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The draw of Lake Como

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Room with a view in Palace Hotel

The lakes of northern Italy have been a traditional draw as a getaway of those in the know. The rich and famous of Hollywood have made it their summer retreat. Some like George Clooney have a permanent home on its shores. Lately, Indian billionaire tycoon Mukesh Ambani took over Lake Como’s premium hotels for his daughter’s weeklong wedding celebrations, bringing the destination to the immediate attention of Indian traveller.

Once in Como, the most important part of the stay would be to find a place in the centre of town, a walk away from the shopping streets, food district, utilities, train station, funicular station and the harbour, and still have some of the best views that Como has to offer.

For families for the Middle East region, the answer to the above question is the four-star Palace Hotel. Housed inside one of the oldest buildings in town and up to speed with modern amenities, the property provides luxuries few can: a great panoramic view of the lake, generously spacious rooms with amenities for kids, outdoor parking (with option for charging your Tesla or any electric car), a hop away from the train station with scores of choices round a clock to reach you to Milan within an hour. The hotel arranges private lake tours and cultural tours around town.

Just minutes away is the funicular station that takes you to the top of the hill to the village of Brunate, gateway to a popular day excursion and a scenic point for soaking in the atmospheric views of lake Como.

Palace Hotel is located in the heart of city centre directly facing the lake and very close to different airports: 50 km away from Milano Malpensa Airport, 75 km from Milano Linate Airport, 35 km from Lugano Agno Airport and 90 km from Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. The main train station in Como is a stone’s throw from the hotel.

The property, which is currently undergoing discreet expansion, offers 94 rooms divided in two different wings: Pianella, refurbished according to the Italian style; and Plinius, with its modern style and some of the suites can be inter-connected with the classic room next door, becoming a 50-sqm apartment, perfect for large families looking for a comfortable stay.

The dining rooms offering three main seating options, the Magna Ballroom, Plinius Room and Antica Darsena open up to hauntingly beautiful views of the lake, and doubles up the plush dining experience with their ornate interior décor. A fine setting to impress guests at a gala function be it wedding reception or a private party. The property also offers a wide selection of other meeting room configurations.

Its garden restaurant Bar Ceccato is a pleasant venue overseeing the lake and a perfect intimate venue for enjoying gelatos and snacks.

Palace Hotel is managed by Villa d'Este Hotels, which operates some other beautiful properties on Lake Como as well. ”   

 


 

Private stay

ON the other side of the lake, offering a more private experience is Villa Pliniana, a stunning 16th century Italian Palazzo set on 18 waterfront acres. The Villa Pliniana private estate features 18 bedrooms, a private boat dock, helicopter landing pad, spa, vast gardens and Sereno Hotels services, and is only available for single bookings. Sereno Hotels managing director Samy Ghachem says this property is perfect for the Middle East market.

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