If Hotel Grand Victoria's cinematic views of Italy's Lake Como feel dreamy, wait until you check in...
Rooms and facilities
You'd think commanding a bragworthy spot overlooking the Italian paradise that is Lake Como would be Hotel Grand Victoria's trump card. Not so.
Thanks to a recent reimagining of this 19th century villa the swoons don't stop at the shore. Beyond the five-star hotel's neoclassical façade, its bygone charms - high ceilings, columns and cornicing - now look even more imposing in resplendent white, their grandiosity given further stage presence by a backdrop of quietly chic Italian furniture. And that's just the lobby.
In the Manzoni lounge bar, the style-reset has transformed a former office space into a coolly elegant spot, made all the more striking by that backdrop of brilliant white. While similar panache can be found in its Lago restaurant - pops of teal and gold invigorating the pale and marble palette - the hotel's 2021 glow up wasn't limited to fresh paint and bespoke designer furnishings.
Standing to this grand villa's rear, linked by a glass walkway and overlooking the outdoor pool and manicured gardens, is the new palazzo wing. Built from the bones of a former convent, as well as rooms, it boasts the uber contemporary 1827 restaurant and, perhaps the biggest wow-earner after that lake, an outstanding subterranean spa.
Upstairs (there are 81 rooms, shared between the villa and palazzo), the Victoria's quiet luxury has much to shout about. In my lake-view suite, colours are calm, furnishings swish, there’s the odd run of dark wood, and an outbreak of marble. As for size, consider your 10,000 a day steps done - just from the front door to the sofa.
Dialing up the deluxe factor further is a generous dressing room, walk-in monsoon shower and, bar - OK, drinks cabinet, welcoming you arms (or rather doors) open wide, gleaming bottles waiting to be tried. It’s a smart move - as is that small touchscreen on the wall. Lights, blinds, TV, temperature... action - your every wish at a swipe. (For the IT-challenged there are also switches).
And what of the room’s lake views? Reclined on my sleep-like-the-proverbial-baby super-king, gazing out of one of the three vast windows, I can confirm - simply fabulous.
Food and drink
Breakfast in Lago is suitably elegant: a beautifully arranged feast laid out on furlongs of marble with period chandeliers shining down. Come evening, let the tinkles of the baby grand piano begin while you enjoy must-order-more modern rifts on classic Mediterranean dishes, like the risotto with dried raspberries, black cod and smoked eggplant cream. Simply delicious.
Or for a sexier vibe (think lots of black, hot pink, red lips for sofas, dining chairs in the shape of buttocks) book a table at its 1827 restaurant in the palazzo, and get in the swing of things with its innovative Italian fare. Night cap, you say - that'll be the Manzoni bar for a last glamorous gargle or two.
Hotel highlights
Apart from that rather larger body of water outside? Then, the Erre Spa, of course. In addition to four treatment rooms offering all manner of long, leisurely pleasures, you'll find a low-lit labyrinth with a heated indoor pool boasting hydro-massage stations to float up to and, ringside, cosy cabanas to drift away on.
There's also a Disneyland of hydro-thrills: saunas, steam rooms, whirlpool tub (with twinkling stars up above), Kneipp path, showers with weather fronts to thrill and chill you, and an almost other-worldly relaxation room - think lights set sleepily low, and hanging nest chairs to curl up in while gazing into the water vapour fireplace.
Equally as heavenly is a loll around the hotel's pool or checking out the Victoria's new beach club. A few minutes walk - or, hell yes, hotel shuttle - away. Pools, sun beds, seriously great pizzas, oh, and of course, more dreamy views of that lake.
Done with lolling? Then, like any decent fiver-starrer there is a fabulous gym. Or how about a cookery class - who knew making the perfect pesto and pasta could be so doable thanks to patience of joyous chef; fun thanks to constant flow of prosecco? Tiramisu was also attempted - fingers and bowls all endlessly licked.
Things to do nearby
The Victoria is located in Menaggio, one of Lake Como's most visited towns (FYI a certain George Clooney lives up the road in Laglio). As well as bars and restaurants and some of the area's best hiking trails into the surrounding mountains, you'll find the ferry stop to other nearby destinations including the charming Varenna.
Just a 20-minute trip across the water, this pretty and traditional village is home to not just artisan shops, eateries and ice cream parlours but the grand home turned luxury hotel Villa Cipressi; where in its botanical gardens Italy’s most Instagramable gate is waiting for your pose. There’s also Passeggiata degli Innamorati or, put more simply, the Walk of Lovers—the famously romantic lake-hugging breath-taking path.
Best for...
Anyone who wants to visit legendary corner of Italy - in style!
Rooms start from around £580 per night.