Via Regina 1, Cadenabbia di Griante, Italy | (618) 248-8274
Generally upscale rooms, some with balconies and lake views
Lushly landscaped garden and pool area
Impressive architecture and antique furnishings
Close proximity to ferry dock and historic Villa Carlotta
Free daily breakfast buffet
Multiple restaurants and themed bars on-site
Pet-friendly
Large conference room for business travelers
Wi-Fi access given in four-hour increments
Dining room can get chaotic
Furnishings in standard rooms are somewhat tired
At one time a private villa, the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia is a 192-room upscale hotel located on Lake Como next to the historic Villa Carlotta. The hotel has hosted its fair share of famous guests throughout the years, including Queen Victoria. Highlights include the panoramic water vistas from the restaurant terraces and the romantic hidden garden and pool in the back of the property. The best rooms are suites with balconies that overlook the lake.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Upscale hotel in a historic building nestled on Lake Como, with beautiful gardens
Located in a historic building that dates back to 1802, the exterior of the Grand Hotel Cadenabbia features skinny archways at the base of the structure, followed by of a series of tiered terraces going upward. The grand entryway features a confetti marble floor, more stunning archways and columns, a massive gold chandelier, and antique furnishings. A red carpeted stairway leads up to another impressive room with high ceilings, chandeliers, and the check-in desk.The public areas of the property are adorned with ancient stucco work, frescoes, and majestic columns. The hotel’s gardens, connected by pathways, descend from the hill to the lake below and feature rare plants and palm trees as well as flowers like magnolias and azaleas.
Location
Walking distance to the historic Villa Carlotta
Grand Hotel Cadenabbia is located on Lake Como, adjacent to the gardens and museum of the Villa Carlotta, a stunning structure surrounded by greenery, flowers, fountains, and sculptures. The hotel is just a five-minute walk to the ferry that takes travelers to other towns on the lake. There are several restaurants within walking distance as well, including Rodrigo Ristorante Pizzeria and Chiosco at Villa Carlotta.
Rooms
Best rooms are suites with balconies that face the lake
Rooms rates vary greatly, with Standard Rooms priced fairly reasonably and suites priced on the high side of the spectrum, though offering lavish layouts and decor. (Some are split-level and have balconies.) Rooms located near the front of the hotel have more noise from the road than rooms in the back. The Standard Room is sufficient and basic, but a little tired, lacking the same detailing and upscale furnishings that the suites have. Bathrooms are updated with upscale appliances and vary in size.
Features
Restaurants serve buffet-style meals with panoramic views
Grand Hotel Cadenabbia offers a free daily breakfast buffet; guests might want to arrive early because the food isn’t always replenished. A dinner buffet is served in the evening, and most guests recommend eating later after the crowds, even though the staff is a little slow in replenishing the food. The two on-site restaurants feature panoramic views of the lake. There are multiple bars as well: The Turrett is on the fourth floor with a large solarium, Bar of the Eighteenth Century is on the ground floor, and the Wisteria Bar is adjacent to the lake. The outdoor pool, however, does _not _have lake views; it’s nestled inside a quiet, lushly landscaped garden area.
