I realised I never did manage to review Alessandra's Como Secret Garden on Airbnb since the review period expires after 14 days and yet almost one and half years on, I swear my stay at this amazing home is still imprinted in my memory.

What can I say - it's truly a home away from home. The house is massive yet manages to feel cosy and warm because of the tasteful furnishings - Alessandra has clearly put lots of thought into it. My family spent 3 days in Como and at the end of the day, we always looked forward to returning to the Secret Garden simply because it feels as if we are residents of Como going home just after yet another normal day.

Be it the clean and spacious toilet, to the huge kitchen with amenities you never knew you needed, to the wonderful bedrooms with comfortable beds and clean linen, I don't think anybody will leave the place without being completely blown away. Pity we didn't get to use the living area more because Como was such a lovely city that there was so much to eat, do and explore.

If the house was 5/5, Alessandra would be 10/5. Her hospitality is unmatched, her consideration borders on motherly and she's an all around excellent host. Due to last minute problems, my parents had to check in to the house on their own as we couldn't arrive with them. Alessandra got her husband to meet them at the main train station. She interacted at length with my parents, answering whatever queries they had (and boy does my mother have loads of questions - all the time) patiently and even providing some restaurant recommendations (Cucina Elsa I believe, which we went back twice) that were excellent by the way. She also welcomed us with a bottle of wine and some cake. To top it off, she offered to book a taxi for my parents (and cover the fare) as her car wasn't available to give a ride to my parents to the train station. Again, this was because I couldn't be with them when they left and it seems like I'm the real cause of inconveniencing Alessandra.

I regret not being able to give this review earlier, but I can't stress sufficiently to folks considering Alessandra's place - you will not regret it. My family was swept away by her warmth and she definitely made our stay in Como extremely memorable.

Lovely v central but v quiet apartment, owner very helpful & everything you could need for your stay & lots of information provided . Como a wonderful town in itself to visit & the lake is simply stunning

Alessandra is a friendly host who welcomed us with breakfast supplies and a bottle of wine. Stunning and spacious apartment with plenty of room for my family of five, it is situated in the very pretty historic district and is a ten minute walk from the ferry terminal. The only downside was the creaky ceiling noises from movement in the apartment above, but this was not enough of an issue to prevent me from recommending this oasis to other travelling families. Loved it!

We have just returned from our stay in como! 6 of us in total 3 adults and 3 children.I visit Como every year and Alessandra's beautiful apartment this year made my stay even better ! The Apartment is stunning, it's in the old walls of Como in one of the best locations I feel for you to have the best of both worlds - you are in a tranquil old monastery in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the old cobbled streets but then only a short walk to the Lake. The apartment has everything you need for your stay - Alessandra thinks about all the little things from toiletries, kitchen starter pack, washing / dishwasher tablets/ iron, child's cot, high hair , even children's plates and mugs- in fact we only had to purchase small food and drink items but everything else was there ! It was the first visit for my parents this year to como and they too loved the apartment and have been discussing when to revisit ! Thankyou Alessandra we will be back