Site inspection at Villa Cipressi Lake Como

Location

Villa Cipressi is situated in the heart of Varenna, offering convenient access to the town’s historic center, local shops and dining options. The hotel’s prime lakeside location provides easy access to ferry services, allowing guests to explore other parts of Lake Como and nearby attractions.

Rooms

The hotel has 33 rooms and suites.

Hotel layout

The 33 rooms and suites are distributed between the historic villa and a more modern annex. The hotel features beautifully landscaped gardens, terraced areas with panoramic lake views and direct access to the lake. Each room is thoughtfully designed to blend classic Italian style with contemporary amenities.

Food

Food outlets in Villa Cipressi are located in the nearby R Collection hotel Royal Victoria.

• Visteria: Hotel Royal Victoria's newest fine dining restaurant, Visteria, is a standout feature of the property. The restaurant is now open to both locals and hotel guests and offers a menu of Mediterranean and authentic cuisine that will delight diners' palates, all while they enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Como. The restaurant's sophisticated and elegant ambiance creates the perfect setting for an immersive dining experience, where regional classics are reimagined with a modern twist.

• Victoria Grill: A cozy blend of tradition and modernity, this spot overlooks the charming central square of Varenna. Open during the winter months as well, it offers quick, delicious and carefully prepared dishes, including pizzas made with passion and quality ingredients.

Bars

The hotel offers three distinct bars for guests to enjoy their leisure time to the fullest.

• Bar Visteria is ideal for those seeking a personalized mixology experience. This elegant yet informal bar serves excellent cocktails crafted by the skilled bartender, all while guests are surrounded by the magical views of Lake Como.

• The Garden bar is designed for a special aperitif experience, making every moment memorable.

• The Veranda bar is nestled in the enchanting botanical garden of Villa Cipressi, providing a unique setting to appreciate the wonders of Lake Como.

Wellness

While the hotel does not have a dedicated spa facility, it offers a range of wellness treatments and massages that can be arranged in the privacy of guests' rooms or in designated wellness areas.

Pros

The historic charm of the villa, combined with its beautiful gardens and lakeside location, creates a picturesque and tranquil setting.

The restaurant and bar offer high-quality dining and relaxing spaces with stunning lake views.

The outdoor pool and landscaped gardens provide a serene environment for relaxation.

Cons

The hotel’s lack of a dedicated fitness center or spa may be a consideration for guests seeking comprehensive wellness facilities.

As a boutique hotel, Villa Cipressi’s smaller size means fewer on-site amenities compared to larger resorts.

The true highlight of Villa Cipressi is its extensive botanical gardens. These beautiful grounds invite you to stroll around or relax on a bench, completely immersing yourself in nature. The rooms are simple and lack the services typically found in luxury hotel chains, making the villa more suited for hosting events rather than for luxury accommodations.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Lake Como. In need of further inspiration? Check out Gianna Marx’s guide, Experience the Magic of Lake Como.