REVIEW! MY PERFECT WEEKEND AT HILTON LAKE COMO
Less than an hour from Milan, with its bold energy and ever-buzzing fashion scene, lies another Italy entirely. Lake Como feels like stepping into another world, one of calm and incredible beauty that pictures really don’t do justice to. Nestled in the heart of this landscape is the Hilton Lake Como, a modern sanctuary that redefines what a luxury stay in Northern Italy can be.
I remember the moment I arrived vividly. The car doors opened, and the first thing that hit me was silence — not the heavy kind, but that elegant hush that comes with true serenity. Walking into Hilton Lake Como’s serene glass cube lobby, I instantly realized this was not the standard business Hilton. Instead, it was something softer, calmer and more refined.
I recalled a conversation months earlier with Charlotte Rous from CRC Communications, who’d told me, “There’s a vibe about it, something you won’t expect.” She was right. The hotel radiated a kind of understated sophistication — a seamless blend of modern design and lakeside warmth.
Invited for a weekend stay during the 23rd–26th of October, I responded with enthusiasm because I had never been to Lake Como. Although I had traveled several times to Milan and many times to Italy, Lake Como hadn’t quite made it onto the list. What a shame!
But in the past few years, my contact@travelforsenses.com email has been flooded with news updates from Lake Como, with many upscale hotels opening in the region — truly transforming the area and making it increasingly appealing to the luxury travel market and a whole new generation of travelers. A bit like Venice, but on a lake.
The Reimagined Soul of Como
In this context, Hilton Lake Como occupies a central spot as the best hotel in Como town. Once a bustling silk factory, the Hilton Lake Como now stands as a sleek lakeside retreat, with 170 stylish rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool, a wellness-focused spa, and a culinary scene that embraces the region’s best ingredients. Open all year — unlike most upscale properties that close during winter — it’s the ideal escape for Milanese weekenders and global travelers alike. I also have to point out that the service of the staff is excellent, reminding me more of Thai hospitality than the European one, which often lacks warmth and is more reserved.
I met Giorgia Santabarbara and Elisa Gambara from the hotel’s marketing team in the lobby. They shared how the Hilton remains vibrant throughout the year, crafting unique experiences for every season — from cozy winter escapes to vibrant summer adventures. The mild climate makes Lake Como a pleasure even in the colder months.
My Suite: Rooftop Perfection
My home for two nights was the Superior Rooftop Suite, and I can say, without exaggeration, it ranks among the top five hotel rooms of my life. At 75 square meters, it felt less like a suite and more like a private villa floating above the lake. The floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with natural light, while the private terrace — complete with whirlpool tub, sunbeds, and an outdoor lounge area — invited hours of quiet contemplation.
Inside, the king Serenity bed and freestanding bathtub whispered indulgence. Two large HDTVs, a guest bathroom, and access to the eforea Spa & Health Club completed the sense of perfect balance between luxury and comfort.
Mornings of Stillness and Sunlight
My favorite moments came early. Wrapped in a robe, espresso (macchiato, per favore — from the in-suite Nespresso machine) in hand, I’d watch the sun climb slowly above the mountains. The first rays gilded the rooftops of Como and set the lake aglow. It was a moment of pure stillness — meditation without even trying.
The morning runs on the shores of the lake are scenic and spectacular. During autumn, there are quite big differences in temperature between day and night, so mornings can be a bit crisp. Dressed accordingly, I enjoyed exploring the surroundings at a fast pace, listening to Tame Impala’s new album Deadbeat, admiring the lake, the beautiful villas around it, and the locals waking up to their daily activities. Actually, one of my favorite things in life is to run in the morning whenever I am away; for me, it’s the best way to get to know the area and the people, as I am an excellent observer by nature and love to gather information from the visuals ahead. The hotel also offers the possibility to run with a personal trainer, so if needed, ask for this extra service at the Concierge.
Breakfast and Beyond
Breakfast at the Satin Restaurant was a joy of local flavors and effortless elegance.
The buffet overflowed with seasonal fruits, cheeses, and varieties of yogurt and nuts, while the attentive staff learned my daily ritual — an espresso macchiato followed by an egg-white omelet with mushrooms and spinach. Everything here felt intentional, down to the locally sourced ingredients that gave breakfast its distinct sense of place.
Exploring Como Town
The town of Como itself is a delightful blend of charm and sophistication. Its cobblestoned streets are lined with boutiques, cafés, and historic landmarks like the Duomo di Como, one of Northern Italy’s most impressive cathedrals. The Funicolare Como–Brunate offers sweeping views over the lake, while the Tempio Voltiano honors the town’s most famous son, Alessandro Volta. A short stroll from the hotel brings you to the ferry terminal, where sleek boats can whisk you away to Bellagio, Varenna, or Cernobbio — each village a postcard in motion.
Surrounding villages can also be reached after a long and pleasant walk along the lakeshore. The beautiful village of Cernobbio is located just 3 kilometers from the hotel. From there, you can return to Como by boat in just 15 minutes. Alternatively, the hotel offers options to explore the lake with a private boat, and tours can be arranged by the Concierge.
One afternoon, with another espresso in my hand, the terrace of the apartment provided the perfect spot to watch the fascinating dance of seaplanes around the lake. You should know that seaplanes are a popular attraction on Lake Como, with the historic Aero Club Como offering scenic flights and training courses. This is the oldest seaplane operation in the world and provides a unique way to see the region’s villas, picturesque villages like Bellagio and Varenna, and the Alps from above.
Afternoons in the Sky
On another afternoon, the rooftop pool called my name. The infinity edge seemed to melt into the lake beyond, the water mirroring the clouds. Even with a private jacuzzi on my terrace, I couldn’t resist the pull of that view.
As sunset approached, I made my way to Terrazza 241, Hilton Lake Como’s chic rooftop restaurant and bar. Locals love it too — and for good reason. The view alone is worth the visit, but the cuisine elevates it even further.
That evening, I enjoyed some delicacies from the seasonal menu. Burrata with chicory salad, Cantabrian anchovies, and basil oil was a sophisticated twist on the classic Caprese, while the pan-seared sea bass with artichokes, mushroom broth, and marigold petals was as beautiful as it was delicious.
Wellness by the Water
Downstairs, the eforea Spa & Health Club is a sanctuary of calm. With its tranquil design and lake-inspired treatments, it’s a one-of-a-kind wellness space. Guided yoga sessions focus on mindful movement and posture, while Water Balance Sessions — featuring hydrotherapy, floating, and contrast showers — offer a meditative way to reset body and mind. It’s an approach that feels deeply aligned with the lake’s natural rhythm: fluid, reflective, and restorative.
Final Thoughts
As I packed my bags to leave, I paused one last time on my terrace, the lake stretched out below in quiet perfection. My days at Hilton Lake Como were a reminder of what true luxury really means — not just impeccable service and breathtaking design, but the ability to make time stand still.
In a world that never stops rushing, this was a rare and beautiful pause — one framed by mountains, mirrored in the lake, and made unforgettable by Hilton’s touch.
Nightly rates at Hilton Lake Como begin at €350 per night based on double occupancy with breakfast included. For more information and to book visit https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mxpcohi-hilton-lake-como/
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