Laqua by the Lake (link) is a boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Orta and is within an hour’s drive from Milan Malpensa airport (MXP). The property also features spa facilities, a fitness center, and a hot tub.
Why did I choose this property?
I originally booked the Park Hyatt Milan for one night (45K points) and had a rental car as well since taxis are overpriced at Malpensa airport. I was looking for alternatives and found this property (46K points) within the same driving distance from the airport. We jumped on this chance, since we would rather have a scenic lake view for a night instead of Milan city experience.
Award Booking Laqua by the Lake
The property can be booked via Mr & Mrs Smith/Hyatt, and I used 46K Hyatt points to book a single Friday night stay. The cash price was around $650 USD.
I noticed a wide fluctuation in the points requirement day to day at this property depending on the room availability (see image below).
Advantages of booking Mr & Mrs Smith hotels through Hyatt
This is my first booking at a Mr & Mrs property and the I listed the advantages of booking via Hyatt website below:
- Free nights at Hyatt hotels and participating Mr & Mrs Smith hotels using earned points.
- Room upgrades for Globalists upon check-in (based on availability)
- Credit toward the Brand Explorer Award – earn a free night for every five unique Hyatt brands experienced, including Mr & Mrs Smith.
- Credit toward earning tier status and Milestone Rewards.
- 5 Base Points per every eligible $1 USD spent on room rates.
- 4 Bonus Points per every $1 USD on room rates for World of Hyatt Credit Cardmembers when paying with the card.
- Standard tier Bonus Points on eligible room rates for elite tier members.
Laqua by the Lake Exterior
It is a stunning hotel with lake views and several areas of seating around an outdoor pool (see images below).
Laqua by the Lake Parking Lot & Lobby
There is a small parking lot across the street from the hotel (see image below) and the entrance to the hotel is gated with a code.
Hyatt Globalist recognition at the hotel
The front desk staff did not even know about a hotel chain called “Hyatt” and its association with Mr & Mrs Smith booking platform. We did not try to explain the program benefits to anyone since we received an automatic room upgrade to a Panoramic Lake View Executive Suite.
PANORAMIC LAKE VIEW EXECUTIVE SUITE
The apartment suite is beautifully furnished with a separate kitchen section with all the necessary cooking utensils, dishwasher, refrigerator and a table with chairs. There is a small living room with lake views and a bedroom with panoramic lake views as well (see images below). The mattress was perfect for our backs with good supportive pillows. The only negative thing I noticed is the lighting being dull in the bathroom and the shower area is tight for no reason.
Kitchen Area of the suite
Wi-Fi Speed
Wi-Fi speeds are fantastic and the best I have seen in a long time at any hotel.
Swimming Pool Area
Swimming pool looks nice, but the water is cold and not usable most of the year in this region. There are several sections around the pool with nicely arranged seating with a few stand-up heaters for dinner time.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included in the price at this Mr & Mrs Smith property, which is NOT a Hyatt benefit at all their hotels (compared to SLH & Hyatt affiliation). The breakfast variety is very good with an assortment of fruits, cereals, croissants along with some sliced ham. You can order eggs any way you like and they were very tasty. There was a section with a variety of tea bags and cappuccino can be ordered as well. Overall, it was a fantastic breakfast experience and we have no complaints.
Lunch & Dinner
Laqua by the Lake is also part of multi-Michelin starred Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s Hospitality Collection (link). Meals are priced at around 90-110 Euros for a choice of either À la carte or the tasting menu. We did not have time to try the restaurant meals during our one night trip.
Spa
There is a spa (The Longevity Suite) in the basement of the hotel with a list of expensive facials, massages etc.,
Negative points of the property
- No fitness center
- No sauna
- Outdoor swimming pool is not heated throughout the year, which should have been included due to the high price of the rooms. We have been to SLH properties in Argentina, where they heat their outdoor pools throughout the year.
Conclusion
We spent only one night at this property before taking an Emirates flight from MXP to JFK. However, we are happy to return here to spend a few nights if we find a reasonably priced award booking opportunity again.