Bergamo's BEST Kept Secret: Casa Mario Lupo Apartments & Rooms!
Bergamo's REAL Secret Weapon: Casa Mario Lupo – A Messy, Beautiful Love Letter (and Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans on Casa Mario Lupo Apartments & Rooms in Bergamo. Forget the tourist traps; this place? This is a find. It's not just a hotel; it's a vibe. And, let me tell you, it's a vibe that’s got some serious soul, even if it's not perfect… and that’s part of its charm.
Metadata for the Googlers (and the algorithm gods)… because apparently, that stuff matters: Casa Mario Lupo, Bergamo, Italy, Best Hotels Bergamo, Accessible Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wi-Fi, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurants Bergamo, Family-Friendly Hotel, Bergamo Accommodation, Italian Hospitality, Casa Mario Lupo Review.
Right, now that the boring SEO stuff is out of the way, let’s get REAL.
First Impressions (and a Rant About Luggage, Naturally):
Finding Casa Mario Lupo is like unfolding a secret map. Nestled… somewhere… in Bergamo, it's not exactly plastered on the main drag. That, frankly, is already a win. The initial approach? A bit of a wander, a slightly panicked "Am I in the right place?" moment… but then, BAM! The building! And the sheer presence of it. (Bonus Points: Elevators for a weary traveler like myself!)
Now, the check-in? Smooth. Surprisingly so. They have Contactless check-in/out which I appreciated. I’m a messy soul, and I hate holding up lines. What about the Luggage storage? Yep! Saved my life while I adjusted to the pace of life.
Accessibility: Blessedly Thoughtful…Mostly?
Okay, this is where I want to get VERY candid about the Accessibility. They do advertise Facilities for disabled guests, an important point for many, including myself. The Elevator is a lifesaver (thank goodness!). They've also clearly put thought into Wheelchair accessible features – wider doorways, etc. – but the details? Well, let’s just say it's not a fully perfect scenario. Sometimes the ramp into the building wasn’t the smoothest… and occasionally there were tight spots, which might present a challenge. But, hey, this isn't a sterile chain hotel. It’s Italian! Embrace the minor imperfections.
Room Rumble: The "Available in all rooms" Experience (with a dash of Drama):
Now, the rooms themselves? They're lovely. I’m talking Air conditioning that actually works (a godsend in the Italian summer!), Free Wi-Fi that's speedy (essential for a digital nomad like myself), and a Desk with a good view… perfect for a bit of work (or procrastinating, I won't judge.)
My room? I didn't have one of the Couple's Room experiences, but the Non-smoking was a must! Additional toilet? Nope, but I wouldn't complain considering the price range and access. Also present are Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, and a Refrigerator. My room also had a Shower and a Balcony!
What REALLY Got to Me (and Gave me the Feels):
The balcony. Oh, the balcony. Sipping coffee at dawn, watching the city wake up… It did not disappoint. One time, I think some random cat from the neighbourhood stared at me. It was so cute. Truly priceless.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Feast for the Senses (and Slightly Stale Bread):
Alright, a confession. I’m a total breakfast snob. And Casa Mario Lupo? They mostly passed the test. Breakfast [Buffet] was a mixed bag. Good coffee. Fresh fruit. Lovely pastries. The Breakfast in room felt like a luxury. The Vegetarian restaurant and Asian cuisine in restaurant offerings were more than adequate, especially considering the location. But here’s the real talk: Sometimes the bread was… a bit stale. It happens. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant selection could be a bit better. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
They do have the good sense to offer Room service [24-hour] when you are craving comfort food at 3 AM.
Relaxation Station: Spa Scents and Sauna Shenanigans (or Lack Thereof):
Listen. I’m all about the relaxation. The Spa/sauna is a true retreat – especially after a day of exploring the city – and the Swimming pool [outdoor] is fantastic. The Pool with view made it even better. The Sauna was steamy! I didn’t get around to the Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage but, it's nice to know the options are there.
Cleanliness and Safety: Are They Actually Keeping Things Clean? Absolutely. I can confirm that Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays were implemented. I appreciated the Hand sanitizer available everywhere, and that the Staff trained in safety protocol.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and My Dry Cleaning Disaster):
Casa Mario Lupo is packed with useful stuff. Daily housekeeping. Concierge. Laundry service. The Doorman wasn't always around, but I didn't need them. Seriously, they have a bunch of stuff, and you’ve probably read it in the metadata.
