Locanda Sant’Anna in Argegno… Since Mary is hosting a celebration on August 15, we can extend our vacation by two more days. We book two additional nights at Locanda Sant’Anna and thankfully don’t have to move far… Locanda Sant’Anna is situated a bit further in the Valle d’Intelvi on a hill, a stone’s throw from the Green Lake Home apartment where we stayed the past few days. From the garden and the front-facing rooms, there is a beautiful view of Lake Como.
To appreciate Locanda Sant’Anna properly, it’s important to note that “locanda” is Italian for “inn.” When you look it up in the dictionary, a locanda is described as a place where travelers can find lodging as well as food and drink. And that mindset should be kept in mind when visiting here…
The hustle and typical strolling of Lake Como is traded for tranquility, space, and a no-frills atmosphere. Locanda Sant’Anna is run by a family that is described on travel forums as very warm and accommodating. Emilia, the owner of our previous accommodation, is also a fan of the locanda and especially of the restaurant.
However, we experienced little of this warm, family approach. We were greeted at the reception with rudeness, formality, and a lack of interest. The room wasn’t ready, even though we arrived considerably later than the check-in time. We received little to no information. For instance, what time is breakfast? Many family photos and trinkets hang on the walls, but a frame with the saying “you only get one chance to make a first impression” would have been more appropriate…
Everyone is busy. We feel like we’re in the way. Tonight, a wedding is being held at Locanda Sant’Anna. Could this explain the lukewarm reception? We decide not to wait for our room and drive, slightly disappointed, to the Muro di Sormano to work off some energy with a tough climb.
When we return, the wedding party is in full swing with loud music and exuberant Italians. There is no one at the reception to hand us our key. Unfortunate! The wedding and its lively atmosphere don’t bother us at all… Italian gentlemen in sharp suits and Italian young ladies in evening dresses—what’s not to like? It’s the lax attitude of the hotel that bothers us. A small apology or just a heads-up that there might be some noise due to the wedding would have been appreciated. It would have earned them a bit more credit.
The hotel has two floors. We are, fortunately, on the second floor. The room is what you would expect from a standard room. No frills, but classic and solid. A bit outdated but not worn out. Overall, it’s clean enough. A foam pillowcase with missing corners and a shower stream that makes you wonder if you’re actually getting wet give the room no more than a passable rating. After all, we’re paying around 110 euros per night…
Perhaps the restaurant at Locanda Sant’Anna is their trump card? It very well could be. The restaurant is quite full every evening, and it’s described on the same travel forums as very tasty with an extensive wine selection at a good price. We can’t confirm this as we chose to go out to stroll, I mean dine, elsewhere.
The next morning, we are greeted rather dryly by the owner (?), who has just smoked her morning cigarette at the reception and is grumpily tapping away on her Facebook profile. A second fail for hospitality! The breakfast, included in the room price, is well-prepared with cold cuts, rolls, yogurt, jam, croissants, cake, and juice. You can order unlimited fresh coffee. Only after breakfast on the second morning did it become clear that you could also order fresh eggs. It would have been nice if someone had told us that…
We pack up the car and check out, again without much enthusiasm. Locanda Sant’Anna did not impress us. As an inn, it’s authentic and correct, but unfriendly and overpriced. Perhaps the restaurant can save the day? A fresh wind of change is definitely needed. Isn’t there an Italian Gordon Ramsay who can shake up the inn from its foundations?
