Hotel Regina

Set on a quiet road away from traffic, the simple Hotel Regina is a classic five-story building with green shutters and wrought-iron terraces that face out over Lake Como. Interiors are humble, and feel about right for the hotel's budget category, though some travelers may be underwhelmed by a style that can appear a bit dated in places. Sun pours into the tiled lobby, which is simply decorated with red club chairs, sheer white drapes, and a small upright piano. A bright dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows serves a daily buffet breakfast. Outside, a terrace with tables and chairs overlooks a sloping lawn that leads to the water. A pool with stunning lake views and a small, private beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas are a plus for sunbathers as well as families with children. This is an unfussy, relaxed property that is a good value pick for leisure travelers, couples, and families. 

On a crook of beach along Lake Como, the Hotel Regina is a 10-minute walk from shops and restaurants in the village of Gravedona. Outdoor sports nearby include sailing, windsurfing, hiking, and mountain biking. The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the historic Church di Santa Maria del Tiglio and Piazza dei Caduti. Still most guests will want a car to explore the area, as beyond the small village there's not much to see on foot. The Menaggio Golf Club and Piona Beach are within a 30-minute drive. The famous Villa Carlotta is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, while Villa del Balbianello is a 30-minute drive down the lake. It will take about an hour and a short ferry ride to reach the town of Bellagio, and the lake's namesake and largest city, Como, is just over an hour away by car. It's a relatively easy drive to Milan, which is a 90-minute trip from the hotel, and is also home to the closest major airport. 

In a country full of tiny hotel rooms, the spacious digs here are a welcome change, and the effect is only enhanced by the bright and light color scheme throughout. That being said, the style is utterly simple, bordering on plain or spartan. Decor is limited to dorm-like mid-tone or light wood-veneer headboards, desks, and armoires as well as patterned red bedspreads and striped tan-and-red curtains. An area rug or two would have been a nice addition, especially as interior noise does tend to travel throughout this hotel. Floors are done in tan tiles and walls are painted off-white, only some of which are hung with a token piece of floral art. Still, they are impeccably clean and well-kept. The best rooms feature French doors that open out to sunny furnished balconies overlooking the lake. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and small, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, although there are limited English-language channels. Some rooms have electric kettles, but air-conditioning is not offered. Bathrooms are adequately sized, with bidets, small glass-enclosed stall showers, and wall-mounted sinks. They have little in the way of counter space, but limited toiletries are provided.

This hotel serves a free daily buffet breakfast in a sunny dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, but there is no full restaurant on-site. Options include eggs and bacon, plus a typical continental spread of pastries and cheeses. Outside, a terrace with tables and chairs overlooks the lake and makes for a fine place to enjoy a coffee. There is a small, bright fitness center with just a few pieces of modern equipment -- it's sufficient for a basic workout, but not much else. The hotel's pool is a real treat -- though it can sometimes be cold -- and has stunning views. The property also has a private beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas, though the beach is rocky. Free parking is available and laundry service can be arranged on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. THe hotel does employ a range of eco-friendly features that include solar panels to generate a hefty percentage of their electricity.