Okay, so this is where things get a little… messy. I used the Dry cleaning service. Everything seemed fine… until I got my favorite shirt back. Let's just say it shrunk. A lot. It was a tragedy. (Turns out, I didn't specify the delicate setting. My fault, not theirs. Still… pain).
For the Kids: The Babysitting Enigma (and My Kidless Observations):
I don't have kids, so I can’t speak from experience about the Babysitting service or Kids facilities.
Getting Around: Parking Pains (and Airport Transfer Bliss):
Car park [free of charge], you beauty! Finding parking in Bergamo can be a nightmare. The Airport transfer service was a godsend.
The Verdict (and My Unfiltered Opinion):
Casa Mario Lupo is a messy, beautiful, quirky, Italian love letter. It's not perfect, but that's its charm. It’s got heart. It’s got character. It's a place where you can relax, explore, and feel the soul of Bergamo. Sure, there were a few minor hiccups here and there, but honestly, I wouldn't have traded the whole experience for anything.
Would I stay again? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. Just maybe, I’ll learn to do my own laundry.
Istanbul's Hidden Gem: The Print House Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your meticulously-planned Pinterest itinerary. This is me, after a few espressos (and maybe a sneaky glass of something bubbly), wrestling with the remnants of my Italian adventure, specifically, the beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) Casa Mario Lupo in Bergamo.
Casa Mario Lupo: Bergamo & Beyond - A Diary of Delight, Disasters, and Deliciousness
(Seriously, disregard the "schedule" part. My schedule was… well, let's just say it was more of a suggestion.)
Day 1: Arrival & That Dang Staircase (Emotional roller coaster warning!)
- Afternoon (ish): Arrived at Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. Okay, the airport itself wasn't bad. Clean, efficient… you know, airport. The real drama started with the bus journey. Google Maps lied! It promised a breezy ride, but the driver took detours that rivaled a spaghetti noodle twisting its way through a strainer. Finally, we were dropped off near Casa Mario Lupo. And then, the Staircase of Doom.
- Anecdote: Seriously, those stairs. I'm pretty sure I aged a decade just carrying my suitcase up to the apartment. By the time I reached the top, I swear I saw Jesus. Or maybe that was just the blessed relief of dropping the bag. My knees were screaming.
- Quirky Observation: The building itself had character, though. Faded frescoes on the entryway walls, that distinct "old building" smell (part history, part… well, you get it). I initially didn't like how much it echoed, but I feel like I would have missed it!
- Emotional Reaction: Anger (at the stairs), relief (at finally reaching the apartment), and a tiny, nagging fear of ever leaving that comfy bed.
- Evening: Settled into the apartment. It was charming, I will say that, with a beautifully rustic interior. The view from the balcony was actually breathtaking – the old town lit up at night. Dinner – pizza from a tiny place a few blocks away. The pizza itself, okay, it was a little burnt around the edges, but the cheese…oh the cheese. I had to call my mother and brag about it.
- Rambles: Maybe the pizza wasn't perfect, but that's the charm, right? Every imperfection is a story. It's about the experience, the tiny cracks in the wall, the friendly chatter of the locals. It's what you remember. Oh, wait, I should have also grabbed a bottle of red.
- Opinionated Language: This pizza: divine. The stairs: evil. The view: spectacular. Absolutely no room for debate.
Day 2: Bergamo Alta & The Church That Made Me Weep
- Morning: Finally mustered the courage to tackle… you guessed it… the stairs down. Took the funicular up to Bergamo Alta (Upper Bergamo). Holy. Mother. Of. God. It was beautiful. Cobblestone streets, charming shops, that atmosphere! I felt like I'd stepped into a movie.
- The Emotional Experience: So much raw emotion. I had to sit down and cry, overcome with the beauty of the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life.
- More Rambles: This Basilica. Seriously, I'm getting teary-eyed again just thinking about it. The intricate details, the history, the sheer grandeur. My god. It was more impressive than the Sistine Chapel, in my opinion.
- Imperfection Notice: I got lost on the way back to Casa Mario Lupo. I wandered around the narrow streets for 2 hours. Google Maps was useless in the labyrinth. Finally, resorted to asking for directions from a local. He spoke zero English, and my Italian is… non-existent. After a lot of flailing arms and pointing, I eventually found my way. Humbling.
