Lake Como is a trap. Sometimes. You see the photos of Bellagio—the steep stone staircases, the silk shops, the throngs of tourists tripping over each other for the same Instagram shot—and you think, "Is this it?" But then there’s Menaggio. It’s quieter. It feels like a real town where people actually live, even if those people happen to be very wealthy. And right at the heart of it, sitting like a silent, neoclassical king, is the Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como Italy.
Most people booking a trip to Como look at the "Big Three": Villa d’Este, Sereno, and Tremezzo. They’re icons. They’re also eye-wateringly expensive and sometimes feel a bit like museums where you’re afraid to touch the wallpaper. The Victoria is different. It’s a R’L (Rocchi Resorts) property that underwent a massive, multi-million dollar renovation just a few years ago. It’s fresh. It’s bold.
Honestly, the first thing you notice isn't the lake. It's the smell. It’s this signature scent—woody, expensive, slightly floral—that hits you the second the glass doors slide open.
The Weird History of the Victoria
The building itself started life in the late 19th century. Back then, it was the go-to for British aristocrats who wanted to escape the London fog and stare at the Grigna mountains. It’s got that "Grand Tour" energy. But for a long time, it was just... fine. A bit dusty. A bit tired.
That changed when the Rocchi family took over. They didn't just paint the walls. They built an entirely new wing—the "Prestige" wing—and dug out a massive underground space for what is now arguably the best spa on the entire lake. There’s a weird, cool tension between the old "Villa" side with its chandeliers and stucco, and the "Prestige" side which feels like a high-end Milanese design gallery.
It works. Somehow, it works.
Forget the View, Let’s Talk About the Water
Everyone comes to Hotel Victoria Lake Como Italy for the water outside, but the water inside is where the real flex is. The ERRE Spa is 1,200 square meters. That’s huge for Europe.
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You’ve got the standard heated pool, sure. But then there’s the "Silent Room." It’s basically a darkened chamber with heated waterbeds where they tell you to go and just... exist. No phones. No talking. Just you and your heartbeat. If you’re coming off a red-eye from JFK or a stressful week in London, it’s basically a factory reset for your brain.
They use Biologique Recherche products. If you know, you know. It’s that cult-favorite French brand that smells like old salad dressing but makes your skin look like you’ve never seen a day of stress in your life.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Don’t stay in the classic rooms if you can help it. Go for the Junior Suites in the new wing.
They have these massive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the lake like a live painting. The beds are dangerously comfortable. I’m talking about the kind of linens that make you want to cancel your 10:00 AM boat tour and just order more espresso.
One thing people get wrong: they think they need to be in Bellagio to see the sunset. Nope. From the terrace at the Victoria, you see the light hit the mountains across the water, turning them a weird, bruised purple color as the sun drops behind the hills of Menaggio. It’s better. It’s less crowded.
Eating at 1827 and Lago
Food on Lake Como is hit or miss. You’ll find a lot of "tourist menu" pasta that’s fine but forgettable.
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The Victoria has two main spots. Lago is the all-day bistro. It’s airy, lots of glass, very relaxed. This is where you eat the breakfast buffet—which, by the way, features a honeycomb that’s literally dripping onto the plate and a selection of Italian cheeses that could satisfy a small village.
Then there’s 1827.
This is the fine-dining concept. It’s dark, moody, and very "design-heavy." The name comes from the year the local sailing club was founded, or something like that. The menu is a bit experimental. You might get a risotto that looks like a piece of modern art. It’s not cheap. But if you want a night where you dress up and feel like a character in a Bond movie (Villa Gaeta, where Casino Royale was filmed, is just up the road), this is the place.
Why Menaggio is the Secret Weapon
If you stay at the Grand Hotel Victoria Lake Como Italy, you’re in Menaggio.
People overlook it. They head to Varenna for the "cute factor" or Bellagio for the name. But Menaggio has the best promenade. It’s wide, lined with flowers, and perfect for the evening passeggiata.
You’re also closer to the mountains. If you’re into hiking, you can head up to the Rifugio Menaggio. It’s a steep climb. Your legs will hate you. But the view from the top makes the lake look like a tiny blue puddle.
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The hotel also has its own private boat, the Fiammetta. Renting a private Riva is the ultimate Lake Como cliché, but honestly? Do it. Just once. Seeing the villas from the water—Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlotta—is a completely different experience than seeing them from the road. The road is narrow, winding, and full of aggressive Italian drivers in tiny Fiats. The water is peaceful.
The Logistics Most Guides Skip
Let's get practical for a second.
- Getting There: Don't try to drive from Milan unless you have nerves of steel. Take the train from Milano Centrale to Como San Giovanni, then a hydrofoil (the aliscafo) to Menaggio. It’s faster and way more scenic.
- The Parking: If you do drive, the hotel has underground parking. This is a godsend because parking in Menaggio is a nightmare.
- The Crowd: It’s a mix. You’ll see American honeymooners, Swiss families, and the occasional Milanese fashion executive hiding out for the weekend.
- The Service: It’s Italian hospitality, meaning it’s warm but professional. They don’t hover. They’re not robotic. They actually seem to like being there.
A Small Warning
Lake Como in August is hot. Like, "I need to sit in the ERRE Spa ice room for three hours" hot. If you can, go in late September or early October. The air is crisp, the water is still blue, and you can actually get a table at the local trattorias without a three-week lead time.
The Hotel Victoria Lake Como Italy isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a base camp for the best version of the lake. It’s for people who want the luxury of the big-name villas but don't want the stuffiness that usually comes with them.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book the "Prestige" Wing: If you want the modern, high-ceiling aesthetic, specify the new wing during booking. The "Villa" wing is beautiful but more traditional.
- Email the Concierge Early: The best boat captains and private guides get booked out months in advance. Once your room is confirmed, get them to secure a spot on the Fiammetta.
- Pack for the Passeggiata: Menaggio is casual but stylish. Think linen, loafers, and sunglasses that cost more than your first car.
- Download the Ferry App: The Navigazione Laghi app is clunky but essential for checking the hydrofoil schedules so you aren't stranded in Varenna after dinner.
- Schedule the Spa: Do not wait until you arrive. Book the signature "ERRE Massage" at least 48 hours before you check in, especially if you’re staying over a weekend.
The real magic of the Victoria isn't just the marble or the lake views. It's the fact that after a day of navigating the chaotic beauty of Lake Como, you can walk through those glass doors, catch that scent, and feel like the world has finally slowed down.