Palazzo San Gottardo Lake Como, a Radisson Collection Hotel

We recommend the Palazzo San Gottardo to thirty-something and forty-something couples who want Lake Como without the stuffy atmosphere of the historic villas of Bellagio or Cernobbio. The address works for a romantic weekend, a base for exploration (Varenna, Menaggio, Brunate by funicular) or a business stop between Milan and Switzerland. Families are accepted, but the spirit remains adult, especially at the rooftop and the spa.

The palace dates from the early 18th century, baroque façade in ochre and Moltrasio stone, restored in 2022 by Radisson Collection with architect Flaviano Capriotti. Contemporary interiors that respect the original volumes: ceiling height 3.80 m, stucco mouldings, Slavonian oak parquet. The rooftop adds a modern glazed structure with infinity pool and teak terrace. The ensemble comprises 74 rooms spread over five floors, lift and Carrara marble staircase.

The Archivolto restaurant occupies the ground floor with terrace on the paved inner courtyard. Revisited Lombard cuisine by chef Marco Bernardi: risotto al persico (lake perch), osso buco, polenta taragna, short menu that changes with the market. Breakfast buffet with Pasticceria Aida pastries, Valtellina charcuterie, fresh fruit. The Volta bar serves classic cocktails and spritz until midnight, Italian wine list (300 references, emphasis on Lombardy and Piedmont).

The Palazzo San Gottardo stands on Via Cairoli, pedestrian artery in the historic centre of Como, 150 metres from the cathedral and 200 metres from the lakefront. Around: silk boutiques (Como remains the world capital of printed silk), local trattorias, covered market on Piazza Cavour on Saturdays. Como San Giovanni station ten minutes on foot, direct trains to Milan Centrale (40 minutes). Malpensa airport 60 km away, private shuttle on request. The neighbourhood is lively by day, quiet after 10 pm, very residential once away from the cathedral.