Giovanni

Antica Officina B&B

TopBnB Excellent 9.5 / 10

(21 reviews)

Via Cavour, 8/12 - Mandello del Lario (LC) - Area: city center | Map

National identification codeCIN: IT097046C1RUJGYYHF

Regional identification codeCIR: 09746-beb-00008 -cni-00061

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Category
Holiday House

Rooms
6

Breakfast
included

Bathroom
Private

Guests in this venue liked

Charming property
Abundant breakfast
In the city center
By the lake
Near the station
The design of the property
Cheap
By the river
Spectacular view
Near the metro

Description

In the heart of Mandello del Lario in a "banister's house" (typical in Lombardy) of sec. XIX. The structure consists of two units in common with a large courtyard. We offer 3 spacious bedrooms with private entrance and private bathroom. Our guests can enjoy the courtyard, with tables and cellar: a large room with very typical vaulted ceiling and exposed stone walls, furnished with old furniture and a large table.

At a few tens of meters our guests can find all the facilities, car parking, pharmacies, banks, grocery, supermarket, bars, pizzerias andrestaurants, Laundry self servce open all day (50mt)
Area with park, lake shore and beach at 650 m Railway station at 350 meters Lake Navigation Station at 700 meters Moto Guzzi museum at 400 mt.

Maximum availability to provide an accurate tourist information service and making available books, guides and maps of our area.

At the ground floor of the house there is what remains of the workshop of the B&B owner’s granduncle, Giorgio Ripamonti called “Ferée” (Blacksmith in lombard dialect); the young Carlo Guzzi, passionate about mechanics and engines, often came in this workshop at the beginning of ‘900 and, after the 1st World War, in 1919, he designed a motorcycle prototype realising his dream with the help of granduncle Giorgio. Two years later, in March 1921, with his friend and partner Giorgio Parodi, Carlo Guzzi founded the Limited Company Moto Guzzi.

BEST PRICE

Accommodation and Rates

To accommodate the needs of all our guests, we regret that we cannot accept pets.

Features

Bathroom: Private

Kitchenette
Historic House
Romantic Atmosphere
Parking
Free Wifi
Family
Business
Hair dryer
Heating
Ideal for trekking
Fireplace
Near cycle paths
Bicycles available

*Declared by the Innkeeper

All Features

Various information

Parking
Internet access
English speaker
French speaker

House features

Historic house
19th century house
Recently restored house
Sharing areas available for guests
Panoramic location
Insured house

Air conditioning and heating systems of the house

Certified systems
Heating systems
Room temperature controller
Double glazing or solar panels

Electric system

Certified systems
Smoke and fire alarms

Services of the house

Kitchenette
Terrace
Garage / parking

Facilities and services

Bicycle, boat, horses / sports equipment
Beaches

Location and surroundings

City centre
Archeologic area / near monuments
Near (within 10 mins) pubblic transports
Near (within 45 mins) train station / airport / port

Accommodations

Total number of accommodations: 4
Bathroom: Private

Size of rooms

Between 21 and 30 sqm

Bathroom facilities

Bath tub
Bathrooms restored in the last 5 years
Hair dryer
Monodose products

Room facilities

Children bed
Mirror or luggage case
Fridge
Internet connection or telephone

Furnishing

Historic furniture
Terrace / balcony
Desk / table and chairs
Sofa / armchairs

Cleaning services

Every 5 other days

Services

Guides / maps / books available
Local events calendar
Guestbook
Shuttle service

Holiday themes - the place

Lake

Holiday themes - town size

Small town - between 5000 and 25000 in.

Holiday themes - area features

Near monuments
Cultural events and arts exhibitions
Wine and food attractions area
Local crafts
Historic centre
Shopping area
Near sports facilities
Gardens and landscapes

Holiday themes - house features

Historic house
Family
Business
Romantic atmosphere

Breakfast

Rich and diverse breakfast.

Video

TopBnB

Hey from Giovanni

Member since February 2012 | 37,110 hits

Hello, honestly we don't know what to write.

We opened in the spring of 2012 following the success we had in the previous September, when we set up a museum exhibition in the workshop and courtyard, which are part of the family building complex.

My father's uncle is actually that GIORGIO RIPAMONTI in whose workshop CARLO GUZZI prepared his prototype called GUZZI-PARODI.

The workshop is still in existence and is part of the residential area.

To continue this initiative, we decided to try to open and manage this activity.

With the essential help of 2 friends, we renovated the premises and especially the cellar, of which we are proud.

On our friend's suggestion, we then chose this portal that I will never stop thanking!
What else to say; we like the place where we live, I hope it will also appeal to those who come to visit us.

We can't think of anything else right now, except for the quote from a verse of a dialect poet, Elio Cantoni from Olcio di Mandello, which goes like this:
"Regordi e nustalgia misciaa in dela mia ment, una dulza puesia lingera cume el vent"
(memories and nostalgia mixed in my mind, a sweet and light poem like the wind).

