Why book?
In a region notoriously overrun in summer by water-seeking tourists, Grand Hotel Victoria cuts through the chaos as a sanctuary of quieter, more private rooms, gardens, patios, and fine dining.
Set the scene
Lake Como lures tourists like a siren song, except that song is classic Italian opera, bellowing from the grandiose lobbies of its hospitality gems like Grand Hotel Victoria. Arguably one of the most celebrated hotels in Lombardy, this waterfront beauty, which just debuted its own beach club, sits atop the crowded waterways like a crown with facets of luxury at every turn and angle.
In an area that literally sparkles when the sun hits the waves just right, a short boat journey led me to the property’s Menaggio port where I encountered the utmost in splendor as soon as I stepped on land and was immediately handed a vibrant Aperol spritz and guided through an orchestra of wisterias, magnolias, and peach trees.
The backstory
During the Belle Epoque, a.k.a. “The Beautiful Era,” Grand Hotel Victoria welcomed predominantly English, German, and Russian families traveling from Switzerland’s Engadin region in search of a picturesque holiday. While much of the hotel’s original Art Nouveau–style architecture remains intact, it has undergone major renovations (as recently as 2024) to cater to clientele who appreciate contemporary finishes with nods to the building’s past.
The rooms
Inspired by the color tones of its surrounding mountains and iconic lake, which some guests can survey from their private balconies, rooms and suites are rich in pine greens, timber browns, and powder blues through curated decor, artwork, and furniture. All spaces are fitted with state-of-the-art technology, including press-of-the-button curtains and dimmable lights, though there are over 10 accommodation styles to choose from, each with distinct perks such as walk-in showers and wardrobes, oversized terraces, and standalone tubs. This makes the hotel ideal for repeat visits, as guests can experience the property from completely different vantage points each time they book a reservation.
Food and drink
A wide veranda with lakefront views plays host to Lago Restaurant: Grand Hotel Victoria’s answer to an overwhelming demand for classic, yet contemporary Italian food. Though the menu teems with familiar favorites (risotto, raviolo, cavatelli), Chef Maichol Morandi offers a unique spin with inspired accoutrements like frog legs, mushroom dashi, and black garlic ketchup, respectively. I washed the meal down with one of many bottles from Italy’s famed wine regions, including a rose-kissed Barolo from Piedmont.
Lago’s sister restaurant, 1827, takes modern fare to even greater heights as a “sushi and fusion bar” where Japanese technique and cuisine duets with Mediterranean ingredient staples such as amberjack, tuna, and red shrimp. Enjoy a tasting menu for a thoughtful and diverse selection of what’s fresh from the ocean’s bounty or order à la carte.
The spa
Erre Spa is so much more than a haven of head-to-toe massages and body wraps—it can be an all-day sensory journey with a robust list of wellness amenities like water paths, chromotherapy, waterfall showers, an ice room, a Himalayan salt room, and a star-lit hot tub area. As a play on Earth’s elements, there are also two themed relaxation hideouts: Fire and Lake, with the former composed of a four-meter fireplace and cocoon pods to lull bleary-eyed travelers to sleep. Standout treatments include a Balinese flower facial, as well as a traditional Polynesian lomi-lomi massage with slow, gentle, and almost kneading-like movements that ease tension and increase blood circulation.
The neighborhood/area
Boating from port to port has its unsurprising allure with Villa del Balbianello’s terraced gardens and history-filled estate topping any must-visit list. Of course, a trip to Lake Como demands stops at Bellagio and Varenna, among other wisteria-lined villages, but Grand Hotel Victoria’s home of Menaggio charms guests with bustling promenades and cobblestone streets that bloom with specialty food stores, gelato shops, and clothing boutiques.
The service
Swift, attentive, and friendly but without the pretentiousness of white-gloved butlers, Grand Hotel Victoria staff embrace Lake Como’s laidback and carefree attitude. They’re the first to offer assistance, whether it’s to plan a day trip or pour a cold beverage, but far from intrusive.
Eco effort
Sustainability is at the forefront of Grand Hotel Victoria’s ethos, earning the property a coveted DCA ESG certification that indicates excellence in five distinct hospitality categories: human rights and labor conditions, health and safety, guest management, local community development, and cybersecurity.
Accessibility
The Lake Como area generally struggles to offer a wide range of accessibility features, though Grand Hotel Victoria has constructed ramps, routes, and rooms that accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Service animals are also welcome.
Anything left to mention?
Though summer months draw swaths of visitors, Grand Hotel Victoria provides a welcomed respite through its brand new Victoria Beach Club. In addition to cozy loungers and two lake-adjacent infinity pools, the oasis of relaxation touts on-site restaurants, bars, and even a children’s swimming area with aquatic games. And while you’ll never catch an Italian muttering the phrase “la dolce vita,” this trove of waterside paradise certainly embodies the impression of a very sweet life.
Viale Benedetto Castelli, 9/13, Menaggio, Colorado 22017
Italy
https://www.grandhotelvictoria.it/
+39 0344 32003