This is like a fairy tale about a lovely little B&B, run by a lovely little family in a lovely little village on the south shore of Lake Maggiore; but it is a true story. Baveno is conveniently located on the south shore of Lake Maggiore, with ferry service to many historic sights; it is a 10-minute boat ride to Isola Bella (home of the Borromeo Palace) and another 5 minutes to Stresa, a busier town that can be reached by foot in less than an hour. My wife has been to Baveno many times, but not for several years, and wanted to make it the last stop on our vacation trip after Florence and Venice. She had eaten at Ristorante Posta, which is celebrating 50 years in a historic building on the small, quiet town square. When the owner, Nelia, died her family decided to turn her home (above the restaurant) into a bed and breakfast inn with five rooms. You would never know this was their first effort at designing a B&B because they got absolutely everything just right.

First, the accommodations are very spacious and nicely furnished; ours had a comfortable sofa, an alcove with a table that opens to about 1 meter by 2 meters, a dresser and room to dance, in addition to large, well-designed closets that easily held our clothing and suitcases. The amenities were excellent: a room safe, many electrical outlets, wired internet, satellite TV, good heating and lighting and double-glazed modern windows, fitted with electric venetian blinds, overlooking the town square.
The bathroom was equally well designed and very comfortable, a real Master Suite bathroom lacking only a tub. The sink was roomy - suitable for doing a bit of laundry - and there is a drying line in the shower in addition to a towel dryer and a hair dryer.
Everything is new, modern and yet not out-of-place in the historic building.

Second, an excellent buffet breakfast is included. The breakfast room is steps away, cozy and features a great variety of foods; a nice assortment of fresh pastries from the bakery on the square, excellent cold cuts, yogurts, cereals - even a vending machine in case you need a bottle of water or snack in the middle of the night, which is helpful because this is not a full-service hotel with staff available at odd hours.

Finally, the staff truly make you feel at home, always ready to give suggestions, make calls and help ensure that guests enjoy their visit. After 5 nights and a few delicious meals at Posta, we felt like we were part of the family.

We have travelled a lot over many years, stayed in fine hotels, B&B’s and everything in between; but we cannot recall a more comfortable and enjoyable vacation accommodation short of renting a hotel suite or condominium. We would have enjoyed staying a month or more at Locanda Nelia, it’s that nice.

We stayed here in June of this year only just got around to reviewing it. Spent three nights here whilst touring the lakes. Booked direct on their web site - very friendly owner and family they also run the restaurant underneath. Rooms very clean and eveything you need. Free parking near by. Very convenient for ferry stations. Nothing too much trouble.

We came to Baveno, to see if this where we want to get married.
The only thing I can say is YES.
Our stay at Locanda Nelia was pure romance, a beatifull room, great view of the lake.Warm people just splended.
The family restaurant downstairs serves excelent food and great wine.
Great place to stay rooom has everthing you need. If you like to visit Milaan for shopping its just 45 min away.
Locanda Nelia, we will be back
Barry and Elvera

Stayed end of August beginning of September 2011. Ideal location for swimming, touring, boat trips and walking. The service at Locanda Nelia was welcoming and efficient, nothing was too much trouble. Barbara even helped us with booking a hotel in Liguria. Rooms and house are beautifully decorated with artistic attention to the smallest detail, all areas spotlessly clean, breakfast served in a beautifully bright and comfortable room, bedrooms spacious and comfortable. All in all a perfect place to stay. We would highly recommend this lovely BnB for quality, welcome and warm atmosphere, and value for money.
Restaurant Posta on ground floor excellent, good quality food, great value for money, friendly service!