Think Lake Como, and one immediately thinks of La Dolce Vita, si? Arguably one of Italy’s most famous - and fabulous - vacation spots, Como in the northern Lombardy region, isn’t so much a destination, but a state of mind. There’s a reason Italians head here for their holidays as the town boasts a unique elegance that embodies the Italian way of life. Como is elevated, Como is chic, Como is a town you come to promenade and adorn your finest Italian fashions while sipping a cappuccino or an Aperol at the water’s edge while nibbling on some delectable Italian fayre. But of course, it's the famous lakeside setting, with dramatic mountains descending straight into the water, that really gives Como its magic. Oh and there’s also the chance you might spot local residents George and Amal Clooney whizzing by on a speedboat, so if that’s not chic we don’t know what is!
What is the vibe of the hotel?
Hilton Lake Como is a Hilton hotel like no other. Aside from the spectacular views of Lake Como itself (more on which later), from the moment you enter the light-filled lobby of this industrial looking former silk mill, there is a sense of real chill - but make it elegant. Off the lobby there’s a light-filled glass atrium, the Glass Cube, to relax and sip coffee or cocktails in and the soft pinks and blues of the interiors mirror the lake and the surroundings of the mountains. While a Hilton hotel can of course conjure connotations of corporate stuffiness and business functions, this is not the case with this 170-room property that is one of the chain’s select ‘new gen Hiltons’. But it’s when you head to the roof and see the 360-degree panorama from the (heated) pool area that you understand what really makes it stand apart from other hotels. At a risk of being hyperbolic, this view is, quite simply, breathtaking. In these Insta-happy times we’re living in, the pool area - complete with jacuzzi - really does make the most perfect backdrop for all your social media needs. In fact, I would wager, given the situation of the hotel, the Hilton might just have the best views in town.
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Who is Hilton Lake Como for?
Hilton Lake Como caters for everyone, but thanks to the enchanting magic of Como, it is of course the perfect romantic getaway. It also makes a wonderful destination for a mini break with the girls. I went with a girlfriend for a long weekend out of season and it couldn’t have been more perfect, alas there was no Clooney sightings though.
What about the rooms?
Floor-to-ceiling windows are used throughout the hotel, but they’re really put into spectacular effect in the bedrooms. All rooms have a lake view, but due to the situation of the hotel, the view is not prime, lakeside territory, rather set back. But still, pretty impressive. High ceilings dominate the light-filled bedrooms which are decorated with contemporary furnishings. Locally made furniture in white and natural shades that give each room a cosy, not corporate feel. Bathrooms are great with marble finishes and rain showers and very sizeable bathtubs that also offer views of the lake through a sliding wooden shutter.
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What about the spa?
Small but perfectly formed. Situated on the ground floor, the heated pool is not one for swimming lengths, more flopping about in pre or post treatment. Access to the spa is only complimentary to guests if you are staying in one of the suites, otherwise it’s 39 Euros a head, but free to use if you book a treatment and I had a very good massage. There is also a 24 hour gym and a personal trainer available, plus in summer months, complimentary al fresco yoga classes for guests up by the pool.
Une tres chic vacances!
Food and drink.
There’s plenty of options to choose from, but it’s the fabulous and lively Terrazza 241 on the - yes, you guessed it - rooftop of the hotel where it’s at. A popular spot not only for hotel guests, but also locals who often come to the bar and restaurant for the live music and DJ sets which take place daily between 6.30pm and 10pm. The food is good standard Italian with a particular focus on sirloin and beef tartare (which are on show hanging in specially temperature controlled fridges.) Although for the non-carnivores there are some great vegetarian dishes including salads and risotto. Drinks-wise, we particularly enjoyed the ‘Sense, Sip and Repeat’ cocktail experience - a novel affair created with the local perfumery, Acqu del Lario. Theatrically presented in beautiful lacquered boxes and with a flourish from one’s waiter, guests are encouraged to choose their tipple based upon their favourite fragrance - all laid out for you in perfume bottles. The selection includes four smoked cocktails created with different smoking techniques; four coffee-based cocktails perfect for an after-dinner aperitif and four mocktails for the sober curious. My favourite was Nova, based on the Ventone fragrance and combining mountain pine gin with lime, bergamot, lime and green tea.
Next to Terrazza 241, guests can enjoy drinks and poolside snacks from their sun lounger such as fruit platters and sandwiches until 6pm.
On the ground floor, Silk restaurant is where you will find breakfast - and other dining options of course too - but the breakfast buffet is particularly good with a large selection to choose from and also, for the dietary challenged - excellent gluten and dairy free options. In the summer, pizzas, pastas and gelato is served out of a Piaggio Ape van in the gardens of Taffeta, the ground-floor bar.
What is there to do nearby?
Situated to the north west of historic Como town and conveniently located for San Giovanni Railway Station - with direct trains to Milan and Milan Milpasse airport (it’s about a 40 minute cab) - the Hilton is set aside from the hustle and bustle of the town. But, it is a mere 15-20 minute walk to the town centre, a lovely stroll along the Passeggiata di Via Olma. Como itself has a plethora of bars and restaurants, a historical cathedral and plenty of market squares for shopping opportunities.
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As I am a holidaymaker with a gluten-allergy, dining in Italy and its oodles of wheat-based delicacies can often be painful (literally) so special mention must go to Ristorante In Teatro - boasting the best gluten-free pizza in Como!
The hotel offers bikes to guests (10 Euro per day), and each Thursday, a dedicated cycling concierge organises guided and personalised tours (complete with snacks and a gourmet picnic hamper) to discover the main attractions of Como and nearby Cernobbio. The main stops include the Volta Temple, Como Cathedral, Piazza Cavour and the funicular up to Brunate village. Hiking and tennis is also available.
For those with a stomach for heights, why not take a ride on Como’s cable car - the funicolare - that connects Como to the town of Brunate and runs every 30 minutes until midnight. The trip lasts 7 minutes and is one of the tallest in Italy. The fee is a mere 3 Euro for a single journey and 5.50 Euro for a round trip. Booking in advance is advised.
And of course, no trip to Como is complete without a boat trip across the lake - and a variety of vessels for hire can be organised by the hotel’s concierge.
For a more far-flung boating experience, take a ferry ride across the lake to the town of Varenna. This picturesque destination offers hiking trails, a medieval castle, and the beautiful Villa Monastero with its botanical garden. But to get into full Clooney mode we’d recommend a speed boat to dinner - or even, why not, take a trip in a sea plane! Now that would make for some good content for the gram.
Nightly rates at the Hilton Lake Como begin at 350 Euro per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.
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