Palazzola

dougkL8152KR

2025-04-05

Tripadvisor

Wonderful location if you want to rest and reflect. Ten minute drive to the local station and then a direct train to Rome central terminal if you want to explore further. Rooms were basic but clean (No aircon). Meals were a wonderful home cooked Italian cuisine.

Cath Scallon

2025-03-02

Google

Just a perfect place for a relaxed family gathering, with good Italian home cooing, plenty of wine and great service. The rooms are simple and comfortable and the setting is matchless

lauraQ5291CJ

2023-11-19

Tripadvisor

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!

Mohill52

2023-10-30

Tripadvisor

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.|

Paul Drummond

2023-09-12

Google

I sit here in the dining room looking through an open French door at the green grass and hedges being coated in a fine Yorkshire rain and think of Palazzola. 48hrs ago we were living “La dolce vita”, 30 degree heat, shaded seats by overhead trees or canopies, life guard attended swimming pool, three meals a day and local red or white wine by the carafe full to enjoy. Our Lake View room didn’t disappoint with its rustic charm TV free design.
There’s a communal kitchen type room downstairs where you can make your own teas and coffees and if you want a drink in the room at night just borrow a glass or mug and fill it. The local tap water is fine to drink and there’s also a vending machine downstairs for other bits. There’s also the communal fridge so should you place newly acquired cakes in there don’t be surprised if some of them go walkies, this is a “caring is sharing” environment after all.
making your own bed may come as a shock to some people but this not a hotel, It's more like your home for a few days. The cleaners do turn up but they don't spot everything they are like the rest of us, human.
It’s a quiet place, generally, unless the venue above on the top of the cliff hosts a wedding or a party, however it’s always toned down or finished before the end of the evening.
A head space place it is, allowing thought and reflection to be enjoyed away from the pressures of modern life, and if that’s what you want, you get it.
Turn up, turn off the wi-fi and the mobile and return to you or to each other.
Romantic destination is not initially what comes to mind when you think of Palazzola, well I didn't, but when you consider the number of Weddings at this place, then maybe you should think again. Standing by the wall, high above the stunning waters of Lake Albano, on a beautiful clear evening with the one you love Is without doubt beyond price, because it is a unique moment within the eternity of time!
There’s a beautiful chapel in the place that facilitates the ability to return into another meaningful space, which is without doubt a world away.
We visited with friends and had such a wonderful time, however, one of the things I realised is that this place also offers a sanctuary for single people who just want an uncomplicated break. Ironically, it’ll be nigh on impossible to exist in isolation for long as the fraternal side of the place shows itself quite quickly and new associations are promptly established.
For those who can’t separate themselves from the world the wi-fi is quite excellent so lap tops, tablets and mobile phones work well.
The food is local, home cooked traditional Italian with no pretence of gastronomic celebrity chef indulgence, it is like what Mama used to make, or would be if Mama was Italian!
Don’t expect Pizza’s, Lasagne’s or frozen reheated stuff you can find that in the tourist spots nearer to Rome.
Eating is a communal affair, large refectory tables that everybody shares. And if that doesn’t encourage conversation then the combined efforts of cutting the morning bread and cajoling the catering conveyor toaster to produce it’s finest results will. It will also produce some carbon induced laughs and giggles along the way.
I would only add that should you go with friends, your significant other or may be even by yourself, you’ll return with priceless memories to cherish. Despite the newly acquired stresses of Ryanair travel, British road works and drizzly Yorkshire days I find myself now suitably equipped to survive!

GARY RUSSELL

2023-09-09

Google

We were there for a wedding, outstanding location and venue. Rooms are basic and some rooms do not have ensuite and have to share a bathroom, more like a hostile. The accommodation side of things need updating very run down. Staff are lovely and helpful, but I am sure there is room for improvement, but still loved it

Jo Hunter

2023-03-01

Google

Fantastic place nestled in the Alban hills of the Castelli Romani. Staff and the welcome are just wonderful.The kitchen is headed by Julie Garside with a staff of great home cooks. The terrace and views are astounding. This is not a 4 star corporate hotel but a rustic, warm, secluded haven. A home from home where you will leave feeling you should return as soon as possible. Nothing is too much trouble just ask Giuseppe or Filomena! If you haven’t visited do so as soon as you can!

