A Stunning Stay: 3 Days in Lake Como
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Lake Como on a FAM trip, and it genuinely exceeded every expectation. Here is a full recap for anyone considering adding this destination to their portfolio.
For those who haven’t been, Lake Como is more accessible than you might think—just a one hour 15 minute transfer from Milan Malpensa Airport, making it a very realistic and rewarding add-on to any Italy itinerary.
My base for the trip was the Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio, and it impressed me from the moment I arrived. The hotel sits directly on the waterfront in one of the lake’s most charming and well-positioned villages. Menaggio itself is wonderfully walkable, full of character, and has everything you could need at your doorstep—great cafes, local shops, and beautiful promenades along the water. The ferry stop is just steps from the hotel entrance, making day trips to Bellagio and Varenna completely effortless.
The rooms are modern and well-appointed while retaining a warmth and charm that fits the setting beautifully. Guests can choose between lake-facing and park-facing rooms, though I’d confidently say there isn’t a bad view in the house. Nothing feels overly corporate—the spaces feel considered and personal, which is increasingly hard to find. The in-room toiletries were top-of-the-line and the nightly turndown service was a lovely touch throughout. The service overall is what truly sets this property apart—genuinely five-star in the most authentic sense. Staff remembered guests by name and recalled your drink order without prompting the kind of warm attentiveness that is impossible to manufacture. When it came time for my early morning departure, my transfer was arranged and waiting, and the team handed me a to-go bag with a croissant, coffee, and fresh fruit. A small gesture, but one that speaks volumes.
Aperitivo hour on the terrace each evening is an absolute must—the setting overlooking the lake at sunset is simply unbeatable. The hotel restaurant was equally impressive, with a menu leaning into fresh regional ingredients executed with real skill. I’d encourage clients not to stray too far for dinner. For advisors, the Grand Hotel Victoria also comes in at a very reasonable price point relative to other lakefront properties, making it a confident recommendation across a wide range of clients—honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike.
During the trip, I also had the opportunity to visit two exceptional properties in Varenna: the Royal Victoria and Villa Cipressi. Both were full site inspections with property team meetings and lunch, which gave me a thorough and well-rounded sense of what each had to offer.
The Royal Victoria is a classic grand dame of the lake—steeped in history and elegance, with beautifully maintained interiors, sweeping lake views, and a team that clearly takes great pride in the guest experience. It’s a wonderful option for clients seeking something more traditionally opulent and storied. Villa Cipressi, by contrast, offers an incredibly romantic and intimate atmosphere—a historic villa surrounded by terraced gardens that cascade right down to the water’s edge. The setting is breathtaking and the property feels like a true hidden gem. Both properties were generous with their time and the lunches were outstanding—a testament to the quality of food and hospitality that runs throughout the lake.
Varenna
Exploring Varenna and Bellagio by ferry was one of the true highlights of the trip. Varenna is the quieter, more authentic of the two—narrow cobblestone lanes, colorful waterfront houses, and a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried. Bellagio, known as the pearl of the lake, sits dramatically at the tip of the central promontory and offers stunning views in every direction. The boutiques, restaurants, and sheer beauty of the village make it a must for any itinerary. Both are very easy half-day excursions directly from Menaggio via the regular ferry service.
Exploring Menaggio
The standout experience of the FAM, however, was a private half-day boat excursion arranged through Lake Como For You, a fantastic local DMC I would highly recommend to any advisor. We explored the lake by private boat, taking in the most iconic villas from the water—Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi—as well as hidden coves and perspectives of the lake that simply cannot be seen any other way. It was a genuinely magical experience and one I will absolutely be offering to clients as an add-on. The DMC team was professional, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with throughout.
Lake Como is a destination I will be recommending with great confidence going forward. It is accessible, stunning, incredibly well-serviced, and offers something for almost every type of traveler. I cannot wait to send clients.
Need to know
When to go: I visited in late March into early April and it was absolutely ideal—the weather was mild and pleasant, the villages were peaceful, and the landscape was lush and green without the crowds that descend in peak summer. April and May are my top recommendations for clients who want the full beauty of the lake without the chaos. That said, June through September is peak season and still stunning. I advise clients to book well in advance.
Getting around: The ferry system is at the heart of getting around Lake Como, and it is remarkably easy to use. Boats run regularly between Menaggio, Bellagio, Varenna, and other villages, and tickets are inexpensive. I’d encourage clients to embrace the ferry as part of the experience rather than relying on a car—driving along the lake’s roads can be narrow, congested, and stressful, particularly in summer. For the transfer from Milan to Malpensa, a private car is the smoothest and most seamless option.
What to pack: Layering is key, especially in spring. Mornings and evenings on the lake can be cool and breezy, while afternoons can feel quite warm in the sun. A light jacket or wrap is essential. Comfortable walking shoes are a must—the villages are wonderfully walkable, but many streets are cobblestone and hilly. Smart casual is the general dress code. The lake has an effortlessly elegant feel, so clients can leave the overly casual resort wear at home.
Dining: Lake Como is not a destination to skip meals at the hotel. Lean into the local cuisine—fresh lake fish, risotto, and handmade pasta are staples and are done exceptionally well throughout the region. Aperitivo culture is very much alive here, and sitting lakeside with a Campari Spritz as the sun goes down is one of those simple pleasures that clients will talk about long after they return. Reservations are recommended at dinner, particularly in Bellagio, where the best spots fill up quickly.
Language and currency: Italy’s official currency is the Euro and card payments are widely accepted, though it’s always wise to carry a small amount of cash for smaller cafes, ferry tickets, and local markets. English is spoken at all the hotels and most restaurants, but a few words of Italian go a long way and are always warmly received by locals.
What to watch out for: Summer weekends bring significant day-tripper crowds, particularly to Bellagio, which can feel overwhelming. Advise clients to explore the villages early in the morning or later in the evening when the day visitors have gone, and the atmosphere is far more magical. Also worth noting—lake road traffic can be genuinely gridlocked in peak season, so leaning on the ferry over a car or taxi will save a lot of frustration.