Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni*****L Lake Como Hotel
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni Lake Como hotel review and site inspection report
Set against the backdrop of Lake Como and the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni exudes a timeless aura of sophistication. This historic hotel, located in the heart of Bellagio and historically owned by the Bucher family, combines luxurious comfort with the opulent charm of its 19th-century heritage, making it a beacon of elegance and a symbol of Italian luxury.
Overview 📍
Location
Google Maps - Perched at the edge of Bellagio, known as the "Pearl of Lake Como," the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni boasts a commanding view of both the lake and the surrounding Alps. It's conveniently located within walking distance to Bellagio's quaint streets, charming shops and local ferry services.
Rooms
95 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, each offering spectacular views of Lake Como or the hotel's lush park and gardens.
Hotel’s layout
The hotel, housed in a majestic 19th-century building, features exquisite public areas including two restaurants, a grand spa and a private dock.
Food
Mistral Restaurant: awarded a Michelin star, Mistral offers innovative Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting with stunning lake views. The restaurant, featured in top Italian food guides, is led by Executive Chef Ettore Bocchia. Known for his passion for Mediterranean cuisine, he excels at sourcing the finest ingredients and is a pioneer in developing innovative approaches to culinary excellence.
La Goletta: a more casual dining option serving traditional Italian dishes and local specialties.
Verri’s bar: the historic American bar at the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni exudes a classic 19th-century ambiance, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a signature cocktail or a vintage wine. Verri’s Bar also features a smoking room. In the evenings, live music enhances the atmosphere of this cherished venue.
Terrazza Darsena: perched above the lake and aligned with the Villa's entrance, the terrace offers a tranquil setting to take in the stunning views. It's an excellent location for enjoying snacks or aperitifs while watching the sunset. Open late into the night, the terrace is also available for private events.
Pool & Beach Bar: situated next to the outdoor swimming pool and mere steps from the private beach and its amenities. Relax under your umbrella while enjoying a cocktail or ice cream—our staff are available throughout the day to cater to your every need.
Wellness
Experience rejuvenation by the lake at "Luce del Lago”, the new wellness center at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. This 300-square-meter sanctuary of elegance is dedicated to tranquility and well-being. Allow their expert therapists to guide you through massages and sensory treatments using only MEI natural products, a brand renowned for its excellence and authenticity in phytotherapy since 1988. A tailor-made hairdressing and Nails Spa service is available, too.
Sport
The fitness center at the Grand Hotel is tucked away in the hotel's lush gardens and outfitted with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. It's ideal for those looking to maintain or enhance their physical fitness.
They also have a squash court and an elegant outdoor tennis court. Additionally, the changing rooms are equipped with a cold water tub and a sauna, essential for post-workout muscle recovery.
PROs 👍🏼
Opulent decor and architectural beauty reflect Villa Serbelloni’s historical grandeur, offering a truly regal experience.
Prime location in Bellagio allows for easy exploration of the town and lake surroundings.
First-class dining options, including the Michelin-starred Mistral restaurant, elevate the culinary experience.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni has its own provate beach, located in one of the most beautiful locations in lake Como, Bellagio.
The history of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is particularly striking. In one of the villa's corridors, the Bucher family preserves a collection of antique documents and artifacts that chronicle the villa's past. Among these, the most notable is a Protection Letter from the Swiss General Consul dated January 11, 1943. This document declared Villa Serbelloni as Swiss territory, under the protection of the General Consulate of Switzerland in Milan, a status made possible because Arturo Bucher was Swiss. Consequently, Villa Serbelloni served as a vital refuge during the Second World War.
CONs 👎🏼
The historical nature of the building means some facilities might feel less modern to those preferring contemporary luxury.
Due to its renowned status and central location, it can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
Favorite highlight ❤️
The evening experience in the Salone Reale, where guests can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails accompanied by live classical music, all set against the backdrop of Lake Como's serene waters, creating an ambiance of unmatched elegance and charm.
I've published an Instagram post regarding Villa d’Este Lake Como where you can have a look at more pictures: