Travel

Say ‘Ciao, Bella’ to the first ever all inclusive hotels in Lake Como

Lake Como has been drawing visitors – including George Clooney, who famously has a summer house on the lake – for thousands of years. It’s no surprise, given its beautiful lakeshore dotted with neoclassical villas, picturesque nearby villages Cadenabbia, Tremezzo, Bellagio and Menaggio, and the Italian lake’s backdrop of snow tipped mountains, and lush vegetation on the lake’s banks.

What is surprising, then, given its dream destination status, is that the hotels that line the exclusive lake location haven’t offered an ‘all inclusive’ package – until now. And, considering we are happier than ever to stay in place and safely distanced when we travel for now, it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. 

The hotels offer stunning views of Lake Como

The sister hotels Hotel Britannia and Hotel Bazzoni have created the first all inclusive offering on Lake Como, with guests of either hotel having access to facilities in both hotels. These include seven restaurants, four bars, three swimming pools – which includes Europe’s largest floating pool – and guest shuttles.

There are three levels of all inclusivity now available at the resorts: Classic, Gold and Platinum. 

There are plenty of nearby villages to explore around Lake Como

The classically designed Hotel Britannia Excelsior, in Cadenabbia, has sat grandly on the western lakeshore directly facing Bellagio since 1890. It boasts lake-view guest rooms, as well as Europe’s biggest floating swimming pool. While the pool is the focal point, guests also enjoy the poolside bar and Cove restaurant, featuring a Brazilian barbecue menu – perfect for balmy summer evenings.

As well as the bars and restaurants of the hotel, the Lido, a short walk away, is also managed by the hotel and therefore part of the inclusive deal, is home to an additional swimming pool, bar, lakeside restaurant and pizzeria. 

Meanwhile, the recently renovated Hotel Bazzoni is located a stone’s throw from the lake, near one of Lake Como’s most iconic landmarks, the Villa Carlotta, and boats unbroken views to Bellagio and Villa Melzi. There are three dining options here, from a grand dining room with an incredible lake view, to a specialty pasta restaurant, to the hotel’s latest addition, Number 26, a new gourmet offering.

Other than the lake itself, there are plenty of activities readily available in the nearby villages, including many walking and hiking itineraries, and watersports, fishing and golf at nearby Menaggio – so if you’re looking for an escape in the breathtaking outdoors to look forward to, this could be a great option. We’re told the cocktails are excellent, too. Ciao, bella! 

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