A Weekend at Casa di Langa, Piedmont
As the newest addition to the five-star hotel scene in Piedmont, Casa di Langa is a stylish and contemporary retreat located just twenty minutes south of Alba. Nestled in the heart of the Langhe—a region world-renowned for its white truffles, Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and the finest hazelnuts—this luxury hotel had been on my radar since it opened in June 2021.
Reaching the property by car was effortless and a true delight, as the scenic drive wound through the charming villages of La Morra and Barolo before culminating at the perfectly designed entrance of Casa di Langa. Two bellmen greeted us warmly, immediately taking care of our luggage and the car.
Quiet Luxury in the hills of Langhe
Check-in unfolded as you would expect in a modern five-star property: formal, yet efficient. We were offered a glass of flavored water while completing the paperwork. Despite having submitted our passports in advance by email, a second verification with physical IDs was still required. Once all was settled, a staff member personally escorted us to our room one floor above the lobby, providing an overview of the hotel facilities and the opening hours of the various outlets along the way.
I was immediately struck by the open-plan architecture, where hallways are outdoors, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The interiors feature dark brown and rust tones, creating a warm yet modern aesthetic. Everything feels brand new, with a contemporary design that remains inviting. The terraced layout of the property, however, results in slightly unusual floor numbering. Reaching the pool, for instance, involves descending through the inner courtyard via a zig-zagging staircase and then following a long garden path. It is beautiful but slightly unconventional, and we found ourselves wondering about the reasoning behind this particular design choice.
a Room with a view
Upon entering our room, we learned we had been upgraded from a Classic Room to a Deluxe Room. While identical in size and style, Deluxe Rooms boast superior views. Classic Rooms overlook the gardens and the hotel’s fruit orchards, whereas our room—situated on the hotel’s upper level—offered one of the property’s finest panoramas, stretching across Serralunga d’Alba to the distant Alps.
The entryway featured a sleek wardrobe with elegant wooden hangers, followed by a well-equipped refreshment center: a generously stocked minibar, a curated selection of teas and coffee capsules, and premium snacks. Aside from tea and coffee, everything came at an extra cost. Considering the hotel’s location amid some of Italy’s most prestigious vineyards, I found the in-room wine pricing high—closer to that of a luxury city hotel than a countryside retreat. Our welcome amenity consisted of a handwritten card and a bottle of still water; a gesture we appreciated, though a local bottle of wine or a small snack platter would have been a memorable touch.
The room design exudes warmth and understated luxury, combining light wood with stone-tiled flooring that somehow still feels cozy. The focal point is the king-size bed, perfectly positioned to frame the breathtaking Alpine views. Opposite the bed sits a writing desk with an elegant chair, while a small luggage area accommodates two suitcases. One element I missed was a cozy indoor corner for reading or relaxing. However, given the warm weather, we gravitated toward the spacious loggia, where we enjoyed a bottle of wine at sunset. Initially, I doubted whether the upgrade to a Deluxe Room was meaningful, but as the sun dipped behind Serralunga’s castle and the Alps glowed in brilliant orange, the view proved utterly magical.
The room is equipped with a large flat-screen TV that can pair with an iPhone—a welcome substitute for the Bluetooth speaker I wished had been provided. The bathroom is another highlight, featuring grey stone surfaces, rippled glass doors, and a sleek layout with a vast walk-in shower, a separate toilet and bidet, and ample storage above the heater. A single vanity is paired with a large mirror, while amenities are top-tier: Le Labo toiletries, a Dyson hairdryer, plush bathrobes, and reusable cotton pool bags that double as chic shopping totes. Housekeeping provided evening turndown service and even replaced our still water with sparkling water at our request—a small but thoughtful touch.
Poolside Moments
After exploring our room, we headed down to the infinity pool, located at the lowest point of the property next to the pool bar and changing facilities. There were ample sun loungers and umbrellas, so even during peak season, seating never seemed to be an issue.
Casa di Langa caters to a family-friendly clientele, which is evident in the pool’s design: one shallow section for children and a deeper area for swimming. We ordered a bottle of local sparkling rosé and were delighted by the attentive poolside service. Lounging by the water with a glass of wine, surrounded by hills and vineyards, created the perfect sense of place.
Observing our fellow guests, we noticed the majority hailed from Scandinavian countries—Norway, Sweden, and Denmark— followed by Italy and France. Perhaps the property’s Scandi-inspired aesthetic and sleek interiors naturally appeal to a younger, design-conscious audience. This was a striking contrast to our stay at Castello di Guarene, a historic property that attracts a more traditional, classic-luxury clientele. Personally, the modern elegance of Casa di Langa felt much more aligned with our preferences than sleeping in a medieval castle filled with antiques.
Dinner at Faula Restaurant
That evening, we dined at Faula, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Normally, I prefer venturing beyond hotel walls for dinner in the Italian countryside, where gastronomic gems are often tucked away in tiny villages. Yet to my surprise, Faula was fully booked and buzzing with energy.
From the moment we arrived, the restaurant manager set the tone with a warm, personalized welcome and a glass of Alta Langa sparkling wine. Initially planning to try the vegetarian tasting menu, we were thrilled when the staff offered to include a few signature meat dishes, allowing us to sample the chef’s full range.
The meal began with a creative amuse-bouche selection, followed by a delicate carrot composition featuring vegetables from the hotel’s own garden—a light and refreshing start that perfectly introduced the kitchen’s philosophy. Next came a regional classic: Agnolotti del Plin prepared two ways—one served in a rich meat sauce, the other presented simply in a linen napkin. Both versions were exceptionally tender and bursting with flavor, ranking among the best pasta dishes I have enjoyed in years. For the main course, we savored local Fassona beef fillet with truffled potato gratin, a dish perfectly paired with our 2013 Barolo. Casa di Langa’s wine cellar is spectacular, offering a deep collection of Barolos and Barbarescos, including rare vintages that make any wine lover’s heart race. The evening concluded with a memorable cheese selection and a dessert that easily ranks among the best I have ever tasted. Faula exceeded all expectations; it is fair to say the restaurant alone justifies a stay. Chef Daniel Zeilinga and his passionate team clearly love what they do, and this genuine enthusiasm radiates through every interaction.
Breakfast in the Hills
Breakfast is also served at Faula, with the option to sit on the terrace overlooking the rolling Piedmontese hills—a truly idyllic start to the day. Room rates include breakfast, featuring a high-quality buffet complemented by classic egg dishes at no extra cost. Some premium items, like Eggs Benedict (€18) or Eggs “Casa di Langa” with truffle and hazelnuts (€20), incur an additional charge. We opted for scrambled eggs with ham, beautifully presented and delicious. The quality of all products was exceptional, and the service team was as polished and attentive as the night before. It is worth noting that Casa di Langa’s F&B team truly elevates the guest experience. Their warmth and professionalism distinguish the property from many of its regional competitors.
Final Impressions
Our short but memorable stay at Casa di Langa confirmed that it is an ideal base for exploring the Langhe. Whether you come to immerse yourself in the world-class food and wine scene, enjoy family time in a stylish countryside setting, or pause en route to the Ligurian coast, this hotel is a destination in itself.
With its contemporary design, excellent service, and outstanding culinary program, Casa di Langa strikes the perfect balance between modern luxury and authentic Piedmontese charm. It is a property I can wholeheartedly recommend—and one I look forward to returning to.
