Grand Hotel Menaggio

The Grand Hotel Menaggio is a classic 19th-century property with four floors of green shutters, awnings, and stucco balconies. Interiors were renovated in 2008, and public areas do have a grand Old World look to them, though rooms are dated rather than elegant. However, it's the unobstructed, romantic views of Lake Como and the mountains that make this hotel special. The hotel sits on a narrow two-lane street with glass arched doors, and a few stairs in the outdoor parking lot lead to the lobby. Inside, the lobby is filled with 19th century-inspired furniture, chandeliers, and tufted chairs and sofas that create a classic ambience to take in the lake views that can be seen from certain angles. The dining terraces and lounge chairs by the pool offer the best Lake Como views. Owing its peaceful atmosphere, most guests here are retirees with tour groups or couples seeking a quiet lakefront escape. 

The appeal of this hotel is its quiet setting on the western banks of Lake Como in the town of Menaggio. A narrow waterfront street and promenade lead to the town center -- a five-minute walk away -- with restaurants, markets, and shops. Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello take five and 15 minutes to reach by car, respectively. The ferry terminal is beside the hotel and offers trips to other lake towns, including Bellagio and Verenna. There's also a bus stop outside the hotel and it takes an hour to reach the old town of Como. A jetty at the front of the property provides private moorings for boat owners. Golfers can reach the Menaggio e Cadenabbia Golf Club in 10 minutes by car. Milan-Malpensa Airport, the Orio al Serio International Airport, and the Milan Linate Airport are all within one hour to 90 minutes by car. Private limousine and luxury car transfers are available and guests with their own cars can use the hotel’s free outdoor parking lot.

Because of the beautiful lake views, it's easy overlook the outdated decor in the rooms here. Expect to see Jacquard wallpaper, patterned pastel textiles, and traditional white furniture with antique lines. The printed bedspreads, which look held over from the 1990s, are a particularly unattractive detail. Colors like yellow, peach, and orange are all used in abundance. Interiors overall are clean, but given the sharp classic style downstairs, the rooms are a let down. The hotel has 94 Standard and Superior Rooms, the latter of which have balconies with lovely iron railings. Both categories have rooms with gorgeous lake views; other rooms rooms face the town, with occasional road noises. Family Rooms offer three beds in two bedrooms, and the furniture in Superior Rooms is a bit nicer. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes in wardrobes. Keep in mind that some TVs are mounted at odd angles to the beds, making them hard to see. Small, clean bathrooms have bidets, hairdryers, and walk-in showers, and some have whirlpool tubs.

There are a number of features at this hotel, though the quality is variable. The outdoor pool complements the gorgeous blue lake it faces. Free pool towels are available to borrow and lounge chairs line the lakefront and lawns. Water-sports rentals and boat excursions can be arranged. Terraces on the first and second floors offer outdoor dining when the weather permits, and there are two restaurants: La Veranda and Sala Clio. A breakfast buffet has hot and cold items, but it's not included with all rates and reviews are mixed. There’s also a classically decorated bar that’s accessible from the lobby. A basic fitness center has a few weight and cardio machines. For wedding planners, the La Veranda dining room, terrace, and the pier can be used for ceremonies. There's also free hotel-wide Wi-Fi and a meeting room that overlooks the lake.