Lake Como is a bit of a trap. Don't get me wrong, it’s stunning, but if you pick the wrong base, you end up spending four hours a day fighting for space on a ferry or staring at a wall in a "luxury" room that hasn't been updated since the 1990s. Then there is the Hotel Grand Victoria Lake Como. Situated in Menaggio, it’s one of the few places on the lake that feels like it belongs in 2026 while still respecting that heavy, neoclassical history everyone comes to Italy for. It isn't just another old building with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a massive, 19th-century villa that underwent a serious renovation around 2021, and honestly, the result is kind of startling compared to the stuffy competition in Bellagio.
The Menaggio Advantage
Most people instinctively look at Bellagio or Varenna first. Big mistake. Bellagio is a vertical maze of stairs and day-trippers. Menaggio is flat. That sounds boring until you’re wheeling a suitcase or trying to find a gelato at 10:00 PM without hiking a mountain. The Hotel Grand Victoria Lake Como sits right on the edge of the town’s lakeside promenade. You walk out the front door and you're immediately in the "real" part of the lake.
You've got the mountains right behind you. The water is right there. It feels spacious.
Because the hotel is a member of the R Collection Hotels group, they’ve poured a ridiculous amount of money into making sure it doesn't feel like a museum. You know those hotels where you’re afraid to sit on the furniture? This isn't that. It’s lush, sure, but it’s built for actual humans who want to relax. The renovation added a whole new wing that blends into the original structure, though you can definitely tell which part is the "storia" (the old villa) and which is the "prestige" (the new build).
What the ERRE Spa Actually Offers
Let’s talk about the spa because every luxury hotel claims to have a "world-class" wellness center. Usually, that’s just a sauna and a lukewarm hot tub in a basement. The ERRE Spa at Hotel Grand Victoria is roughly 1,200 square meters. That is massive for this part of Italy. They have this specific "path" you’re supposed to follow—steam rooms, Himalayan salt rooms, and a silent room where you just lay there and realize how loud your life usually is.
The indoor pool is the centerpiece. It’s heated, it’s long enough for actual laps, and the lighting makes it feel like some sort of underground sanctuary. If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons—like March or late October—this spa is basically the only reason you’ll stay sane when the lake mist rolls in and it’s too chilly for a boat ride.
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The Erre Spa Highlights
- The Kneipp Path: It's a series of cold and hot water pools for your feet. It sounds like a gimmick. It actually feels incredible after walking five miles through the cobblestone streets of Varenna.
- The Scented Showers: They use various "emotional showers" with different aromas and light colors. Kind of trippy, very relaxing.
- The Outdoor Pool: Unlike the indoor one, this is where you want to be in July. It’s surrounded by a private garden, which provides a much-needed barrier between you and the public walking the promenade.
Eating at Lago and 1827
You have two main choices here. Lago is the more casual, all-day bistro. It’s airy, lots of glass, very "brunch in the sun" vibes. Then there’s 1827, the fine-dining restaurant.
Honestly? 1827 is an experience. It’s named after the year the original villa was built, but the menu is anything but old-fashioned. They do this thing where the decor is incredibly moody—lots of dark woods and designer lighting—and the food is highly conceptual. We’re talking about stuff like "carbonara" that doesn't look like any pasta you’ve ever seen. It’s Michelin-aspiring. If you just want a solid plate of paccheri and a glass of local Valtellina red wine, stick to Lago.
The breakfast spread at Hotel Grand Victoria Lake Como is also worth a mention. They don't do those sad, dry croissants. It’s a full-on spread with local cheeses, honeycomb, and made-to-order eggs. Pro tip: eat outside on the terrace even if it’s a bit brisk. The view of the ferry crossing the lake is better than any morning news show.
The Rooms: Old World vs. New World
This is where people get confused. When you book, you have to choose between the Palazzo and the Prestige wing.