Facebook

Website

My calendar is updated

Response rate: High

Response time: within a few hours

Conditions

Check-in from 2:00 PM to 11:30 PM

Check-out before 10:30 AM

Area city center

The B&B is located in the center of Mandello del Lario and so the guests will find a few tens of meteers parkings, pharmacies, banks, grocers, minimarkets, bars, pizzerias, restaurants

Airports

Bergamo Airport - Orio al Serio 41 Km
Milan Airport - Linate 51 Km

Train Stations

Canzo Asso LeNord Train Station 8 Km

*Distances As The Crow Flies

Google Maps | Street View

In The Surroundings

*Distances As The Crow Flies

100% genuine reviews, written by real guests!

Excellent

Overall Rating 9.5 / 10
21 reviews

Write a review

Property

Cleaning

Host

Location

Price/Quality

Reviews from other sites

Google

Excellent

9.6 (50 reviews)

TripAdvisor

Very good

9.2 (34 reviews)

What guests say

Reviews consistently praise the warm and friendly hosts who create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. The property is noted for its historic charm, especially its connection to Moto Guzzi, and offers a comfortable, authentic experience in the center of Mandello del Lario. Guests appreciate the clean, cozy rooms and plentiful, traditional Italian breakfasts. The central location near the lake and main transport links is convenient, though some mention the parking can be a bit tricky. Overall, it offers excellent value for money and is recommended for those interested in motorcycle history or seeking a genuine Italian village experience.

Based on guest reviews. AI-generated.

maegen

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Giovanni's Bed and Breakfast was a wonderful experience! Truly the best time, and a great spot. He was very welcoming and breakfast was delicious.

stayed from 07/17/2025 to 07/19/2025

gelindo

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

A very characteristic place where you can experience the atmosphere of the village. Very kind and helpful manager. I recommend it.

stayed from 05/01/2025 to 05/04/2025

The answer from the host:
grazieee

heinz

Property: 8 | Cleaning: 9 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 8

heinz rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 03/20/2025 to 03/23/2025

tadzio

Property: 8 | Cleaning: 8 | Host: 10 | Location: 8 | Price/Quality: 8

tadzio rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 07/22/2024 to 07/27/2024

lothar

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 8 | Price/Quality: 9

The style of the 70s is very charming. The landlord is very friendly and helpful. The breakfast is very good, typical of the place and abundant. We really liked it and we will come back with pleasure. The only small downside is the parking situation. The street is very narrow and getting a parking space directly at the accommodation is difficult.

stayed from 05/15/2024 to 05/18/2024

grant

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Having discovered this historic venue on a previous visit, it was a very special opportunity to spend a week there. A very characterful ambiance with excellent facilities right in the center of Mandello del Lario. Our hosts, Giovanni and Nena, took great care of us and immediately we felt welcome and had a lovely homely experience. Thanks for having us guys, we'll never forget our stay at the actual birthplace of the very first Moto Guzzi! Ciaooo!

stayed from 10/29/2022 to 10/30/2022

The answer from the host:
olaaa .ciaooo.we hope to see you soon.

rachel

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Our stay at the Antica Officina was fantastic. On arrival we were shown around by our hosts Gechi, Nina and of course Vida the dog, who were amazing throughout our stay: Gechi was incredibly friendly, funny and helpful for the entire duration. He recommended places to eat, nearby hikes and even invited us to cool off with beers in the nearby canal (a specialty of the Antica Officina) with some of the other visitors, who were also lovely. The room was great, with a kitchen and bathroom well equipped for our stay, and great at keeping us cool in the midday Italian heat. The bed was comfy, and overall there were plenty of options whether we wanted privacy in our room or to spend time with our amazing host and other guests. We would definitely stay again.

stayed from 07/15/2023 to 07/18/2023

The answer from the host:
olaaa..ciao and thank youuuu!!!

keir

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

This property is very historic in regard to the Moto Guzzi history. It's a truly timeless place, not only because of what the property represents in Moto Guzzi's rich history but also because none of the clocks are working and you don't know what time it is! Seriously Gechi is a hoot, Nena is great and Veda is a crazy sheep dog. I loved my stay and can't wait to return! Ciao for now - Keir from Australia.

stayed from 05/19/2023 to 06/09/2023

The answer from the host:
ola ..thank you ..ciaoo

danja

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

A simple yet clean accommodation and an absolute highlight for Moto Guzzi fans! The property has a traditional flair with lovely details. Carlo Guzzi and his motorcycle history linked to the host's ancestors are omnipresent. The hosts are absolutely friendly and open, and one immediately feels part of a motorcycle community consisting of hosts and interesting guests with lively exchange of experiences.

