Grand Hotel Imperiale

The Grand Hotel Imperiale mixes the historic and the new, though not always without flaws. The Villa Imperiale, the hotel's historic 1926 main building, is an Art Nouveau gem, surrounded by colorful gardens -- but the star of the show at this hotel are the views of Lake Como, which demand to be photographed. Villa Imperiale connects to the hotel's two newer wings by tunnel, and the decor in these newer additions is reminiscent of the Italian Rationalist style. One houses the austere four-story lobby, with white marble floors and salmon-colored columns -- it's a fairly impersonal entrance to a hotel that does have a couple more interesting, historically in-tune places to sit with a newspaper or coffee, like the lounge with its period armchairs. Resort-style facilities are offered as well, and the spa is ultra-minimalist and contemporary, with gray tile throughout, while the sleek indoor pool sits between walls of slanted glass and stone. The Regina Bar has an old-fashioned ambience, with tile floors, an elegant dark wood bar with brown leather-topped stools, intricate white moldings, and chandeliers -- guests can also sit and sip their drinks on the outdoor patio. Other dining rooms at the hotel are a bit more fusty. Guests here are mostly couples, though plenty of families pass through as well. 

The hotel sits on the shores of Lake Como, in the quiet village of Moltrasio. The surrounding area is fairly sleepy -- there are a few restaurants, but little in the way of services or shops. The area's main road is adjacent to the hotel, and connects Moltrasio to the towns along the lake -- it's about a 20-minute drive to more vibrant Como, with restaurants and bars along the way. There's also a ferry stop by the hotel restaurant, and the boat trip to Como takes about 20 minutes. Glitzy Belaggio is an hour's drive in the opposite direction for those seeking a taste of the more exclusive life. It’s a 45-minute drive to Milan-Malpensa Airport from the hotel.

Of the 121 rooms at the Grande Hotel Imperiale, 12 rooms and suites are in the Villa. The rest -- in the two newer wings --  are a mix of Classic and Deluxe Rooms, and Suites. The decor in many of these Classic and Superior rooms is somewhat plain and basic, with dotted-blue carpeting, dated chairs, and light wood-veneer furniture. Deluxe Spa Rooms are much more posh, with light hardwood parquet floors, white walls, and handsome white furniture with classic lines. Navy Blue textiles and fabrics -- like the tufted headboard above the white-duveted bed -- give the spaces a sharp, refined look. Rooms in the Villa are more traditionally elegant, with cream-colored wainscoted walls, patterned fabrics in rich red shades, and handsome wallpaper accents. These rooms also have attractive light hardwood floors and furniture with antique silhouettes. Bathrooms are spacious, with shower/tub combos in the Classic and Villa rooms, and glass-enclosed rainfall showers in the Deluxe Rooms. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and hairdryers in the bathrooms. Some rooms have balconies or terrace, and stunning lake views.

The Imperialino restaurant serves traditional Italian cuisine for lunch and dinner, and has a beautiful view of the lake. The Garden also serves dinner, and a buffet breakfast with a large selection of hot and cold dishes is available for an extra fee. The hotel’s Regina Bar stays open late and hosts a pianist in the evenings. There's a large rectangular outdoor pool with beautiful lake views and bar service is available until the late afternoon. A narrow indoor pool offers a few lounge chairs and a swish, modern setting, and the hotel has a spa with a soothing minimalist aesthetic that provides a full menu of massages and beauty treatments. An outdoor tennis court is available to rent by the hour, and a small fitness room has a handful of cardio and weight machines. Small pets are allowed for an additional daily fee. Garage parking is available for a fee, and the hotel will arrange transfers to the airport and train station. A modern meeting room can accommodate 200 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, and laundry and dry cleaning services are available.