We’ve been dreaming of visiting lake Como for years. The combination of lake, mountains, Italian summer and food always sounded so tempting – it doesn’t get better than this. Lake Como hotels are famous for their stunning views, subtle luxury and impeccable service. We knew we had to do it when we visit Northern Italy next and this summer we finally found the time on our way from Venice to Milan to spend a couple of nights at the beautiful Belvedere Bellagio Hotel.
Lake Como is known for its small traditional Italian towns, villas and gardens, all sitting right on this magical lake. Bellagio in particular is a hotspot for Europe’s elite and attracts tourists from all over the world.
The Location
Just short of 90 minutes from Malpensa Airport and Bergamo Airport, between the two southernmost branches of the lake you will find the pearl of Bellagio. And on top of the hill nearby you will find one of the most beautiful panorama views the lake has to offer.
In the town of Bellagio there are a handful of small shops and a beautiful promenade to walk around. The Church of San Giacomo, a Romanesque church built between the 11th and 12th centuries is right in Piazza della Chiesa.
The Belvedere Bellagio Hotel is surrounded by picturesque views from all sides, yet still has a very private feeling to it. You can feel the quiet of the Italian countryside and the fresh mountain air, but the location does not feel isolated. From the hotel you can easily go down to the water for a dip as there are no big yachts on this side of the lake.
The hotel also has a private parking so if coming by car, it is very easy and secure area for your car.
The Rooms
We stayed in a Junior Suite that offers a lounge area with welcoming sofas and tub chairs. There is also a work area with a desk and plenty of natural light. The bathroom is large and spacious and features a jacuzzi and multi-directional shower.
But the highlight of the suite is the beautiful balcony where you can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the lake, day or night. It feels like the lake is right under your balcony and the mountains are in your backyard. Sit on the balcony with a cup of coffee, bathing in the morning sunlight feeling like royalty. Or enjoy a glass of wine and conversation in the evening, watching the flickering lights in the distance. This view just never gets old.
The room also has a Nespresso coffee machine, a Smart TV and offers twice daily housekeeping.
The Belvedere Bellagio offers rooms and suites, as well as apartments where guests can stay longer.
Dining
The hotel offers buffet breakfast, which was just perfect and includes everything you need. You can order your eggs and coffee exactly as you like them and then go pick up the rest from the buffet. There is a cold cuts area with prosciutto, cheeses and veggies for those looking for the classic Italian antipasti. The fruit section and the baked goods/desserts section were also hard to resist with its variety and fresh offerings.
For dinner we made a reservation at La Terrazza restaurant at the hotel. It’s not hard to impress us with some Italian pasta but this was defiantly one of the best dining experiences we had.
The restaurant overlooks the hotel pool, the gardens and of course the breathtaking views of the lake.
We started our meal with Bresaola di Punta d’Anca Chianina and a small salad as an opening dish. We shared our main courses of home-made fresh pasta with wild asparagus, organic egg yolk flakes and tuna bottarga and wild salmon, herb crust, mustard sauce and orange honey.
Swimming Pool And Jacuzzi
The pool and jacuzzi area might just be the highlight of this place. The outdoor swimming pool is quite big, the water is heated to just the right temperature to be enjoyable but also good for a swim. And of course, you have the unbeatable views to the lake. You can go for a swim or just play in the water even when it gets a little chilly. We both love swimming and use it as our exercise in the morning.
The infinity jacuzzi is right by the pool. This is where we could easily spend hours just relaxing in the hot water and enjoying the breathtaking views with a glass of rose.
There is also a bar with food and drinks by the pool, so you don’t have to leave to get yourself a refreshment. Try the espresso martini! And if you combine it with a dip in the jacuzzi, you might have to thank us later 🙂
Spa And Wellness Center
The hotel also offers Spa & Wellness services if you need to relax and destress in quiet. The center offers massages, beauty, body and skin treatments. And if that’s not enough, try the sauna or multi-sensory showers to cleanse and revive your body. Close your eyes and feel like you are in a tropical rainforest.
There is also a traditional Turkish bath where you can enjoy the hot steam and color therapy offered inside.
Whenever we travel for a long time, we struggle to keep a fitness routine. So we are always happy to have a gym at the hotel and get back to exercising every day. The hotel gym is small but offers a few cardio machines and some weights.
What We Loved
Hotel Belvedere Bellagio is what we call quiet luxury. It’s subtle, it’s calm, it makes you feel at home, while offering you world-class service and hospitality. It’s just where you want to spend a few days simultaneously away from the world and right in the center of it.
The hotel is just small enough to offer personalized service where you can get to know the staff. Yet, big enough to offer all the amenities and conveniences you need on your vacation.
- It’s located near the town of Bellagio, which is one of the best in the area
- VIEWS VIEWS VIEWS – from every direction and every area in the hotel
- The heated pool and jacuzzi with the panoramic view to the lake is exactly where you’d want to be on your vacation
- We loved the buffet breakfast and the entire dining experience
- Free private parking for guests of the hotel
