Hotel Villa Cipressi

Hotel Villa Cipressi sits on a cliff above Lake Como, sporting beautiful views over the water from many areas. The street out front is narrow and generally nondescript, but the building itself has a rustic charm from the outside. The entryway is inviting, with the hotel’s name tiled into the cobblestone sidewalk and tall double doors flanked by potted trees and flowers. Off the back of the hotel, a beautiful, peaceful garden stretches down the cliff, with stairs traversing the face through lush pathways and terraces. At the bottom, a scenic, private path follows the water’s edge. Indoors, the attractive lobby maintains a classic feel with an ornate inlaid ceiling, decorative carvings on columns, patterned wallpaper, and a beautiful wrought-iron railing heading up a grand marble staircase. The romantic atmosphere appeals largely to couples, and the hotel is a popular venue for weddings. 

Hotel Villa Cipressi is in Varenna, set on the main coastal road along the eastern shore of Lake Como in northern Italy. There’s little to do in the area, but the clifftop location makes for gorgeous views over the lake. The picturesque piazza in the center of the small town is a three-minute walk away, where guests can visit San Giovanni Batista, a small church with 16th-century frescoes. There are a few restaurants within a five-minute walk of the hotel, some offering waterfront seating. It is an 11-minute walk to a ferry with connections to various cities across the lake, as well as to the nearest bus stop. A 15-minute drive up the mountain will bring guests to Castello di Vezio, a 12th-century castle with stunning views and a dungeon to explore. The nearest airports are in Milan, both about a 75-minute drive from the hotel. 

Rooms are modestly decorated with hardwood floors, wood furniture, accent walls in warm tones like orange and salmon, and framed black-and-white photos. The overall feel is traditional, but some find the look dated. Each room has a double bed or two twins with plain white linens, plus a wardrobe with a safe and a work desk with a wooden upholstered chair. A small flat-screen TV is mounted across from the bed. Upgrades include rooms with an extra twin bed and suites that can sleep up to four guests. Compact bathrooms could use an update, outfitted in bland beige or two-tone checkered tile, with a bidet, pedestal sink, and small shower stall. A hairdryer and free soap and shampoos are provided. Rooms on the back of the building have windows with a stunning lake view, but the street views are less impressive. On the downside, not all rooms have air-conditioning and none have mini-fridges.

This hotel is light on features, lacking a pool and wellness amenities, but most guests spend their days outside the property. On-site, though, is the restaurant La Contrada, where three meals are served daily, including a delicious free breakfast. There’s a small dining room with an elegant design and a rustic breakfast room, or meals can be taken on the beautiful garden patio. A scenic path leads down to the lake, and while access into the water is difficult for some, it's possible from a concrete platform with stairs. Meeting and banquet space is available, and the romantic setting makes it a popular wedding spot. Wi-Fi is free in common spaces, but the signal gets weak in rooms.