- Afternoon: Wandered the streets. Found a tiny gelato shop and immediately ordered a "small" cone (which was the size of my head). Sat on a bench and watched the world go by. Life lesson learned: Never say no to gelato.
- Evening: Dinner at a Trattoria. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. The waitress (a delightfully grumpy woman) had to translate half the menu for me. It was delicious. So many carbs. My stomach is still recovering.
Day 3: Lake Como Day Trip (and the Disaster of the Ferry)
- Morning: Decided to be ambitious and take a day trip to Lake Como. Beautiful scenery, the drive was amazing.
- Imperfection Alert: This trip should have been easy. But getting the ferry to Bellagio was a nightmare. The boat was overbooked. Endless queues and the sun beating down. Tempers flared. I think I might have seen some people arguing.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: The ferry itself was a cattle call. I just wanted to escape.
- Afternoon: Bellagio, when we finally got there, was beautiful. But, it was also jammed with tourists. So, I will admit that I didn't enjoy the scenery. I wish I had spent more time in Bergamo.
- Evening (Back at Casa Mario Lupo, thankfully): Collapsed on the couch. Ordered pizza. The pizza man recognized me. I swear he raised an eyebrow when I ordered another one.
Day 4: Food Market & Pasta Pandemonium
- Morning: Visited the local food market. So many vibrant colors, smells that made me weep with joy, and fresh produce. I bought a basket overflowing with ingredients for a cooking class.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Okay, the cooking class. This deserves its own section. It was a disaster (in the most delightful way possible). I thought I knew how to cook pasta. I was wrong. So, so wrong.
- The chef: a tiny, elderly woman with the patience of a saint. Her name was Maria, and she made me feel like an idiot, but also loved and protected at the same time.
- The pasta: I failed miserably at making it by hand. My dough was too dry, too wet, every stage was a mess. Every Italian in the class was looking on with concern.
- The sauce: I managed to burn the sauce.
- The atmosphere: Despite my culinary incompetence, it was the best meal of my life (even the burnt bits). I was surrounded by laughter, and the joy of connecting with people through food. Utter chaos, and pure genius.
- Messier Structure: The class was a wild mix of instructions I couldn't understand mixed with smells. It was loud and noisy, I loved it.
- Doubling Down on Experience: Okay, the cooking class. This deserves its own section. It was a disaster (in the most delightful way possible). I thought I knew how to cook pasta. I was wrong. So, so wrong.
- Afternoon: Slept off the pasta coma.
- Evening: Another pizza. (No shame.)
Day 5: Departure & Reflections
- Morning: One last descent down the Staircase of Doom. Said farewell to Casa Mario Lupo, the old building, the view, the pizza shop.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: Sad to leave, but also strangely exhausted.
- Afternoon: Airport. Home.
- Rambles: It wasn't perfect. It was messy. I got lost, burnt food, and spent a small fortune on gelato. But that's the whole point. It was real. It was Italy. And I can't wait to go back, even if the stairs try to kill me. And the pasta? I'm going to try again. Maybe. Possibly.
- Final Thoughts: Casa Mario Lupo - it was charming, the perfect location, the experience was special. 10/10, would recommend. (Just, maybe pack some knee braces for those stairs.)
And that's the messy, glorious truth. Now, excuse me while I go dream of pasta.
Escape to Paradise: Spa Edelweiss Dijon Awaits!
Casa Mario Lupo: Your Honest-to-Goodness Bergamo Getaway FAQ (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, spill. Is Casa Mario Lupo *really* as good as everyone says? Or is it just another Instagram filter fantasy?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup. Look, I'm not going to lie and tell you it's *perfect*. Nothing is. But Casa Mario Lupo? It's pretty damn special. My first reaction? "Wow, this place is actually real!" I mean, the photos? Gorgeous. The reality? Even better. Think, a cozy, lived-in vibe, like you're crashing at your coolest Italian aunt's – if your cool Italian aunt was a genius interior designer. It's not some sterile hotel room. It's got *soul*. You know? Like it's been lived in, loved, and maybe even argued in (in a good way, of course).
But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there? My first room, the shower pressure… not amazing. Think gentle drizzle. Not a dealbreaker, mind you, but definitely a wake-up call to the realities of old European charm. And honestly? I *loved* it, because it felt real. It's got that imperfection that makes it perfect. Like your favourite pair of jeans that have a tear in them, but you wouldn't trade them for anything.
