Excelsior Splendide

"I said we would be back to Lake Como and Bellagio to the Hotel Excelsior Sp!endide in particular as the hotel is in a excellent location. We have had wonderful holidays here for several years now and the experience never dissapoints. From the time you enter the foyer the Art Nouveau design and style transports you back to the early 20th century. This is what makes the Splendide a truly standout hotel although only being a 3 star you can get that 5 star experience without paying for one! When I read some other people's reviews saying the hotel is old and rundown and in need of a "makeover" not so as I can only think they are not appreciative of the period and design of the time and their expectations are completely different to the reality. The hotel has its own terrace restaurant where you can indulge in either pizza dishes etc or step down to their lake front restaurant for an al a carte dining experience. Breakfast in the hotel also has a good selection. Our room was kept very clean and the bed made up by the hard working staff. The room had a beautiful lake view where you could sit and take in the stunning scenery. Transport links are great with cross lake ferries just a few steps from the hotel taking you to various lakeside towns and villages. There is a train station at Varenna where you can go to Como or Milan. Discovering the historic villas and gardens is a magical experience. Mustn't forget the swimming pool at the rear of the hotel, great for just sitting around relaxing reading a book if you do not wish to take to the water. We would like to say thank you to all the staff during our stay. In particular the front desk team where everyone was so incredibly welcoming, cheerful and very helpful so huge thank you goes out to Gloria, Mehdi, Elisa and Alessio who all went out of their way to provide us with local information and any help we needed. Also, a thank you to Salah in the restaurant for his warmth and hospitality. Everyone connected to the hotel makes our holiday feel so relaxed,enjoyable and memorable, thank you all. There is still so much to do and see when on our holiday and meeting up with our Italian friends makes it very special too. So until next year Hotel Splendide please keep that warm welcome and excellent service you offer to your guest's."

"Based on some of the reviews on here we nearly cancelled our holiday but so glad we didn't! We have just returned from 10 days at this hotel and want to say what a beautiful hotel it is. It is one of the best positions hotels in Belaggio and we actually had an attic room on the front which gave us unobstructed, amazing panoramic views from our balcony. The hotel is beautiful inside and full of character. Our room was lovely with beautiful tiled floor and gorgeous en suite, again with beautiful Italian wall tiles. There is a kettle, milk, tea and coffee in the room and each day is serviced along with fresh fluffy white big towels. Access to ferries is just outside and whilst you can hear them when out there but the triple glazed door from the balcony silences them once inside and the noise didn't bother us anyway, in actual fact it's great sitting on the balcony as there is so much going on to watch so on two occasions we bought fruit, cheeses, pastries, wine etc and had dinner up there with amazing sunsets. We recommend buying a month ferry ticket for 43 euros and unless you want to go to Como, Lecco or Colico this ticket gives you access to all the beautiful resorts and villas as often as you wish - it paid for itself within 3 journeys. We could not hear any noise from adjoining rooms. Lift is small but not tiny and easily 2 cases and 2 people with no noise and very quick to all floors. There was plenty of wardrobe space and shelving for other clothing etc and beds amazingly comfy and very firm. Pillows were lovely and very substantial unlike some you get that are very flat. The air con was superb and yes you can hear it but thats the case in most hotels. It is set by the hotel to match the temperature and was perfect. The pool was lovely and very quiet and private. We ate 7 out of the 10 nights at the hotel restaurant just across the street and on the waterfront. The menu is amazing and the food is outstanding and beautifully presented. Staff were lovely and helpful in particular in the reception, breakfast and at the waterfront restaurant - they all worked so hard. Our only 'negative' if we have to give one is that a mini fridge would be lovely in the room."

"4 nights stay at this lovely hotel, top floor room, lake view. The building has character and charm, our room was basic but that's what we expected as it's such an old building. Perfect location, ferry just outside, gelato shop next door was lovely. We found staff very helpful. Breakfast was ok, enough for what we needed. Nice swimming pool at the back which feels very laid back and lovely after a day exploring. We would definitely come back to this hotel"