stayed from 05/31/2023 to 06/03/2023

robert

Property: 9 | Cleaning: 9 | Host: 10 | Location: 9 | Price/Quality: 10

A very pleasant two-night stay and very good value for money. Very good welcome from the owners. Very good breakfast. Establishment recommended.

stayed from 05/28/2023 to 05/30/2023

The answer from the host:
ola merci beaucoup. ciaoo

rodney

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 9

Great stay at Jacky's where you feel immersed in Guzzi's past and treated like family. Thank you for all this kindness, the great tips, and the excellent breakfast with the best eggs around Lake Como. It's so good to have havens of peace like these where you meet passionate and caring people! Thank you very much.

stayed from 05/17/2023 to 05/21/2023

The answer from the host:
ola merci a vous.ciaoo

marlène

Property: 9 | Cleaning: 9 | Host: 10 | Location: 9 | Price/Quality: 9

marlène rated this property but he didn't leave any comment

stayed from 04/18/2023 to 04/25/2023

jonathan

Property: 8 | Cleaning: 7 | Host: 10 | Location: 8 | Price/Quality: 8

We really enjoyed chatting with Giovanni, our host, who received us with great kindness and served us an abundant breakfast. We also liked the place, the old Guzzi workshop, steeped in history. The Antica Officina is an authentic place, ideal to connect with the local life of Mandello and the people who live there.

stayed from 08/04/2022 to 08/07/2022

giovanni

Property: 9 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Giovanni is very nice, unique welcome, extremely clean room and fantastic location. To try!

stayed from 08/02/2022 to 08/04/2022

sara

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Wonderful, welcoming and very helpful owners. Excellent structure, typical and with a lot of history to tell, impeccable cleanliness. The structure is a few hundred meters from the lake, well served and easily reachable. Highly recommended!

stayed from 06/03/2022 to 06/05/2022

The answer from the host:
graziee...ciaooo

jackie

Property: 8 | Cleaning: 8 | Host: 10 | Location: 8 | Price/Quality: 10

Jackie, the owner, was an absolute diamond of a guy. Very welcoming and happy to share a beer and a chat.\n\nThe place also has a great history and lots of early Moto Guzzi memorabilia and historical information.\n\nIf you like Moto Guzzi and want a no frills accommodation and an excellent host for a great price, do consider this place for a few days stopover.

stayed from 09/11/2019 to 09/15/2019

monika

Property: 7 | Cleaning: 7 | Host: 9 | Location: 8 | Price/Quality: 10

Very helpful. A small museum for art lovers. Recommended.

stayed from 07/07/2019 to 07/09/2019

steven

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

Probably the best place to stay in Mandello del Lario if you own or are interested in Moto Guzzi motorcycles. The owner and family are extremely welcoming, great breakfast and nothing is too much trouble. We arrived a day early and no problem, one motorbike had a puncture but not an issue, took me to a friend's garage and fixed in minutes for the price of a beer. I would recommend this B&B to anyone.

stayed from 08/31/2017 to 09/05/2017

stefania

Property: 8 | Cleaning: 9 | Host: 10 | Location: 9 | Price/Quality: 10

Very kind staff.

stayed from 08/15/2016 to 08/18/2016

marc

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 9 | Price/Quality: 9

Excellent Bed & Breakfast, the property is very typical and beautiful, rooms are spacious and very clean. It's not a modern house but if you're looking for a typical house it's the perfect place! Mandello del Lario is a nice little village, a good location because not so many tourists. Giovanni, the innkeeper, is very friendly and gave good advice for restaurants in the village. We highly recommend this address and we think about coming back!

stayed from 08/23/2015 to 08/25/2015

lisa

Property: 10 | Cleaning: 10 | Host: 10 | Location: 10 | Price/Quality: 10

My friend and I had a wonderful stay at this B&B. The property was well-placed (near train station and ferry port, and has a beach nearby) and the rooms were very clean and comfortable. The quality to price ratio was 2:1 for us, so we told Gianni (the innkeeper) that we would gladly pay more next time. A couple of things to note: the breakfast was hearty but it is a traditional Italian breakfast of coffee, baked goods, and yogurt. If you are an American, do not expect there to be eggs and meat. But nevertheless, we were very full before we set out on our adventures in the morning. The other thing is that Mandello is accessible by train and ferry but not in the later hours. If you are going to stay here, email the inn and Gianni will help you figure out the timetables (like he did for us), since they are in Italian. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay at this inn. Gianni and his family were wonderful hosts (he is also extremely funny) and our room was large and spotless. We also really enjoyed being in Mandello because it was close to the water, but there were way less tourists than on the western side of Lake Como. You get a more local feel for the area, and Gianni will give you good recommendations for places to eat that are delicious and not too expensive. I would come stay here again, and recommend it to all my family and friends.

stayed from 07/12/2013 to 07/14/2013