The Mandarin Oriental has transformed a 1990s Versace villa into a botanical palace, facing Lake Como.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
From
2,000 €
“Two floating pools connected by a 7-hectare garden designed by Jean Mus, open from April to October.”
The Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como occupies a neoclassical villa in Blevio, 10 minutes north of Como. We tested a Junior Suite with private terrace, Carrara marble floor, bathtub facing the lake, well-laid-out 48 m². The 1,200 m² spa offers signature treatments based on local essential oils, indoor heated pool all year round. The gardens descend to the private jetty, Riva boats available for Bellagio or Varenna. The service remains discreet, never intrusive, with a ratio of three staff per room. The L'Aria di Lario table has held a Michelin star since 2019, contemporary Lombard cuisine. From 2 000 € per night, it is the most expensive palace on the lake, but the offering justifies the rate ✨
Who is it for?
Who we recommend it to
We recommend the Mandarin Oriental to couples in their forties seeking a contemporary palace without the rigid etiquette of the grand Italian lakes. It is an address for late honeymoons, wedding anniversaries, wellness retreats of three nights minimum. Families are accepted but the clientele remains predominantly adult, with a strong proportion of Americans and British from April to October.
The building
Architecture and interiors
The main villa dates from 1850, acquired by Gianni Versace in 1997 then transformed into a hotel in 2019. Lombard neoclassical architecture with ochre façade, green shutters, Doric columns over three levels. Interiors redesigned by the Milanese studio Flaviano Capriotti: white marble, pearl-grey lacquered woodwork, bespoke furniture. The annex pavilions are more contemporary, built in 2018 with large bay windows and suspended terraces facing the lake.
At the table
Restaurants, bar, service
The L'Aria di Lario restaurant has held a Michelin star since 2019, Lombard cuisine revisited by chef Vincenzo Guarino. Short menu of six starters, six mains, produce from the kitchen garden and the lake (perch, trout, char). The CO.MO Bar & Bistrot offers a more relaxed menu on the terrace, open from April to October. Breakfast served until 11:30, continental buffet and hot menu, excellent house viennoiseries. 24-hour room service with dedicated menu.
Highlights
- 73 rooms and suites spread across the main villa and four pavilions
- 1,200 m² spa with hammam, Finnish sauna, six treatment rooms
- Private jetty with fleet of Riva boats to explore the lake
- L'Aria di Lario restaurant, one Michelin star, chef Vincenzo Guarino
- 7-hectare gardens with centenary olive grove and organic kitchen garden
Location & access
Where the hotel sits in Lake Como
The Mandarin Oriental stands in Blevio, a village of 1,200 inhabitants 5 km north of Como. East shore of the lake, full west exposure for sunsets. Como reachable in 10 minutes by car, railway station with direct trains to Milan (40 minutes). Malpensa airport 1h15 away, the hotel arranges transfers in Mercedes S-Class. The village is residential, two local restaurants 500 metres away, otherwise one must take the boat to Bellagio (20 minutes) or Varenna (30 minutes).
Good to know
Before you book
- Pets
- Dogs and cats accepted without weight limit, 150 € / stay, basket provided.
- Parking
- Free private parking with valet, 80 covered spaces.
- Pools
- Two heated outdoor pools, open from April to October, 7am-8pm.
- Spa
- Open 9am-9pm, reservation advised 48h in advance in high season.
- Children
- Welcome, free cot, children's menu at the restaurant, babysitting on request.
- Boat
- Riva Aquarama available for private excursions, 500 € / 2h, pilot included.
Facilities
2 pools
Non-smoking rooms
Fitness centre
Spa and wellness centre
Room service
Restaurant
Facilities for disabled guests
Wi-Fi available everywhere
Private parking
Free parking
Family rooms
Free Wi-Fi connection
Pets allowed
Location
Where Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is located
Exact address
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Address
Via Caronti 69
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