Step inside Hilton’s design-forward Lake Como property — a former silk mill reimagined with Italian elegance, rooftop dining, a serene spa, and personalised hospitality in one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
There’s a quiet drama to arriving at Hilton Lake Como. Originally a 19th-century silk mill, the building’s transformation into Hilton’s first Lake Como property in 2018 was both respectful and bold.
The former factory now sits just above the waterline with a calm assuredness, its industrial heritage echoed in exposed steelwork, lofty ceilings and the statement Glass Cube atrium. Contemporary Italian elegance softens the edges—tall windows diffuse the lake’s shifting light, and the overall effect is one of considered restraint. It’s not simply a hotel; it’s an atmosphere – rooted in place, polished in execution, and perfectly aligned with the character of Como itself.
Set on Via Borgo Vico, the hotel is a short stroll from the neoclassical Villa Olmo and just 15 minutes from Como’s historic centre. Whether you arrive by train from Milan or as I did, via private transfer from Malpensa Airport (around 50 minutes), the journey is as scenic as the destination. The hotel’s proximity to ferry terminals also makes it a seamless base for lake-hopping adventures.
Inside, the palette is soft and sophisticated: dove greys, muted blues, and warm wood tones that echo the lake’s natural hues. The interiors are flooded with light, and the mood is effortlessly serene — a place where you can exhale and simply be.
The lake-view room offered a considered balance of design and serenity. Mornings began with the stillness of the water catching the early light, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that rendered the scene almost painterly. The interiors felt quietly upscale – crisp white linens, clean-lined wood and glass features, and subtle comforts such as a Nespresso machine, soft robes, and a rainfall shower. It was the kind of space that encouraged an unhurried pace, where lingering felt not only permitted, but expected.
Dinner at Terrazza 241 delivered a considered blend of refined dining and sharp atmosphere. As dusk fell across the mountains, the lake caught the evening light, casting soft reflections across the rooftop space.
The menu leaned confidently into northern Italian flavours – sea bass delicately prepared, lobster pasta with depth and balance, and a tiramisu that nodded to Milanese tradition without overreach. Live music added a subtle cosmopolitan edge, while the adjacent infinity pool offered a sleek visual counterpoint to the alpine backdrop.
The Eforea spa is a sanctuary, offering a hydrotherapy circuit, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and solarium. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, and rooftop yoga sessions — including floating mat workouts in the infinity pool, which are as invigorating as they are Instagram-worthy.
What sets Hilton Lake Como apart is its evolving calendar of curated experiences. During my stay, I learned about their seasonal offerings: from candlelit classical concerts and spritz masterclasses to tennis sessions on what might be the most scenic court in Europe and the food stalls in the quadrangle. Guests can also explore the area on electric or pedal bikes, or take to the water for a private lake adventure. It’s a hotel that doesn’t just offer a stay; it offers a lifestyle.
For those blending business with pleasure, there are six flexible meeting rooms, including the pillar-free Il Cavaliere ballroom, which accommodates up to 300 guests and opens onto a private terrace. With 548 square metres of event space, natural daylight, and sleek interiors, it’s ideal for everything from executive retreats to elegant weddings.
From the moment I arrived, every interaction with the staff was warm, intuitive, and quietly efficient. Check-in was seamless, housekeeping was discreet yet meticulous, and the concierge team offered thoughtful recommendations of the local area.
The guest list is as varied as it is discerning from honeymooners, design lovers, business travellers, and families seeking a stylish escape. The hotel’s pet-friendly policy and multigenerational appeal make it a favourite for those who want luxury without compromise.
From the hotel, it was an easy stroll to Villa Olmo and its lakeside gardens. A short ferry ride to Bellagio, Varenna, or Villa del Balbianell (a James Bond favourite). For culture, the Tempio Voltiano and Como Cathedral are nearby, while the Brunate funicula offers sweeping views from above.
Staying at Hilton Lake Como wasn’t just a luxurious getaway — it was a deeply memorable experience that blends history, design, and soul-soothing scenery with all the hallmarks of modern hospitality. It’s the kind of place that lingers long after checkout, where every detail feels considered and every moment carries the quiet magic of la dolce vita.
For anyone seeking a stay that balances authenticity with sophistication and a front-row seat to the beauty of Lake Como, this hotel delivers effortlessly a sensory souvenir. I left feeling restored, inspired, and above all, ready to return.
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/