Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is certainly appropriately named—it is definitely “grand.” Indeed, the public rooms will take your breath away with their intricately frescoed ceilings, gold mirrors, ornate columns, Oriental carpets, gilded chairs, massive chandeliers, and a sweeping marble staircase. The bedrooms too are lovely and the quality throughout is superb: fine percale sheets, soft down pillows, and large towels. The service excels, with a friendly staff eager to please. The park-like grounds, enhanced by colorful beds of well-tended flowers, stretch to the very edge of the lake where a large swimming pool holds center stage. There are two more indoor pools (one for adults and one for children) opening to the garden. In addition, there are two tennis courts, a fitness/beauty center, and a squash court. The hotel has two restaurants: the elegant gourmet Mistral and the more casual La Goletta with typical Italian specialties. For sightseeing and shopping, the quaint port of Bellagio is adjacent to the hotel. If you want to explore some of the other charming lakeside villages, the ferry is just steps away, or the concierge can arrange a private boat to pick you up at the hotel’s pier. For opulent surroundings and palatial splendor, the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni can’t be beat. The hotel also has 13 apartments with cooking facilities available, one-week minimum.