Europe Travel: A Photo Journal of Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa in Menaggio, Lake Como, Italy
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In this post we share photos from Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa, in Menaggio, Lake Como, Italy.
Set on the lakeshore, the Grand Hotel Victoria is the crown jewel experience in the area.
Visitors, whether staying at the hotel or taking a day trip to Menaggio, can enjoy a leisurely drink on its front lawn sitting and dining area. The pool and lounge area are dreamy, and the spa may be the best in the world.
Consider making Menaggio as home base when in Lake Como due its natural beauty, proximity to other villages by ferry and luxurious hotel.
Most visitors arrive the the village by ferry and the Grand Hotel Victoria is the first building they see from the water. The hotel is within a short walk from the ferry dock and meters from central Menaggio.
Things to know about Menaggio
Menaggio is a sought out destination on Lake Como
It is accessible to other villages, including Bellagio, Varenna and Lenno (more photo journal posts to follow about these locations)
Ferries shuttle visitors to and from each of these locations. Note that the ferries frequently run behind by 20-30 minutes and getting on the ferries (and corresponding timetable) can be slightly confusing.
Menaggio to Bellagio — approximately 15 minutes by ferry and 4-8 Euros one way
Menaggio to Varenna — approximately 20 minutes by ferry 4-8 Euros one way
Menaggio to Como by taxi is approximately 1.5 hours and approximately 150 Euros
Menaggio to Como by bus is 1.5 hours
While the town of Como is easier to reach from Milan, consider booking your stay further into the villages that dot the lake. Ferries from Como to any of the known villages can take 2.5 hours on the “normal speed” ferry, and 1.5 hours on the “speed” ferry.
Views of Lake Como
Entry
During the Belle Époque, wealthy Europeans from the Swiss Alps were the primary visitors of the hotel, whose grand staircases and chandeliers made it a special destination.
In 2019 the hotel underwent a complete renovation, updating the 1890 historic villa and building a new Palazzo, both of which incorporate traditional Italian design with contemporary features.
It appears that travelers to the hotel share two different experiences pre-and-post renovation. Take care to read the newer reviews as you make plans.
Outdoor Terrace
With gorgeous views of Lake Como, a perfectly manicured lawn and trees that periodically mist to provide heat relief, it’s hard not to spend hours lounging around in this space. The libations menu is vast but the food selection is limited and pricey.
Dining
Spa
The 1200 square meter Erre spa is spectacular, with unique treatment rooms, a 20-meter-long covered indoor swimming pool, steam baths, Finnish and infrared saunas and spacious relaxing areas.
We met a number of well traveled guests who couldn’t help but remark that this was the best spa they’ve ever to been to. We couldn’t help but agree.
Hotel architectural details
Room
Views from the water’s edge to center Menaggio
Downtown Menaggio
For Parents
There is a playground at Parco Karol Wojtyla just 220 meters from the hotel. With swings, playground, sitting area and soccer court, the playground is busy with local families and visitors from after-work hours to dusk.
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