Where to Stay in Lake Como Right Now
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There are few destinations in the world where a hotel’s backyard is just as important as its interior. But that’s most definitely the case along the shores of Italy’s Lake Como. That glistening, Y-shaped body of water at the foot of the Alps, about 30 miles from Milan, takes pride of place no matter which grand villa, luxury wellness resort or modern design hotel you choose. Of course, the stays themselves tend to be equally spectacular. Many properties are even born out of the centuries-old estates of aristocratic families, with architecture that might lean neoclassical, Baroque or Renaissance, and interior design fit for Hollywood royalty. These nine hotels promise a touch of la dolce vita by the lago.
Villa d’Este
Cernobbio
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Built in 1568 as an estate for an aristocratic family, Villa d’Este was transformed into a grand hotel in the 1870s and has enjoyed a reputation as one of Italy’s most iconic properties ever since. Interiors skew opulent, with period furnishings, vaulted ceilings, regal columns and symbolism-laden frescoes. Outside, there are 25 acres of tiered gardens, with dramatic fountains and statues of gods and dragons and Pegasus. Equally heavenly is the hotel’s floating swimming pool on the lake—the first of its kind—which debuted back in 1966. Still, when the weather is sunny, there’s no better place to be than Veranda, a fine-dining restaurant out on the terrace, where the menu includes such standouts as bagna càuda-stuffed ravioli, monkfish meunière and crispy suckling pig.
Il Sereno
Torno
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The sister property of the revered Le Sereno resort in Saint Bart’s, Il Sereno is decidedly more modernist than many of its peers along the lake. The 40 chic suites are done up in a warm palette of walnut wood and bronze, with floor-to-ceiling windows and custom-designed bathtubs and fabrics. The hotel sits on the site of an existing historic property, whose stone boathouse was converted into a spa with a glistening pool perched over the lake. In order to put that famed body of water at the very center of your experience, Il Sereno owns a fleet that includes a water limousine plus three boats guests can drive from Cantiere Ernesto Riva, a family boatbuilding business that has been going strong in the nearby town of Laglio since 1771.
Passalacqua
Moltrasio
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Seven acres of terraced gardens—olive groves, an heirloom apple and pear orchard—surround this 18th-century villa complex built on land owned by a former pope. Now, 24 guest rooms spread across three buildings, including the former stables, and the Baroque-tinged interiors are filled with gilded mirrors, oversize portraits, lacquered tables and Murano chandeliers. (It’s no wonder the utterly glamorous Passalacqua often shows up on lists of the world’s top hotels.) Visitors can dart around the grounds in an open-sided, tangerine-colored Fiat 500 Spiaggina before booking a session at the spa, which features vaulted ceilings, soaring columns and alfresco treatments in the orchard.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Tremezzina
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Opened in 1910, Grand Hotel Tremezzo occupies an iconic yellow building with 77 rooms and suites dripping in sumptuous yet restrained details like velvet sofas and parquet floors. Despite the elegant digs, this place still knows how to have fun. That means, first and foremost, a trio of pools: a floating one just off the private beach, one tucked away in the gardens and a tranquil infinity pool in the spa. Be sure to book a ride on a vintage speedboat for an incredible view of the hotel itself, which is fronted by orange-and-white umbrellas that look like hard candy.
Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa
Menaggio
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Don’t let the neoclassical façade fool you: The interiors of this recently renovated hotel exude a contemporary confidence, complete with graphic geometric wallpaper and minimalist light fixtures. And the on-site spa is filled with immersive experiences, including a Himalayan salt room, an ice room and a fire room, all designed for pure relaxation. While staying here, you’ll certainly plan a few meals at the restaurants, but don’t miss out on a truly unique experience: a picnic on the hotel’s boat, during a cruise past some of the lake’s most magnificent villas, monasteries, churches and fortifications.
The Lake Como EDITION
Cadenabbia
A 19th-century palazzo on the shores of Lake Como was already a tempting proposition, but EDITION Hotels elevated it even further with contemporary design touches that complement the building’s original features. Guests at this brand-new spot, which just opened in March, will find modern art mixed with antique tapestries, vaulted ceilings and terrazzo floors—and a lobby bar that just begs for a Negroni and people-watching. The 148 guest rooms feature marble and walnut touches; try to snag one with a balcony and view of the lake.
Hotel Royal Victoria
Varenna
Located on the eastern shore of the lake, Hotel Royal Victoria opened in 1838, built from an old filanda, or silk-spinning mill, and named for the British queen who stayed here in those early days. The 45 rooms and suites are lovely but unflashy—some have simple wooden writing desks, others have Juliet balconies that look out over the lake or the medieval village below. Couples should book the Spa Suite, a two-person wellness experience with a Finnish oak sauna, a steam bath and a relaxation area at the edge of a botanical garden. Come in the springtime if you want to see voluminous wisteria cascading over the outdoor bar.
MUSA Lago di Como
Sala Comacina
Named for the muses, this hotel comprises just a dozen rooms, and each is dedicated to an extraordinary woman, such as Amelia Earhart or Joan of Arc. The theme continues at the GAIA Bar, where many of the cocktails and mocktails draw on similar influences: the Margaret Thatcher, for instance, includes vermouth, scotch, coffee and grapefruit. Visitors can opt to truly decompress at the outdoor pool, the sauna or the Turkish-style bath, but they’ll be missing out on some of the more active pursuits offered here, including wakeboarding, waterskiing, e-biking or Vespa rides through the surrounding hillside villages.
Villa Làrio
Pognana Lario
Taking its name from the ancient Roman moniker for Lake Como, Villa Làrio is an all-suite hotel with 18 rooms divided among four buildings—each of which comes with its own views and vibes. The Pavilion, for instance, sits atop a cliff and has more modern furnishings, while the Garden Suite comes with its own dedicated green space. Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here: They can sample an eight-course tasting menu at Villa Bianca restaurant, join a cooking class or order “garden-to-glass” cocktails made with herbs from the on-site garden. Pro tip: The best place to park yourself for the afternoon is the floating pontoon (from which you can dive directly into the water) or the netted deck that hangs over the lake’s surface.
Booking With Chase Travel
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