The neoclassical Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni sits directly on the shore of Lake Como, oozing opulence and grandeur – from the period decor to the white-glove service

Location

Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is found in the popular Lake Como town of Bellagio. While this pretty little lake town is heaving with tourists in the summer, and gets incredibly busy even in the shoulder season, Villa Serbelloni feels like an oasis. Set at the edge of the town, once you walk through the gates and into the hotel’s gardens, you can exhale and relax. If you venture into Bellagio, you’ll find plenty of little stores, restaurants, ice cream shops and bars. The town is best visited in the evening when the day trippers leave for the day, or early in the morning. The city of Como is just over an hour’s drive (33km) from Villa Serbelloni, and Milan – with its two airports and train station – is between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours by car (roughly 75km) along the lake.

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The vibe

Opulence and extravagance are the order of the day at Villa Serbelloni. We’re talking chandeliers, neoclassical architecture, period furniture, lots of velvet and gold, and ornate furnishings. It was initially a private home for Italian nobility before it became a hotel, and it has been owned by the Swiss Bucher family for over a century now – having been passed down through four generations. Villa Serbelloni is certainly grand and has a strong sense of history, but it also feels a little tired and would perhaps benefit from an update.

Service

Service at Villa Serbelloni is certainly old-school, with staff in suit jackets and waiters in bow ties. The overall feel is slightly stuffy, but may appeal to guests who enjoy a more old-fashioned take on service. It is not quite as slick as you’d expect from a hotel of this stature. The staff member who welcomed me at breakfast answered his phone while seating me, a menu had to be requested several times at lunch, and then there was confusion over an in-room dining menu (eventually we were brought a QR code printed on an A4 sheet of paper).

Bed and bath

Every room at Villa Serbelloni is unique, with much of the decor reflecting the hotel’s 1840s roots. You’ll find gilded headboards, gold detailing, hand-sewn silk bedspreads, ornate furniture and ostentatious furnishings – this is certainly not a hotel that holds back. High ceilings make even the smaller rooms feel airy and spacious. The views over the lake are spectacular, but rooms facing the garden or towards the mountains are also very lovely. At the highest level, the suites are jaw-dropping – including the Kennedy Suite, which has a separate living area with silk-covered armchairs and a study with a view over the lake, and the expansive Franz Liszt Imperial Suite, made up of four adjoining rooms.

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Food and drink

Restaurant Goletta has a stunning lakefront location, looking out across the water towards the mountain Monte Tremezzo above the town of Griante. Here you’ll find casual dining with burgers, focaccia sandwiches, fresh salads and pastas.

Fine dining can be found at the Mistral Restaurant, which also enjoys those beautiful lake views. The seven-course tasting menu is standout, and dinner here is a full experience. While the spaghetti with wild blue lobster made tableside is impressive, the liquid nitrogen ice cream emerging from a fog of ice crystals is a true spectacle.

There’s also a cosy bar with a snacks menu and a good selection of cocktails. Breakfast is a grand affair, served in the hotel's royal ballroom complete with dazzling chandeliers, orchids and a buffet offering that includes pastries, cereals, fruits, cold meats and cheeses, as well as eggs, bacon, beans and other hot options.

Facilities

Villa Serbelloni’s outdoor swimming pool sits right in front of the lake, and there is a private beach club with sun loungers, umbrellas and a swimming area with a diving board and swim platform.

The hotel’s Luce del Lago spa stretches across 1,500 square metres and features a blue marble hammam, a private spa suite and relaxation areas with chromotherapy. There is a wide selection of treatments, including massages and facials, as well as a hair stylist and nail salon. In the subterranean spa you’ll also find an indoor swimming pool and a separate children’s pool.

The focus at Villa Serbelloni is relaxing activity rather than rigorous exercise. Excursions can be organised by the concierge, including boat tours, Nordic walking and a visit to the nearby Gardens of Villa Melzi, while Villa Serbelloni’s own beautiful gardens are very pleasant to stroll around. For those keen for a bit of a runaround, there is both a tennis and squash court.

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Accessibility

The ground floor suites are designed for guests with restricted mobility.

Family friendly?

Yes. There is an indoor children’s swimming pool, along with a playground in the gardens with a climbing frame, slide and swings, as well as a basketball net. Babysitting can be arranged upon request.

Pet policy

Dogs and other domestic pets are allowed at Villa Serbelloni in some rooms with prior arrangement. There is a fee of €60 per pet, per night. A maximum of one pet per room is allowed, and animals are not allowed in some public areas, including the spa, private beach, and swimming pool areas.

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is at 2pm, check-out is 12 noon.

Best thing: The privileged Bellagio location – without the crowds.

Perfect for: Travellers who enjoy extravagance.

Not right for: Anyone who prefers their luxury to be understated.

Instagram from: The gardens looking out over the lake.

Address: Via Teresio Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy

Phone: +39 031 950216

Website: villaserbelloni.com* *

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Annabel was a guest of Villa Serbelloni.