The Boccalino team
Our story
Twenty years ago we made one of the best decisions of our lives: we bought a small holiday apartment in Lugano, on Monte Brè.
It's the mild climate, the warm-hearted people, the positive attitude, the joie de vivre, the unique flair, the early spring, the warm summer months, the long, golden autumn, and the gently mild winter that continue to captivate us. The years have passed, but our love for southern Ticino grows with each passing year. Our two daughters have grown up in the meantime.
In 2020, we moved to Melide. A wonderful place. In the picturesque old part of the village, we quickly discovered Al Boccalino – a little oasis full of heart. A small hotel had always been my dream. Wonderful and productive conversations with Dorli and Walter Pizzolato, the owners at the time, then pointed us in the right direction.
We have been the proud owners of this traditional house since January 2026.
A dream comes true
Courage comes from taking action, not from standing still. We've begun to realize our dream, step by step. We gladly exchange chic vacations and leisure time for exhilarating days, each one unique. We strive to offer our guests a retreat where they can recharge, linger, enjoy, and relax.
We are continuing this wonderful story of the house with immense joy and enthusiasm. Dorli and Walter Pizzolato have shaped Al Boccalino into what it is today over the past 40 years.
And Marco, our charming local host from Ticino, will do everything he can to fulfill our guests' every wish, even when we're not there. Together, we'll do our very best to ensure our guests feel comfortable.
We are here with great dedication. Welcome!
Remo & Sandra Hicklin
The history of the house
The information is based on accounts that Dorli Pizzolato kindly recorded for us:
"Many years ago, I was told that the house with the cellar was built around 1908. I can't say for sure when exactly the 'Grottin' was created. My acquaintance told us that her grandfather, Elia Gaggini, was the owner in the early years, and that the Grotto Gaggin was only open on Saturdays and Sundays. Wine was served from the cellar at a table set up in front of the stairs. The saying was 'Se bever volete del bon vin - recatevi al crotto del Gaggin' (If you want to drink good wine, go to the Grotto Gaggin) and 'Dove vai? al sit solit!' (Where are you going? To your usual spot!)."
Around 1945, a Mr. Vassalli was listed as the owner. The Grotto Gaggin was run by Carlo Vivarelli until 1959.
From about 1945, a Mr. Vassalli was listed as the owner. From 1959 to 1974, the property belonged to Dante and Chiara Crivelli (parents of Danilo Crivelli Melide). Chiara Crivelli-Zeni ran the grotto on the first floor (room 1 and kitchen room 2) with great success.
In the 1960s, renovations were carried out, an additional floor was added with guest rooms, and the grotto was moved to the ground floor. The heyday of the property, coinciding with the construction of the San Salvatore Tunnel and the motorway (opened in 1967), brought a steady stream of loyal customers who were always thirsty. Dante Crivelli would often play the mandolin with friends and paint the murals in the stairwell.
In 1974, the Beros family took over the grotto and expanded it into a restaurant specializing in Istrian cuisine.
In 1988, Walter and Dorli Pizzolato-Oertle purchased the property and ran it with great dedication until December 31, 2025. Dorli's cooking was renowned and extremely popular throughout the region. With great charm, Walter skillfully served exquisite wines and other beverages to accompany the fine meals. In recent years, they transformed the establishment into a popular bed and breakfast.
Then, in 2026, the new owners, Remo and Sandra Hicklin, took over.