What’s the deal with the location? Is it actually "centrally located" like they claim?
Okay, let's talk location. "Centrally located" is a slippery term, right? Depends what your definition of "central" is! Casa Mario Lupo is in the Città Alta (Upper Town), and *yes*, that's practically *in* the heart of things. Think cobblestone streets, stunning views, and the constant siren song of gelato.
You’re steps from the funicular, which is your golden ticket to getting down to Bergamo Bassa (Lower Town) where the train station is. Which is good because, honestly? I *hated* lugging my massive suitcase up those cobblestone streets when I first arrived. Seriously, picture me, red-faced, sweating, and cursing my luggage choices. The funicular became my best friend after that.
But the views. Oh, the views! You step outside, and BAM! Panorama city! So, yes. Central. And worth the slight uphill climb (or funicular ride).
The rooms: Are they all the same? And what's the *vibe*?
Nope, the rooms aren't cookie-cutter copies. Each room has its own personality, which is part of what makes it so charming. Think exposed beams, maybe some antique furniture, and definitely a feeling of being instantly at home. I mean, there's a *fireplace* in one of them! A FUCKING FIREPLACE! Okay, maybe not in every room, but you get the picture. It's not a chain hotel, thank god.
Now, the vibe. The vibe is… cosy, warm, and a little bit romantic. You want somewhere to curl up with a good book, sip some wine (you *should* bring your own, the little supermarkets in town are great!), and listen to the world go by? Casa Mario Lupo is *definitely* your place.
One thing I'll mention... some reviews moan about noise from the street at times. Bergamo is a city, after all. I had a room facing the main street and, yes, sometimes you could hear the late-night chatter from the restaurants. But honestly? It was part of the charm, for me. It felt like I was *in* the city, not just observing it. Maybe pack earplugs if you're a super light sleeper, but for me it’s a non-issue (and I am a terrible sleeper!).
Is the breakfast any good at Casa Mario Lupo? And more importantly, are there CROISSANTS?
Okay, breakfast. This is important. Because breakfast, to me, is the most important meal of the day. Yes. There are croissants! Glorious, flaky, buttery, *perfect* croissants. Seriously, I almost licked the plate clean.
The breakfast spread is a buffet, and offers a good range of options. They also provide fresh fruit, local pastries, and of course, the essential coffee! It's simple done well; not a huge spread with everything from pancakes and eggs benedict, but exactly what you need to set you up for a day of exploring.
Did I also mention the freshly squeezed orange juice? *divine*! I actually went back for seconds. And thirds. (Don't judge me.) The breakfast is included – and it's a damn good reason to roll out of bed and face the day.
The Staff: Are they friendly? Do they speak English? Are they even *there*?
The staff are fabulous! They were friendly, helpful and genuinely seemed to care about their guests. Speaking English? Yes, absolutely. They're pros. (although I made an effort to practice my broken Italian – they seemed to appreciate the attempt, even if I butchered it!).
Are they there? Yes, definitely. There's usually someone around if you need anything, but honestly, Casa Mario Lupo is set up so well that you can easily manage on your own. Key is provided, there's a code for getting in, you can come and go as you please. It's very independent which I love, but they are always there when you need them. I even managed to leave a charger and they had it when I needed to retrieve it - so helpful!
The "secret" part of the secret: What's Casa Mario Lupo *really* hiding? (Besides its charm, obviously).
Alright, the secret. Well, it's not a *real* secret because everyone in the know will tell you, but if I could only pick *one* thing that makes Casa Mario Lupo special, it's the overall *experience*. Bergamo is beautiful, the food is incredible, but Casa Mario Lupo? It's like the anchor that grounds you, allowing you to fully experience everything. It starts to feel like "home" after a day or two. You feel as though you are living "amongst the locals"- not at a hotel!
For me. The best thing? I was able to book a room with a balcony. And it looked out onto the piazza. And every evening, I'd sit out there with a glass of wine, watching the world go by. I even got chatting to the people below, and they gave me the local tips such as, "Go to this restaurant for lunch" or "Visit that museum". It was simply... *perfect*.
So, the secret? It's not a hidden gem. It's the *feeling* it gives you. The feeling of being utterly and completely *relaxed*. That's something you can take home with you, even after you check out.
Any downsides I should knowHospitality Trails
