Italy Unexpected: A visit of Lake Como

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Lago di Como on a Riva boat

This August we spent 4 sun-filled days at the world-renown “Lago di Como”, also called Lario or Lake Como. Centuries of silk trade and industry brought prosperity to the lake, but only since superstar George Clooney spends his holidays here the region has been truly flushed with a new influx of international visitors. And no wonder he chose this place as his second home!

 

Lago di Como with Lario HotelsLago di Como with Lario HotelsLago di Como with Lario Hotels

The highlight of our trip: A private ride on a Riva boat at Lago di Como.

During our visit we learned that most guests at Como lake come from the US, as Italians don’t really consider lakes a holiday destination. They prefer the sea… although one can easily note that the Como lake feels very much like the Mediterranean in many ways. Just with the added bonus of the mountains framing the lake so that even postcards could turn green with envy.

Hotel Villa Flori by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Lake Como life – a scenic location for a relaxed Italian holiday.

Unfortunately we didn’t spend our vacation days here, so there wasn’t much time to discover the area. But lucky for us work meant taking photos and videos for an exquisite collection of family-owned hotels right at the lakeside. This way we could combine pleasure and business easily!

Hotel Villa Flori by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoHotel Villa Flori by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoHotel Villa Flori by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Holidays at the lake – would you go for it?

3 exquisite hotels at Lake Como

Let us introduce you to Lario hotels, a selection of lakeside gems at Lago di Como. We got to test 3 different wonderful hotels of the family-owned hotel group. See which one could be your favourite!

Hotel Villa Flori: Our favourite directly at the lakefront

Hotel Villa Flori Lago di Como Lario Hotels

Our favourite location at the Como lake: Hotel Villa Flori.

This 19th century villa has been transformed into a 50-room 4 star hotel and sits as close to the lake as possible. In fact, it’s only centimetres away from the water and even has it’s own private dock. What we didn’t know before – this isn’t very common at Como lake. Many of the hotels here aren’t in the front row, but separated from the water by at least a road (remind us again, why do cars always get the prime spots?).

Hotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como Lake

The Villa Flori has one of the rare prime locations directly at Lake Como.

But here at Villa Flori you get the full lake Como package. You’ll sit at the terrace and have breakfast with the morning sun greeting you from the other side, while the water gently rolls against the shores – it almost feels like the ocean! Later you can sample delicious cocktails in the first floor bar overlooking the lake. It doesn’t get more “Dolce Vita” than this!

Hotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como Lake

Enjoy cocktails with lake views or a boat ride directly from the private dock of Villa Flori.

Our verdict: Book a stay at Villa Flori if you love the morning sun, want to stay right next to the lake and enjoy boating! We recommend to book a private trip on a Riva boat from here. When you hop aboard from the private dock you’ll feel a little like George Clooney yourself 😉

Hotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como LakeHotel Villa Flori at Como Lake

From breakfast to dinner: Views of Lake Como don’t get old at Villa Flori.

Hotel Vista Palazzo:  The 5 star boutique hotel

Hotel Vista Palazzo at Como Lake

The views from the rooftop “Infinity Bar” at Hotel Vista Palazzo are stunning.

When Lario hotels’ third generation owner Bianca Passera took over the reigns she made a decision to create a new masterpiece of a hotel directly in Como. Not just for her, but also for her nephew and the fourth generation of the family-run hotel group, who is now ready to take over.

Hotel Vista Palazzo by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Hotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

In a 19th century Palazzo overlooking the lake 18 new suites have set a new standard!

The city that gave the lake it’s name had everything but a 5-star hotel, so they saw an opportunity here and created the first and only 5-star hotel in Como. With only 18 suites this boutique hotel filled a wonderful gap in the city. The best part about it being the location – in a chic and elegant palazzo directly at the yacht harbour of Como, overlooking the lake to the West.

Hotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeHotel Vista Palazzo at Como Lake

From the rooftop bar you can experience the most spectacular  sunsets.
All while sipping drinks and sampling delicious food by star Chef Stefano Mattara.

Our verdict: Book a stay at Vista Palazzo Como if you love luxurious Italian design, being right in the city of Como with it’s lively atmosphere,  bar and shopping scene. Make sure to book a table at the Infinity Bar for sunset and sample a dinner of the master Chef Stefano Mattara!

Hotel Vista Palazzo at Como LakeIf you don’t check in at Hotel Vista Palazzo at least have drinks and dinner at the Infinity Rooftop bar.

Albergo Terminus: Old-world charm in Como

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

The restaurant & bar at Albergo Terminus called “Bar delle Terme” was our favourite place!

This early 19th century palazzo is located right in the centre of Como – just 10 meters away from the lake and 100 meters from the famous cathedral of the city. We stayed here for two nights and especially enjoyed our evenings and mornings on the terrace overlooking the harbour and boulevard of Como and the boats passing by on the lake.

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

From the grand hall to the restaurant – the Albergo Terminus exudes old world charm & elegance.

Our room had been carefully renovated with a lot of sense for keeping the original flair, while updating the design with light colours and splendid materials.

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Our room featured light colours and elegant materials & design, while keeping the original flair.

The “Bar delle Terme” is the true gem of the hotel – it exudes the atmosphere of a private club, with only 20 seats and the original ceiling painting. In the summer the terrace opens up and allows for breakfast outside in a lush green garden with lake views.

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

Our verdict: Book a stay at Albergo Terminus if you love the charm of historical buildings with the service and amenities of today. You will enjoy being right in the center of Como and still at the lakefront!

Albergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di ComoAlbergo Terminus by Lario Hotels at Lago di Como

The sun sets right in front of Albergo Terminus in Como – a perfect way to end the day!

Some impressions of Como

Although we spent most of our time in the 3 hotels producing photos and videos for Lario Hotels we did have the chance to walk around the lovely city of Como one morning. So here are some impressions of Como, which is definitely worth a visit – not just for the impressive cathedral!

Como city impressionsComo city impressionsComo city impressions

Como city impressionsComo city impressionsComo city impressions

Como city impressionsComo city impressionsComo city impressions

Visit Lario Hotels website for more infos about their hotels at Lake Como.

Disclaimer:
We were invited to stay with Lario Hotels and shoot photos for their new website, but our views of the hotels stay independent from that invitation.