L Ackermann

2023-02-14

Google

What a wonderful place. We spent only three days/night's at the "venerable college" - but what a great time. Very suitable for a silent (or not so silent) retreat. The view across Lago Albano, with Castel Gandolfo as a landmark and Rome stretched out in the background is simply stunning. Good food, nice people and - if you like that sort of thing - a chanted "Ave" after dinner (only takes a few minutes - don't miss it!): all that made us feel so welcome!
The rooms are clean, simple, functional and bright (a few are even facing the lake and must have a great view - mine didn't).
Just one caveat: if you want to go on a walk, *do* use the little gate at the back of the garden. Walking back up to the tarred road is certainly *not* a good idea (no footpath, much traffic, a lot of litter).
So, is a great place for groups (we were about 30), with access to lounge/bar, reading room, chapel and conference room. It is a bit awkward to get to: the closest train station is about 7km away and a taxi from FCO (one of the airports) can well take an hour, depending on the time of the day. But definitely worth it!

aeddis65

2022-10-24

Tripadvisor

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 ||.

irishrambler123

2022-09-30

Tripadvisor

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.

Alanna R

2022-04-24

Google

I was lucky to stay here for five days with a group of Catholic researchers in the area of Catholic Education. We had a fantastic time in Villa Palazzola. It was an ideal location as we could easily travel to Rome via bus. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The food was top class and had a great range of GF meals. Thank you to all the staff of Villa Palazzola.

Simon

2022-03-11

Google

Amazing location with stunning views and golden silence. We came in March and it was freezing inside the hotel , truly freezing . You are about an hour from Rome city . Location is surrounded by glorious forest, beautiful walks and a great place to just be and breathe away from the chaos of everyday life.

tati & friends

2022-01-10

Google

Splendido e imponente complesso monastico abitato ai tempi dai monaci cistercensi, Palazzola è situata in posizione spettacolare sul lago Albano (di origine vulcanica); purtroppo dopo la decadenza della struttura andata infine all’asta, la proprietà e la gestione sono passate in mano inglese dal 1920 e ne è stata fatta una casa per ferie spartana ma davvero poco curata soprattutto nella pulizia e servizi forniti che si limitano davvero
all’essenziale per quanto riguarda camere e ristorazione, un vero Peccato data la bellezza del luogo! Le camere sono ricavate nelle ex celle dei monaci quindi abbastanza piccole, ambienti comuni con accostamenti di mobili poco curato e mal tenuto, fra old style e antico reale. Bellissimo il grande giardino a strapiombo sul lago da dove si gode un panorama impagabile e dove si può in estate usufruire di una piscina.

wellibob

2020-01-21

Tripadvisor

Recently stayed at Villa Palazzola . My daughter and I visited Palazzola as I was long overdue a rest and this I have to say is the absolute perfect place to relax and chill out. The Villa is an old Monastery and is full of character, each room (i.e. library, dining room) you enter has something to special to offer, walking down the corridors as with the rooms you can feel how special Palazzola is. ||||Outside there is a lovely garden and a terrace that has a spectacular view of Lake Albano and the surrounding area.||||We met some lovely people and we were also lucky to spend time with a lovely group of seminaries and priests who were also there for the weekend - great guys who made our weekend all the more enjoyable. ||||The meals were good home cooking and delicious. The staff were fabulous and nothing was too much trouble. ||||Thank you Villa Palazzo for a wonderful stay we will be back.

