Testimonials
Below are just a few of the testimonial letters we receive from satisfied guests.
Below are just a few of the testimonial letters we receive from satisfied guests.
“Not only are we already planning our return trip next summer, but I have
shared our wonderful experience with family & friends.”
PDF of entire Yaniz letter
“The best thing about staying at Villa Matilda — your host and
hostess, Tony and Shirley Cardinali. They live in an apartment in the Villa and
have incredible knowledge of the Lake Como area. They were always willing to
help out and provide great recommendations.”
PDF of entire Yanno letter
Tony and his wife, Shirley were absolutely incredible hosts. They were extremely helpful & responsive with activity recommendations and even included a map/brochures with all different activities in the room. The room is exactly as pictured on the website & even better in person. They really go out of their way to make your stay as relaxing as possible — My boyfriend and I got in late the first night and Tony offered to make us a dinner reservation for as soon as we got in. Tony also drove us to one of our events we had in Lake Como (we were there for a wedding). All in all, they are great people as well as great hosts!
Tony & Shirley are wonderful hosts, the apartment is very generously stocked and beautifully appointed (we stayed in Pavarotti). Pool was great also views were sublime. Our week here was very memorable.
Our stay at Villa Matilda was the perfect ending to a wonderful trip to Rome. Florence and Lake Como. If anything, Villa Matilda was even better than advertised. Our family of four, including two teen boys, absolutely loved the amazingly spacious and well equipped apartment overlooking the lake. Situated in Torno on the quieter east side of Lake Como, the villa is only a short car or boat ride away from the more bustling towns like Como, Bellagio and Menaggio. The delightful American owners, Tony and Shirley Cardinali, have obviously spared no expense or overlooked any detail in restoring and renovating their historic villa — everything is clean, modern and done to the highest standard. They also are the most generous and welcoming hosts, with almost endless information about places to visit, restaurants and local culture. One night, Tony even drove us to and from a wonderful yet hard-to-get-to restaurant so we could enjoy our wine without having to worry about driving! Our sole regret is that we had only three nights to spend at Villa Matilda, and we certainly look forward to longer stays in the future.
Vacation at Villa Matilda exceeded our expectations, it was that rare case when in life property and views are much better than on photos! Tony was truly attentive, we had all we need and more (blueberries !!! ). Highly recommend! Attention to details in decoration/renovation made a huge difference — from bedsheets and beach towels to antiques. Torno is perfect too. We ended up skipping some excursions therefore we’ll be back next year!
Tony, Thank you for everything. I best describe it as a magical time! Even the kids for the boys was a very classy and kind gesture. So, we decided to come back next year!
This Villa was truly beautiful and impeccably decorated. We unfortunately did not have a car so the owner came and picked us up at the train station and made sure that every need of ours was met from the moment we arrived. Both Tony and his manager, Vivianna, were wonderful; from booking my husband’s golf at the Menaggio club to recommending restaurants and where to rent a boat, to dropping us off back at the train station. The Villa itself is stunning and included a comprehensive welcome basket upon our arrival. It is spacious, clean, and quiet, and the kitchen has everything you would need to cook as we went to the market one night while we stayed here. Tony stayed in close contact the entire time to make sure we were well taken care of and the TV had a plethora of English channels which pleased my 4 year old at the end of the day. I would, however, recommend reserving a car if possible as the walk from town is only about 10 minutes but the ferries end up taking quite a bit of time to get around to all of the villages. I would fully recommend staying at this Villa, it is a lovely and authentic Italian experience. We will definitely be back.
Tony was brilliant from the initial contact. Nothing was too much trouble and we could ask for just about anything for breakfast and it would be provided. The Villa is stunning and so well placed for memorable views of the lake and mountains around. An easy walk to the harbor with access to the ferries and restaurants, a little more challenging on the way back but you need the gentle exercise to burn off the calories consumed there. A fantastic place that lives up and goes beyond expectations.
