"The lobby bar sets the tone - Steinway & Sons, billiard table, and Andrea behind the counter, shaping a precise Alaska with local Rivo gin. A pristine Gibson, requested on day one, appears unannounced on day two, once the onions have landed. Rooms carry Calacatta Gold into the bathrooms; below, a longevity spa leans into cold exposure, infrared, and oxygen. At the waterline, a floating pool sits directly on the lake. Villa Carlotta - azaleas, sensuous stone figures, sunbathing turtles - is a short, scented stroll away. The kitchens fall under Mauro Colagreco, whose Mirazur marks 20 years, working with executive chef Francisco Gerardo Rosciano. At Cetino, an almost vinous carrot, orange, and Laphroaig cocktail opens; then luxurious leeks bagna cauda; Gillardeau oysters with tomato water and subtle saffron; spaghetti with caviar. Gleaming cutlery rests on lake pebbles. The maitre d’ wears ‘I am greater than my downs’ inked on her arm. Pink peppercorn macarons close with a tingle. Breakfast at Renzo runs on eggs gathered 8 kms away; dinner brings the lake in the glass with Cantine Angelinetta’s limpid Verdese Bianco, recommended by a head of beverage who knows me from London. Baking is exact across the building, from in-room brownies to Colagreco’s tearing bread. Beyond the shore, Lo Schioppo II, built 1967, abandoned, restored 2021, runs its original engines to 45 knots. Passing Villa Pirelli, the lake reads differently: not just surface, but system, feeding rice fields inland. Once built for passing through, the hotel is now rather good at stopping you."

"Brand new beautifully renovated 5 star hotel on the Western shore of lake como directly across from Bellagio with incredible lake views. Luxurious, comfortable rooms with brand new marble bathrooms, large shower. Accommodating and attentive staff, lovely breakfast on the terrace overlooking the lake, spa, Work out room, and pool on the water. The hotel is super comfortable and relaxing; they try to think of everything you could possibly need in your room. Hotel restaurant is very good and a lovely place to unwind on arrival. Ask for lake view room for the amazing view. Drawback during the day is the road noise, but at night it is not a problem. Currently the Cabennabia dock is under construction/closed and the hotel does not yet have its own boats working (we were assured that is in the plan) so getting from there to anywhere takes some planning. We used a combination of prebooked water taxis (taxi boat varenna), prebooked taxis (bellagio taxi) and the lake ferries to get around. Currently the lake ferry over to bellagio or the eastern shore towns only takes you back to mennaggio or tremezzo, and then you need to take a bus, walk or taxi, so a couple times we prebooked water taxis that dropped us right at the dock in front of the hotel. Expensive for a couple but reasonable for a group. The hotel will also call a taxi for you if you are touring on the western side of the lake."

"We stayed three nights in early April with our two teenagers. The Major Issue: The spa and pool are restricted to guests 16 and older, which was never disclosed when booking. This was the primary reason we chose this property, and it significantly impacted our stay. Families with younger teens should be aware before booking. Service Inconsistencies: The front desk staff was excellent and genuinely welcoming. We received nice welcome amenities in both rooms. However, the lobby service was hit or miss. During one visit, a professional photo shoot was happening and we were completely ignored. This felt like a newer hotel still prioritizing marketing over guest experience. Breakfast: The food quality was good, but it’s only served outdoors. In early April it was uncomfortably cold with heaters turned off. We ate breakfast under blankets, which is not what you expect at a hotel of this caliber. Dining: The concierge gave excellent restaurant recommendations in nearby towns. Unfortunately, the hotel’s own restaurant (Cetino) was disappointing with mediocre food served in a windowless room with zero ambience or view. Rooms: Modern, clean, and well appointed with basic amenities. However, the bathrooms were quite small. Location Pros and Cons: There’s a direct ferry to Bellagio right across from the hotel, which is convenient. However, the hotel sits on a main road. Rooms facing the water have noticeable traffic noise. Also important: during shoulder season there are virtually no Ubers or taxis available. Getting around without a car was extremely difficult. Bottom Line: This is a good choice if you understand what you’re getting. It’s a modern, well designed property in a convenient location with friendly front desk staff. However, it’s still working through operational issues like undisclosed age restrictions, uncomfortable breakfast setup in shoulder season, and inconsistent service. Know the limitations going in and you’ll likely enjoy your stay."

"This hotel has lots of potential but a few things are letting it down currently. 1. The pool deck - Closed until May which was not communicated with guests before they booked. Most important facility of the hotel so having it closed causes a lot of issues - Grand Hotel Tremezzo which is a 5 min walk away has their pool deck open which shows that the Edition made the wrong decision in closing it - no flexibility to open it earlier, even in 25 degree weather They put sunbeds on the spa deck but no view of the lake and no waiter service for drinks! 2. The service - the current service in the hotel is pretty poor. Requests ignored and unanswered - sometimes the cleaners don’t clean your room and you are left without water and clean towels - guests made to feel they are asking for too much instead of being treated in a 5 star fashion 3. Lack of grounds and outdoor terrace - unlike the other 5 star hotels on the lake, this hotel has no green grounds to explore so when they close the pool deck there is very limited options to have a drink / meal outside. 4. Lack of flexibility and all day dining outdoors - The terrace they have is not big and not open all day. No service of food and drinks in between breakfast ending (10:30am) and lunch opening at 1pm. Same issue in the afternoon after lunch The positives are that if they can improve the service the hotel will feel more premium. And once the pool deck is open it will solve a lot of the issues listed above. The pool deck when open is probably one of the best on the lake very large and wide, so I do think this hotel has potential to be amazing. The indoor spa is huge and lovely which will be good for rainy days and relaxing in the afternoons. Gym also large and good. No Pilates studio though. Currently it’s not in the same category as villa D’Este, grand hotel tremezzo, Mandarin and pasalaqua, but it could improve if it works on its service and next year opens the pool deck when the hotel opens for the season and especially when grand hotel tremezzo opens theirs."

"Have stayed in The Lake Como recently and my experience was definetely not what I’ve expected. The hotel and rooms are indeed fabulous, breakfast delicious and has a nice concept of a La carte service, the gym is big and well equipped. Unfortunately, that is not enough as the most important was service - rather you won’t feel difference whether you are booking guest or elite member like Platinium, Titanium or Ambassador member. We couldn’t check oout at 4pm which is our right and the hotel didn’t offer anything. Secondly, the pressure in the shower was so slow and bad. Thirdly, what I’ve seen in multiple opinions, we’ve also encountered the violation of private space - housekeeping enters the room without knocking or any sign, which should be unacceptable! Lastly, what didsapointed me the most - the lack of communication of hotel staff and zero will to make the stay relaxed and unforgettable. The stay was for special occasion and the staff, despite many reminders, forgot about all our requests and made the day full of stress, disappointment and sadness. The hotel is definetely overpriced and not capable to provide a service that will be equal to thousand of euros they want for a night. Skip this hotel as it is simply not worth it - nothing besides beautiful interior makes you feel like you in a luxury hotel. The staff unfortunately spoiled all my experience and opinion."