B5057MFdavidw

2020-01-18

Tripadvisor

We have just returned from our first trip to Palazzola and feel refreshed physically and spiritually, having been made most welcome in every way. One of us is coeliac and there seemed no problem in providing gluten free meals. All meals were excellent, the staff were friendly and helpful, the rooms were clean, warm, (it was January) and comfortable. The atmosphere is peaceful, relaxed and charming. Our fellow guests were a delight.||||The transfers to and from the airport were arranged by the staff, we had an easy day trip into Rome and a refreshing walk to Castel Gondolfo. We were hesitant about going in January but the weather was beautiful and the rates out of season are tremendous value. Would love to go again.

rosarij

2019-07-21

Tripadvisor

I visited the Villa with my family in the month of July. And what an incredible place this is. We were showered with incredible food, wine and company. I myself are a gluten free vegetarian and my family meat eaters, we were treated to course after course of wonderful fresh Italian food, of a standard higher than most of the restaurants we eat in central Rome. The wine is flowing and very good, the staff go above and beyond to cater for your every needs. The villa itself is set in beautiful surroundings, has an incredible pool where you can sunbathe and relax with a lifeguard on duty. We had fun in the games room and playing bowls on the lawn. I really enjoyed a coffee or Aperol Spritz from the bar watching the sun setting on the patio, chatting to the other wonderful guests we met. The accommodation is comfortable, some say basic but it met all of our needs. Clean, spacious, good showers, plenty of plug sockets, access to make my grandma lots of cups of tea! They have an extensive library, a quiet room, and plenty of spaces to simply enjoy the view. They also have tennis courts but we didn’t have enough time to make it for a game! I mostly enjoyed the variety of guests we met. Kind people with open hearts, great conversation, and good stories were shared. It is certainly a spiritual retreat for all, even those without faith. ||We had a morning down on the lake kayaking and we took a pedalo out, for only 5/10euros, the water is crystal clear and ward and there is plenty of wildlife to see.|We can’t wait to return next year with even more of our family. The place is an absolute gem. I would like to thank each and every member of staff whom we met, you are a credit to the villa!

markjP9483NH

2019-06-23

Tripadvisor

Overlooking Lake Albano and with Rome in the distance, Palazzola is set among woods on the edge of a volcanic crater (but, be reassured, the foundations are secure and have lasted a thousand and more years). An old monastery, Palazzola has now been restored and is available for families, groups and conferences/retreats. With always an interesting variety of visitors passing through its doors, Palazzola is a place of quiet to escape the pressures of modern life. The food is very, very good and excellent value. The rooms are simply, but everything is clean, and the staff are all very hospitable and welcoming.

Damiano Vitale Di Maio

2018-11-20

Google

Posto molto particolare.... a due passi da Roma, affaccia direttamente sul lago di Albano (dal lato di Rocca di Papa) e si trova in posizione alta rispetto al resto. È un luogo molto inusuale dove sebra che il tempo si sia fermato. Comodo il ristorante interno che insieme al resto, permette di passare un weekend in completa tranquillità!
Giardino esterno sempre curato e pulito, comodo per chi approfitta per andare fuori con i bambini. Sala con giochi (biliardo) e anche piscina all'aperto.

Emma Brooke

2018-03-30

Google

This place is stunning. You immediately begin to relax the second you pull up. The views from Palazzola are priceless. The building itself is breath taking. The food is so good and they accommodate any diet requests. The staff are extremely helpful and always cheerful. The Director and Assistant Director cannot do enough for you. I have been coming here for over 30 yrs and it still takes my breath away and is 1 of my most favourite places to stay in the world.

SteBiagio1982

2016-05-25

Tripadvisor

Incredibile posizione e vista direttamente sul Lago di Albano, struttura storica di grande fascino. Le sale comuni come il refettorio in cui si cena tutti insieme, la biblioteca con antichi volumi, la sala del camino con il pianoforte a coda emanano un qualcosa di magico che ti fa sentire immerso in un'altra epoca... il giardino "pensile" è altrettanto magico ...||Peccato solo che le camere (almeno quelle dell'ala nuova ,come viene chiamata, in cui ho soggiornato) invece di averle lasciate "povere e grezze" come quelle di un antica abbazia in modo che potessero sprigionare la stessa piacevole atmosfera di altri tempi delle sale comuni, abbiano subito un restauro stile "anni60/70" che le ha private di personalità e rese anonime, tristi e fuori contesto. Con camere in linea con lo stile del resto della struttura e qualche piccolo altro accorgimento è sicuramente un luogo da un potenziale immenso !!!