Royal Victoria

The Royal Victoria was a textile mill in the 1800s before it was renovated as a hotel. Today, it offers a mix of vintage decor and modern conveniences. The stone base of the building makes it look almost castle-like, while the symmetric, arched terraces, and columned, lemon-yellow facade reflect medieval and Neoclassical influences. Inside, the lobby is deliberately old-fashioned: a burnt orange, brown, and white palette dominates throughout the tufted sofas, stained-glass ceilings, chests functioning as coffee tables, and reception desk partly sculpted from antique wood. The theme continues through much of the hotel, with chandeliers studding the arched hallways and ornate railings and patterned rugs on the staircases. There are 21st-century touches visible as well, from the sleek garden bar on the terrace, to the pink LED tube lights framing the glass enclosure of the suite spa. The overall vibe, including idyllic views of Lake Como, lends itself well to the quintessential Italian getaway experience that most of the couples here are seeking. 

Nestled in the center of Varenna, Hotel Royal Victoria is conveniently close to the little fishing village’s most notable sites, as well as being along Lake Como itself. The small town doesn’t offer many tourist hotspots; the scenery itself is the biggest must see. The town's cobblestoned piazza, a one-minute walk away, is almost an extension of the hotel, and offers many dining options. While the frequent ringing of the piazza's church bells can get loud, the lack of traffic in the square makes for minimal disturbance in the hotel from street noise. A three-minute walk away is Villa Monastero, an old monastery converted into a global conference center, known for its picturesque botanical garden. Longer walks, upwards of 25 minutes, snake alongside the lakeside promenade of Riva Granda, lined with colorful homes. Public transport within Varenna is limited, but other popular tourist attractions in the area can be reached by car. The famous Castle of Vezio, for instance, is a two-minute car ride away. Nearby lakeside towns, like Bellagio and Menaggio, can be reached by ferry, and the jetty is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest airports to Varenna are both in Milan. Car rides from each airport to the hotel take about an hour and a half. 

The charming wood-floored rooms at the Royal Victoria evoke the 19th-century era effectively and elegantly. Most of the furnishings, from the walnut-wood dressers and desks to the brass detailing on the mirrors and half-shade wall lamps, reflect the hotel’s historic influences. There's a noticeable lack of artwork and sufficient lighting in some rooms, however. Walls are either painted in neutral colors or papered with floral-patterned wallpaper. Double Rooms are available with a view of the San Giorgio square or a lake view; the Lake View Rooms include balconies that accommodate small tables and chairs. Lakefront rooms all come with double beds, while Square View Rooms are available with twin or double beds. All Double Rooms come with air conditioners (known to get noisy), safes, minibars, and satellite TVs. Wi-Fi must be purchased for a daily fee. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are only provided in the Junior Suites, which also include larger lake-view balconies, fireplaces, and space for an additional bed if needed. Bathrooms have modern fixtures, but are simple in appearance with wooden floors and white-tiled walls. Each standard bathroom includes single sinks, bidets, and walk-in showers with both rainfall and handheld showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided, although lotion isn’t included. Only one of the suites offers a bathtub.  

Hotel Royal Victoria offers two dining options for guests. The Royal Gourmet restaurant is open for three meals a day, serving dishes inside the dining room with simple tiled floors and linen tablecloths, and out on the veranda for spectacular lake views and an airy atmosphere. The free breakfast buffet includes a sizable selection of pastries, fruits, eggs, meats, and Prosecco. The dinner menu offers more of an Italian fine-dining experience. The more casual Restaurant Victoria Grill is located in the nearby San Giorgio piazza, with both indoor and alfresco seating and a pizza-focused menu. The hotel also includes a retro evening lounge bar. The outdoor bar in the terrace garden overlooks the lake and offers light snacks from the afternoon until evening. Guests also have easy access to a small beach from the terrace, as well as a private dock from where boat rentals and lake tours can be arranged. Also available is the small, but pleasant, heated outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers. Most of the hotel’s other amenities, however, come with extra fees. A Suite Spa includes a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath with customizable LED lighting, a range of shower varieties, and a relax area offering sensory music and bath accessories. On the downside, there is no gym on-site. Extra charges also apply for access to the internet point (a business center with one computer), room service, Wi-Fi, and parking. Separate meeting rooms are available to rent for conferences, courses, or private events.