At Hotel Casa Martinelli in Maggiatal, Switzerland, traditional and contemporary architecture combine to form a harmonious ensemble. Star architect Luigi Snozzi has complemented a 350-year-old Ticino house with a cubic, concrete structure. This modern, clean-lined extension creates a counterpoint to the historic building and places it centre stage. The exposed concrete of the new building corresponds as a contemporary equivalent with the stone walls of the old building.
The Ticino house with its stone roof typical for the area and timber veranda has been carefully renovated and gently modernized. Instead of the traditional lattice windows, the building now features windows without subdivisions, which let more light flood into the house. Otherwise, however, as much as possible of the original building has been retained, including the old sundial and stucco-framed frescoes. The tables throughout the hotel were made from the wood of the stable, which had to give way to the new extension. In contrast to the traditional atmosphere in the old building, the eight double rooms in this modern wing exude an almost monastic ambience. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows offer wide views of nature: meadows, mature trees, and out to the little river Salto, which flows right by the property.
Note: During the winter months, the hotel is rented out as a holiday home for up to 14 people.
What to do
Walking, hiking and high alpine hiking, geo-caching, climbing, mountain biking. Swimming (there is a nice beach 5 minutes from the hotel), swimming and diving in the nearby waterfall with a 12 meter deep pool. Rest and relaxation. In just 15 minutes by car you can reach Ascona and Locarno (which boasts a jazz and film festival), every year there is the Vallemaggia Magic Blues Festival. Authentic food in the typical Grotti.
Why we like this house
A small hotel that expertly combines the present and the past. Quiet, with personal service.
This house is great for
Anyone seeking peace and relaxation.
Details
| Region | CH – Switzerland, Ticino, Maggia |
| Name | Casa Martinelli |
| Scenery | in the Maggia Valley, right by the river Salto |
| Number of guests | 2 single rooms in the old part, 8 double rooms in the new building |
| Completed | 1650 & 2012 |
| Design | Luigi Snozzi, Locarno |
| Architecture | Old & new |
| Accomodation | Holiday home, Hotel |
| Criteria | Rooms for 1-2 (hotel), Art, Garden, Hiking, Mountains, Restaurant, Wine, No car needed |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with white background the accommodation is still available. On days with dark gray background the accommodation is not available.
One Comment
We stayed 2 nights at Casa Martenelli. It’s located in a very small hamlet – Maggia – it’s a quiet location. The hotel itself is basic. The rooms are dated and need an upgrade. The garden is not maintained and the hotel facilities, rooms and terrain are tired and dilapidated . Hence the price of 250chf/night is not justified. Breakfast is good, service is efficient with no frills. We decided to leave earlier then planned as we didn’t get a ‘happy feeling’ staying at this Casa.