THE HOTEL: Located just a short stroll from Como town center, Hilton Lake Como is ideally positioned as a base to explore the lake. Como town is well connected with its ferry port, and a train station allows for quick and easy transfers to Milan and its surrounding airports.
A former silk factory, the grand facade of the hotel nestles perfectly into the surrounding landscapes, concealing the modern yet thoughtfully-designed extension behind. There are 170 rooms and suites, many of which boast a view of the lake.
CHECK-IN: I was greeted quickly and warmly by the concierge who explained to me all the facilities the hotel had to offer. Within five minutes of arriving I was shown to my room – a two-storey loft suite located in the original part of the building. Whilst I was grateful for the quick service, I would have been more than happy to wait and relax in the tastefully decorated lounge area. The lobby bar also offered more communal space to relax (or work, as some guests were doing), however at the time of my visit it had not yet re-opened for service post-Covid, despite the hotel being fully-booked.
THE ROOM: My loft-suite room, 242, was on the top floor of the original factory building. It truly felt like a home away from home and although I was only there for one night I can imagine it would be ideal for a longer stay. There was plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable, with ample storage, a desk, a downstairs lounge/ seating area with television, large bathroom with a double-ended bathtub and a walk-in shower, all topped off with a separate sleeping area upstairs with a very comfortable bed, and another television. The room was tastefully decorated with white walls and dark wood flooring and accents throughout, creating a modern feel. WiFi was easy to connect to and adequately fast.
The highlight of the room was the vaulted glass ceiling, which not only allowed for light to flood the room but also made the suite feel spacious and airy. Remote-controlled blinds offered privacy at night and lake views during the day. Sadly it was a little overcast during our stay but I was told that on clear nights you can leave the blinds open and sleep under the stars.
THE FACILITIES: Having opened after extensive redevelopment not long before Covid, every inch of the hotel felt very clean and new. A chic wellness centre with a spa, indoor pool and gym is located on the ground floor. Up on the rooftop, accompanying the unbeatable views of the lake, are a heated infinity pool, jacuzzi, and drink and dining provision from Terrazza 241.
A well-stocked breakfast buffet is served every day in the ground floor restaurant, with additional items like waffles available to order.
Hilton Lake Como also offers plenty of meeting and events space, with conference rooms and meeting rooms available to hire.
THE FOOD: All diets go out the window when the world’s best pasta is on your doorstep so I jumped at the opportunity to experience the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Terrazza 241.
Located on the rooftop next to the pool, I enjoyed an idyllic evening sipping on a sweet rosé recommended by my waiter whilst watching the sun set over a panoramic view of the lake.
I ordered the Parmagiana Ravioli as a main and Tiramisu for dessert – both were delicious and well-portioned.
A large area of the restaurant had been booked out for a private business function but that did not impact our service. It seemed to be a well-organised affair.
THE VERDICT: As a base to explore Lake Como, the Hilton Lake Como couldn’t offer much more. The only catch is, you might not want to leave!
Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €180 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included.
By April Waterstone