The Palazzo rooms are in the original villa. Think high ceilings, crown molding, and a sense of "I might be an Italian Duke." They’re classic. The Prestige rooms are in the new wing. They are sleek. We're talking hidden tech, minimalist lines, and very modern bathrooms.
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If you want the "Lake Como experience," go for the Palazzo with a lake view. If you hate old buildings and want a room that feels like a high-end apartment in Milan, go Prestige.
The air conditioning is worth noting. In many historic Lake Como villas, the AC is... let’s call it "aspirational." At the Grand Victoria, it actually works. In a 35°C Italian summer, that is not a luxury; it’s a survival requirement.
Why Menaggio is Better than Bellagio
Everyone wants to stay in Bellagio. It's the "Pearl of the Lake." But here is the reality: Bellagio is a tourist bottleneck. By 11:00 AM, the narrow streets are packed.
Menaggio, where the Hotel Grand Victoria is located, feels like a functioning town. There’s a local hardware store. There’s a grocery store where the prices aren't tripled for Americans. Most importantly, it’s on the central lake triangle. You can jump on a ferry and be in Bellagio or Varenna in 15 minutes.
You get the view of Bellagio without being trapped in it. It’s the smarter move. Plus, the Grand Victoria has its own private boat, the R-Elite. If you have the budget, skip the public ferry. It’s crowded and the schedule is more of a suggestion than a rule. Having the hotel boat pick you up from the private dock is the "Succession" lifestyle people come here to find.
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Practical Insights for Your Stay
Don't just show up and hope for the best. Lake Como requires a bit of strategy.
First, the parking. Driving in Lake Como is a nightmare. The roads are narrow enough to shave the side mirrors off a Fiat. However, the Hotel Grand Victoria Lake Como has an underground garage. This is a massive deal. If you're driving in from Milan or Switzerland, knowing your car isn't going to get clipped by a Vespa on a side street is worth the price of admission.
Second, the "Lido." Menaggio has a great public lido (beach club) right next door. But since the hotel has its own massive pool and garden, you probably won't need it. Use that saved money for a taxi to Villa Carlotta in nearby Tremezzo. It’s a five-minute drive and the botanical gardens there are world-class.
Third, the bar. The Manzoni Bar inside the hotel is legit. They take their mixology seriously. It isn't just a place to grab a quick Heineken. Ask the bartender for something with local Gin—there are several small-batch distillers around the lake now that use alpine herbs.
The Verdict on the Hotel Grand Victoria Lake Como
Is it expensive? Yes. It’s Lake Como. But is it a better value than some of the "legendary" hotels down the road in Cernobbio? Probably. You’re getting a brand-new facility inside a historic shell. You aren't paying for "faded glamour." You’re paying for actual glamour.
The service is surprisingly unstuffy. In some five-star spots on the lake, the staff treats you like you're an inconvenience. Here, there’s a younger, more energetic vibe. They’re helpful without being hovering.
Actionable Next Steps
- Book the "Palazzo" Lake View: If you’re going to spend the money, do not get a room facing the mountains. You can see mountains anywhere. You came for the lake.
- Email the Concierge Early: The best lakeside restaurants like La Fagurida (up the hill in Tremezzo) fill up weeks in advance. Don't wait until you check in.
- Check the Ferry Schedule: Download the "Navigazione Laghi" app. Even if you use the hotel's private boat, you’ll want to know when the big steamers are moving so you can avoid the crowds at the docks.
- Walk to Nobiallo: From the hotel, walk north along the lake toward the little village of Nobiallo. It has a leaning bell tower and almost zero tourists. It’s a 15-minute flat walk and offers a perspective of the lake you won't get from a boat.
- Pack for the "Micro-Climate": The lake creates its own weather. It can be sunny in Menaggio and pouring rain in Varenna across the water. Layers are your best friend.
Staying here isn't just about a bed; it’s about positioning yourself in the most convenient, most updated corner of a very old-fashioned destination. You get the history, but you also get a shower with decent water pressure and a spa that actually works. That's the real luxury in Italy.