My Stay at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como.

My Stay at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Lake Como.

I’ve just come back from a stay at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, and honestly, Lake Como was stunning and a part of Italy I had never been to.

Arriving in Bellagio, with the lake, mountains and little boats zipping backwards and forwards, was one of those moments where you just stop and think, "Wow".

If you don’t know Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, it’s one of those hotels that feels very much part of Bellagio. It has been here for generations and is still privately owned. It has a real sense of history, with all the character and little details you’d expect from a grand Italian hotel.

Of course, the location is a huge part of the appeal. Being right on the lake means you have those beautiful views throughout the hotel, and you’re also right in the middle of Bellagio, so it’s very easy to head out and explore. I really enjoyed wandering around the little streets, looking in the shops and finding the restaurants and cafés tucked away around the village. It is hilly in parts though, so I’d definitely recommend sensible shoes!.

There’s loads you can do around Lake Como, and I’d definitely recommend getting out on the lake and exploring some of the other villages, but it was hard to drag yourself away from the hotel‘s beautiful pool and sunbathing terrace overlooking the lake. The best part is at sunset when all the day trippers to Bellagio are heading home on the ferries, looking all jealous that you get to stay.

It’s not a modern, minimalist sort of hotel and I think that’s part of its charm. There are beautiful old interiors, elegant public spaces and plenty of those little touches that remind you that you’re staying somewhere with a long history. I didn’t find it stuffy or too formal, and I did not need to worry that I had my sketchers on.

When it comes to the accommodation, no two rooms or suites are alike, but every single room has a marble bathroom with twin sinks plus a bath or shower. Toiletries have been produced specially for the hotel, and everything is embossed, from the towels to the bath salts.

There are 94 rooms and suites. I viewed a Classic Room with Park/Village View, and I would have been happy in this, but I went with the flow when I was given the Suite Arte. It was a ground-floor suite with a lake view, with a separate bedroom and living room. It is specifically adults-only and does not allow pets or children because of the valuable artworks, sculptures and rugs in the room. They trusted me, though!!

If you like a Spa, you will not be disappointed. The Spa is called “Luce del Lago”, which means “Light of the Lake”, and the whole design has been inspired by Lake Como and was extensively renovated in 2024. One of the biggest upgrades is the two heated indoor pools, with hydrotherapy features, whirlpools and water jets. There is also a sauna, steam room, as well as a separate children's pool, which is only 70cm deep.

Breakfast was a highlight for me and is served in the Salone Reale, the hotel's spectacular historic ballroom. You can also dine in the attached air-conditioned outdoor veranda surrounded by the gardens. The buffet spread was amazing, and you could order just about anything you wanted. The staff were speedy, and as soon as you had finished saying you would like a Cappuccino, one appeared.

There are two restaurants, Mistral and La Goletta. Mistral is the more special/fine-dining option, while La Goletta is more relaxed and is open all day and overlooks the Lake and the pool.

Villa Serbelloni has a collection of beautiful Venetian-style boats, handcrafted in the shipyards of Murano. I was given a one-hour private lake tour, and if you paid for it, 2 hours was around 500 Euros, so not a cheap adventure. Being the wild person I am, I rented a speed boat for 3 hours as you don't need a license, and it was a great way to explore the lake and even stop and have a swim.

I have only scratched the surface of this hotel and have plenty more information to share, so if this appeals to you, let me know. This hotel is perfect for Honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries or special occasions, or just anyone who loves traditional, grand hotels and you enjoy being looked after well.

If Lake Como has been on your list for a while, give me a shout. I’m very happy to have a chat about it and help you work out whether it’s the right fit for your next Italian escape.