Hotel Silvio

Pillars hold the sign for Silvio to mark the entrance to the hotel's popular restaurant, but reception is located just around the corner the other side of a small, cobblestone parking lot. Originally dating from the early 20th century, the pastel-pink facade, classical-style frieze, and terra-cotta tile roof make for a charmingly traditional villa-style building. The hotel has been owned by the Ponzini family since 1919; now in its fifth generation, guests will often find a pair of Ponzini sisters stationed at the front desk. The property was extensively renovated in 2011, and interiors feel fresh and bright, with back-lit black-and-white photographs of local scenes and characters lining the walls. An elegant, granite curving staircase and a modern glass elevator connect the hotel's three floors. The real draw is the wonderful views from numerous vantage points over picturesque Lake Como -- including from the hotel's spacious, panoramic terrace, where there's a small pond with turtles. The stunning lake and mountain vistas makes a particularly romantic setting that appeals mainly to vacationing couples, many on honeymoons or anniversaries. 

The hotel is located the outskirts of the small town of Bellagio, positioned on a peninsula separating Lake Como’s two southern arms with beautiful views over the lake and mountains beyond. It's set just off the main road that runs parallel with lake's west branch, and surrounded by greenery. There's the neoclassical Villa Melzi's botanical gardens on one side, and the Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Loppia on the other. About 10 minutes' walk from the hotel is the Lido di Bellagio (owned by the same family), with a beach club, nightclub, and boats around the lake. There's a ferry in Bellagio that will shuttle guests to other areas and towns on the lake. The nearest airports are Malpensa Airport and Orio al Serio Airport, both about an 80-minute drive away. 

While Hotel Silvio has just 21 guest rooms, they break down into seven different categories, ranging from entry-level Standards with limited partial Lake Como views at one end through Suites with panoramic lake-view balconies. All rooms were updated in 2011, are individually styled, and are clean, bright, and simply decorated with a mix of contemporary wood and more traditional wrought iron furniture; wall art and photographs tend to be themed around the lake. Most units are pretty small, even by European standards, and street-side rooms are prone to traffic noise.

Amenities include flat-screen TVs (with limited English-speaking channels), kettles, and laptop-sized safe, plus in-room Wi-Fi is free of charge though can be slow. Superior rooms and suites add mini-fridges and tend to have better lake views. Some past guests have said air-conditioning can be to weak to cool during hotter weather. Most bathrooms are contemporary in design (with a few awaiting update), all with walk-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and quality natural toiletries. 

With little or nothing in the way of leisure or health facilities on-site, the hotel is focused very much on its dining. Mornings start with a full continental breakfast that includes the usual pastries, cold cuts, boiled eggs, cereals, yogurt, and toast, plus a freshly squeezed orange juice machine and coffee served to the table. Breakfast is always included in the rate. Lunch and dinner share the same menu (with a discount for lunch) with an emphasis on fish caught freshly from the lake -- by members of the Ponzini family. Italian favorites such as tagliatelle, ravioli, and gnocchi are also served, together with more local specialties. Prices aren't particularly cheap but quality is excellent and all meals can be enjoyed on the vine-covered terrace or glass-sided veranda, with fantastic views of the lake. The restaurant is also open to the public. In cooler months, a lounge with a fireplace provides a cozy place to unwind. On-site parking is free, though spaces are limited, and bikes are available to rent. The hotel also provides free shuttle service into the center of Bellagio, where there are plenty of authentic Italian eateries, craft shops, and boutiques. Wi-Fi is free throughout.