Tony and Shirley were very welcoming. They reached out to us several times before our stay to make sure we were as comfortable as possible. They knew we were traveling with young children so they went out of their way to buy us some groceries (life saver), set up a diaper changing station and baby crib, made sure the pool was heated to sufficient temperature, and they even bought our 3 year old a birthday gift! I cannot say enough good about the villa and customer service. The view was unbelievable, and the tranquility was exactly what you’d expect from a vacation to Lake Como. We will definitely return, only next time, we will stay longer! Warm thanks to Tony and Shirley! See you next time.
Travelling with two couples and two babies, Tony and Shirley could not have been more welcoming. The apartment is beautifully decorated and very well equipped with modern appliances and utensils. The views from all the windows were stunning. We were thoughtfully provided with everything we needed for children and us and nothing was too much trouble for our hosts. Will hopefully return soon.
If you book a holiday there you will be pleasantly surprised in every way. From the beauty of the Villa Matilda (we stayed in the Pavarotti), the price, the hospitality and the culture in Lake Como was beyond our expectations. The property management were very kind and generous helping us any time we needed it. Can’t wait to return! Didn’t want to leave.
There are hosts and there are Shirley and Tony who not only own spectacular apartments (and live on site) but go above and beyond to make sure your stay is perfect. The 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom apartments are located in a restored castle with fabulous thick stone walls in some of the bedrooms. We stayed in the 2 bedroom Pavarotti which is 1900 s.f. With a lovely patio and shared pool, the lake views are extraordinary and can be seen from every room except the bathroom! The ferry is about a 10 minute walk downhill and can take you anywhere on the lake with a transfer at another ferry stop here and there. The owners are American born so language is especially easy. From picking us up at the ferry to driving us from Malpensa Airport to again picking us up in Como on their way back from their son’s school to making suggestions about anything and everything, these are the people you want to know and this is the place to stay. For us the ferry schedule was difficult to figure but Shirley would text times for anywhere we wanted to go. The kitchen is very well equipped for those who want to cook (we didn’t) and your requested items for breakfast are waiting for you in the refrigerator along with lots of other goodies, including wine and champagne. The washer and dryer in the 2 bedroom units (and washer in the 1 bedroom units) are especially inviting for those who have been traveling. By the end of our 5 days we honestly felt like family. We are experienced travelers and have stayed in many apartments throughout the world and I must say that this one is a 10 star and our favorite. Nothing compares with the wonderful experience Shirley and Tony have created.
Stayed for four nights in October, regretted not staying for longer! We had the most enjoyable stay with the Villa offering everything you need and more. We arrived late in the evening on our first night so too late to go out for something to eat. However Tony and Shirley had supplied the villa with a large variation of food which was greatly appreciated. Right through our stay Tony and Shirley could not have done enough to help us have a great holiday. As for Lake Como, just stunning! We cannot wait to go back.
What can I say about this property and our hosts — Shirley and Tony are the consummate hosts, making every effort to make our stay enjoyable — wonderful people! First, in booking the property, Tony took the time to chat with me beforehand, offer tips on how to get to Como, as well as activities for our stay — he brings a lot of expertise and it showed. His tips/suggestions were welcomed on our part as this was our 1st time to Como and he erased all hesitation and trepidation, really made us feel like we were making the right decision. On our way to the Villa Tony & Shirley were over-communicative with directions and where to park, how to get to their place, etc..., Just really hospitable. Once inside the villa — Shirley gave us a great tour of their grounds and our apartment — 5-star property — everything is all there and at your fingertips, from the pool area, to the kitchen, A/C, wifi — all easy to access and utilize. Felt like being at my parents place back home — just made us feel very welcome and the property is truly 5 star. I’m hesitant to write this review as I want to keep this place all to myself, but I guess the best recommendation I can give is that we plan on booking another week or 2 at their property in the next year or 2. We can’t wait to get back there — this time a party of 3 :) Thanks again Shirley & Tony