriced,” though. Think of it as an investment. An investment in your happiness. I had this *amazing* risotto with truffles. I mean, I’m not exaggerating, I almost wept. (Okay, fine, maybe I did. Blame the wine.) The ingredients are FRESH, the flavors are intense, and the presentation is art. And the portions? Let’s just say I had to unbutton my pants. (Don’t judge. It’s Italy.) However... the bread. Oh, the bread! They bring you this warm, crusty bread WITH olive oil... and then, the butter arrives and it's this creamy, salty magic that is absolutely sinful. I would have been happy just with the bread and butter. It was utterly fantastic.
Is it hard to get to? I'm not exactly a seasoned traveler.
Look, I've gotten lost in my own kitchen. So trust me, I get it. Getting to Pellio Intelvi isn’t *super* straightforward. It’s not like landing at a major airport and hopping on a direct shuttle. You'll likely land in Milan and then, depending on your approach, you're in for a car ride (renting is your best bet, tbh), and maybe a train or two. The roads wind (think hairpin turns, so be prepared if you get car sick, which I do). But honestly? The journey is part of the adventure. Embrace the potential for getting lost (I did, repeatedly!), learn a few Italian phrases, and enjoy the stunning scenery. The lake views are breathtaking, and the little towns you pass through are pure postcard material. Just... download offline maps. Trust me on that one. I wasted an hour in some random town begging a barista for directions. Bless her heart, she didn't speak a word of English, as I stood there, red-faced and panting.
What's there to *do* in Pellio Intelvi besides eat?
Haha! Eat, sleep, and repeat. (Okay, kidding… kind of.) Seriously though, Pellio Intelvi is more about *being* than *doing*. There's hiking (I attempted it, made it about halfway, and then gave up in favor of more wine and cheese). There's exploring the charming little villages nearby. There's visiting the lake (Lake Como is stunning, seriously). There's simply *breathing*, which, let's face it, is something we rarely do these days. Relaxing is the ultimate "activity." There are little shops to explore, and a few local artisans. But don't expect a bustling nightlife. This is the kind of place where you read, nap in the sun, and truly disconnect. You'll find yourself wanting to spend hours just simply enjoying a cup of coffee on a veranda. I spent an entire afternoon just staring at the mountains (the Swiss Alps are visible on a clear day) and the sky, a luxury I rarely allow myself. It’s restorative, even if you are a bit bored. Which you won't be.
Tell me about the rooms, are they romantic, or just old?
Old? Yes. Romantic? AB-SO-LUTELY! The rooms are not sterile hotel rooms. Think old-world charm, thick stone walls, and maybe a creaky floorboard. My room had a balcony with a view that made me weak in the knees. Actually, it was a *shared* balcony, which I didn't realize until the elderly German couple next door started talking VERY loudly at 6 AM. (Note to self: Request a private balcony next time!). But aside from the early morning alarm clock, the room was perfect. The décor is simple but elegant, the beds are comfy. The sense of history is palpable. It feels like you're staying in someone's incredibly stylish, and ancient, home. Don’t expect a mini-bar with all the latest gadgets, but do expect to feel like you’ve stepped back in time – in the best possible way. Don't expect fluffy robes either. Honestly, I'd pack my own.
What's the vibe of the staff? Are they snooty?
Absolutely not! Snooty? No way. The staff embodies that quintessential Italian warmth. Yes, they're professional, but they’re also genuinely friendly and helpful. I'm terrible at Italian, and they were patient with my mangled attempts at ordering. They seemed to actually enjoy chatting with the guests, which is a rarity these days. They'll make you feel like you're part of the family (a very well-fed, well-cared-for family!). There was this one waiter, Marco, who seemed to anticipate my every need. He even remembered my (admittedly unusual) preference for sparkling water with a slice of lemon. The service is impeccable. You'll also learn to love the morning coffee from the bar, and they'll always have a smile waiting for you. I felt like I was truly cared for, and I'm sure you'll feel the same.
Would you REALLY go back? Even with the lost luggage and the hairpin turns?
Without a doubt. In a heartbeat. Lost luggage, crazy driving, and the potential for a language barrier can't dampen my love for La Locanda del Notaio. In fact, I'm already planning my return. I'm even learning some Italian. (Mostly the important stuff, like "Where is the best truffle pasta?") It's the kind of place that gets under your skin. It's a reminder to slow down, to savor, and to appreciate the simple things. And who knows, maybe the next time, my luggage will arrive on time. But even if it doesn't, I'm pretty sure I'll survive. I mean, bad hair days and missing suitcases are temporary. Memories like the ones I made at La Locanda del Notaio? Those are forever. Plus, I have to try that risotto again. And maybeStayin The Heart
