Where to Linger? Summer Days on Lake Como – Hottest Hotels

Benjamin has stayed and loved; our clients approve and Highly Recommend…now I will venture to the lake to partake in a dose of Dolce Vita!

Two sister properties on celebrated Lake Como, Passalacqua is a unique hotel. In the 18th century, it was created as a place of the heart on Lake Como for friends, for love and leisure, for the pleasures of the table and the Italian art of dolce far niente. It is that same place of the heart today.

The Best Season to Visit Lake Como? Every Season.

Spring, when blossom scents the air and daubs white brushstrokes on green hillsides above cobalt blue water. Summer, when long lazy days merge into magical nights alive with promise. Fall, when the woods are tinged with russet and copper, when fragrant truffles and green-gold olive oil enrich the table. A 5-star hotel on Lake Como with warm, personalized service, Passalacqua is the gateway to a region for all seasons.

Back in the day, they knew that pools made for swimmers could also look stylish. Set on a garden terrace just below the main villa, edged by ancient climbing roses and a magnificent bay tree, la piscina lends itself equally to sporty laps and leisurely dips.

Lake Como – The tiny village with the hidden waterfall. The path meandering through wildflower meadows and cool forests to a medieval church. The little water-side trattoria that’s the insiders’ secret and a few grand hotels.

Sister property Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is housed in an iconic art nouveau villa on the western shores of Lake Como, with views across the crystalline waters towards Bellagio and the sunset-lit Grigne mountain range. Generations of travelers have fallen in love with this legendary hotel’s sumptuous rooms and suites, three pools, lakeside private beach and verdant private park – not to mention its dedication to the warmest hospitality all’italiana.

Tremezzo not only has sumptuous rooms and suites, the private Villa with its arabesque gardens, six beautiful suites, and an aristocratic history dating back to the 16th century, Villa Sola Cabiati—reached in minutes from the hotel by car or boat—is our exclusive-booking escape, complete with a private staff to help you live out your Lake Como dream.

Full report, if I return from my Lake Sojourn!

Villa d’Este Lake Como

Villa d’Este, a five star luxury Hotel on the banks of Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence built as a summer Palace and converted to an elegant hotel in 1873, it is surrounded by a 25-acre park. The luxury and magnificence of a bygone era is maintained intact in this classic Palace.

We’ve sent clients with marvelous results. The Hotel is family friendly, a superb location for a long Italian weekend, or a stunning location to disconnect for a week. Life moves slowly on the lake, the gentle ripples of the sparkling water lend itself to kicking back and chilling.

Lake Como is a 56 square mile gem in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, long a summer destination since distant Roman days. This is a grand, traditional and stately hotel, elegance and calm prevail, nothing is out of place, and everything is perfect. Drop dead views while dining lakeside or lazy lake gazing from the floating pool at the edge of the dock.

During my Italian sojourn in July, at the invitation of Resident Manager Massimo Dorino, I meandered by train from Milano to Lake Como. A very civilized method of transport, it seemed perfectly suitable to arrive in such leisure. Warm staff greetings, the stately Palace is decadent and indulgent, I felt quite royal!

Lunch on the lakefront pebbled terrace, of course we were offered the center perch on the edge of the lake, more royal favors granted. Classic service is attentive by professional waiters, many have worked at Villa d’Este for decades. Old school charms, and impeccable service – the waiters, attired in proper jackets denoting their stature in the server ranks, are practitioners of skilled service. From an era when waiters were respected for their role, men who take great pride in their chosen profession.

Lunch service was similar to a delicate dance; we enjoyed the prime view seat, as our waiter made certain to adjust our chairs for the absolute finest view. Suggestions for appropriate wine with your meal, certainly Signora! But you must enjoy a Spritz cocktail as well.

Absorbed in the scenery, the scrunching of gravel behind us indicated an excellent course was upon us! I perked up when I heard the rapid shuffle and scrunching as an army of waiters delivered silver trays and domed lids to present each treasure from the kitchen. It became delightfully silly as we awaited each course – as if trumpets were announcing the scene. Oh, did I mention the delicious truffle pasta or the morsels of delectable cookies despite declining dessert? Truly enjoyable, old school, decadent charm…you don’t find this combination of divine scenery, professional service and elegant grandeur in many locations.

Gardens. The design of the lower part of the gardens is from the Renaissance period. The most outstanding landmark is the 16th century Mosaic with its Nympheum. Countess Pino surrounded the gardens with mock fortifications in an effort to keep her bored military husband from returning to the Napoleonic Wars.

Activities: Indoor pool, outdoor floating pool, tennis, spa, and water sports.

Villa d’Este, we would recommend a serene week and if in Milano, at least escape for a day to breathtaking Lake Como.

Naturally, our Clients are treated as Royalty!