Reviews of Property: Penthouse aparment with rooftop terrace in historic center of Castel Gandolfo

I have just returned from visiting in Castel Gandolfo and was blessed with spending 10 days in this little slice of paradise. The apartment makes the trip! We arrived and were greeted by the manager, who is beyond charming, who showed us around and got us settled. She let us know about the incredible fresh fruit and vegetable stand nearby and the best restaurants etc. We got settled and our only problem was which incredible spot we should enjoy in the apartment first!! There is the dining area with the view of Lake Albano which glistens with the light and is always different, the terrace with a view of the lake, the pope's palace and the town, and the view of all the surrounding areas. We weren't sure but I think it is the ocean in the distance. You are on top of the world. And the deck chairs in the photo are so comfortable it was difficult to pick up and go elsewhere. The bedrooms are very comfortable,chic and charming. The bathrooms are very modern both in style and in conveniences. Dishwasher and washing machine were a great plus. Each room is a little haven. The apartment is very clean and well maintained. A home away from home and small luxury hotel all in one. In addition to the charming accomodations with everything you could need, the town is fantastic!! It was hard to choose a favorite.
The lake is accessible on foot or by car/taxi and has everything you would need. We were there with our children and they even have a little amusement park that they loved. Rent chairs and relax for the day, the water is great. Then go back to the apartment and cook some great homemade pasta from the store 2 blocks away or get the best sausage ever from the meat place. Sit on the terrace and choose one of the fantastic views!! You will never want to leave this little slice of heaven. If you do want to head out, Rome is nearby on the train. (buy a ticket at the Tabacchi in town). Spend the day in Rome but come back to the apartment and great restaurants in the evening!!! Try Bocca with the view or the little vine place.Or take a day trip down to a great beach in Sabaudia (just over an hour). Frascati is nice too. I have travelled alot in Italy and this apartment has been the best stop ever. There is everything you need and more. Great for couples or a family. Your biggest problem will be leaving the terrace to go somewhere else. I would get up early just to be sure I had enough time to enjoy my coffee and biscotti on the terrace every morning!

I have just returned from 6 days in this apartment and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

Chic, well-laid out and immaculate, it was a wrench to leave!

Just 2 minutes walk from the village piazza where you can relax with a drink and watch the world go by, this feels like living Italian village life. But it's just 10 minutes (steep) walk to the station and a short journey to Rome and all that offers. The prefect combination!

The terrace is the real clincher. Amazing views in all directions that will keep you mesmerized throughout your stay

The welcome on arrival was very warm. Fresh flowers, wine and food really made it special.

Thank you for a lovely holiday. Already plotting a return visit!

We have just come back from a week's stay in this wonderful apartment. We knew nothing about Castel Gandolfo when we booked it, we just wanted a week's sunshine but what a find! The apartment is beautiful, clean, very well equipped and the real feel of a home as opposed to the ubiquitous holiday rental property. The roof terrace is superb and we spent most of our time when we were in the appartment up there, sunning ourselves and reading, or enjoying a drink and a chat in the evening after a meal. We had our 15 year old daughter with us and she loved the place as much as we did. She says it's the best holiday she can remember.

We bought fabulous fresh pasta in the town to cook at home, but usually ate out as there are such a plethora of good restaurants in Castel Gandolfo, we never ate in the same place twice. We would happily have revisited any one of them but we wanted to try out different restaurants and we still didn't manage to try all of the restaurants on offer.

One thing we did do each night was sit in the square for an ice cream and watch the world go by and we saw a couple of fabulous weddings. A great way to unwind.

When not in Caste Gandolfo, we took the train to Rome. Being so close means that you can take your time and do the city in little chunks rather than trying to cram everything into a short space of time, very useful in August when the weather is so hot. The train service is very good and public transport is very cheap.

We also really appreciated the advice and welcome given to us by Nicole, the apartment manager. She could not have been more friendly and it was lovely to know that she was there. Even thought we didn't have to call her for anything, knowing that we could have done, had the need arisen, was great. And it's a real bonus to have had some inside knowledge of the area and what to do and where to go. Thank you Nicole.

All in all, we just had a wonderful time. We hope to return another time and would recommend it unreservedly.

I have stayed in this apartment twice in the last two years and love the apartment and the area. The apartment is very well appointed and has everything to make your stay wonderful. It truly allows you to have a very Italian experience and live like the Italian's do. Castelgandolfo is very picturesque and has a lot of nice shops for buying food and wine for when you want to cook for yourself. The kitchen is very complete so it is nice to eat in occasionally. However with a number of really good restaurants within walking distance it is very tempting to eat out. One of the highlights for me is spending an evening on the terrace after a full day of sightseeing. Quite heavenly. Some of the best features of the apartment to me are the comfy beds and lovely linens, the great view of Lago Albano and the absolutely incredible terrace with views of the lake and the sea. I wish I had more time to visit but do anticipate returning in a few months.

The location was excellent but we had not taken into account trying to carry cases up two flights of steep dark stairways.
The cleanliness was superb as was the kitchen equipment and the welcome pack.
We were also not aware that the top bedroom was a loft area with low beams and no door and only suitable for people no taller that 4 feet as you cracked you had every time you got out of bed and again when you went into the bathroom.
Views from the sun terrace were as described.
The village had wonderful local produce for sale.

This was one of the best holidays we have ever had and the apartment was superb. From the moment we were greeted to the moment we left we felt spoilt. Everything needed to make the stay special was catered for and the welcome pack was much appreciated. Having a local mobile/cellphone provided was also reassuring. This apartment and its setting is definitely a home from home.