Pros

  • Spectacular hotel-wide views of Lake Como and mountains
  • Historic property with lots of character
  • One-minute walk to town square and easy access to beach
  • Elegant and charming rooms -- some with lake views
  • Chic outdoor heated pool and deck overlooking the lake
  • Two on-site restaurants and bars
  • Free hot buffet breakfast includes Prosecco
  • Half-board and full-board packages are available
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Cons

  • Extra charges for Wi-Fi, parking, business center, and sauna
  • Some rooms are dark
  • Pool is small
  • Hotel lacks a gym
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Bottom Line

The Royal Victoria's storybook quality is apt for the escapist atmosphere that the picturesque region offers its many leisure travelers. Originally a textile mill in the 1800s, the three-and-a-half pearl hotel in the little fishing village of Varenna is a decidedly less touristy spot when compared to other resort areas surrounding the lake, but local attractions are easy to reach on foot and regular ferries offer transportation to neighboring towns. The 43 rooms reflect the hotel’s 19th-century influences and some have gorgeous lake views. The historic charm of the building, terrace pool, free hot breakfast, and stunning vistas are built-in perks. However, given that Wi-Fi, business center access, and use of the sauna have separate charges, travelers may opt for equally stunning scenery and slightly lower room rates at the nearby, three-pearl Hotel Olivedo.

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Oyster Hotel Review

Royal Victoria

Scene

A restored textile mill with 19th-century charm

The Royal Victoria was a textile mill in the 1800s before it was renovated as a hotel. Today, it offers a mix of vintage decor and modern conveniences. The stone base of the building makes it look almost castle-like, while the symmetric, arched terraces, and columned, lemon-yellow facade reflect medieval and Neoclassical influences. 

Inside, the lobby is deliberately old-fashioned: a burnt orange, brown, and white palette dominates throughout the tufted sofas, stained-glass ceilings, chests functioning as coffee tables, and reception desk partly sculpted from antique wood. The theme continues through much of the hotel, with chandeliers studding the arched hallways and ornate railings and patterned rugs on the staircases. There are 21st-century touches visible as well, from the sleek garden bar on the terrace, to the pink LED tube lights framing the glass enclosure of the suite spa. The overall vibe, including idyllic views of Lake Como, lends itself well to the quintessential Italian getaway experience that most of the couples here are seeking. 

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Location

In the heart of a tiny fishing village, along Lake Como

Nestled in the center of Varenna, Hotel Royal Victoria is conveniently close to the little fishing village’s most notable sites, as well as being along Lake Como itself. The small town doesn’t offer many tourist hotspots; the scenery itself is the biggest must see. The town's cobblestoned piazza, a one-minute walk away, is almost an extension of the hotel, and offers many dining options. While the frequent ringing of the piazza's church bells can get loud, the lack of traffic in the square makes for minimal disturbance in the hotel from street noise. A three-minute walk away is Villa Monastero, an old monastery converted into a global conference center, known for its picturesque botanical garden. Longer walks, upwards of 25 minutes, snake alongside the lakeside promenade of Riva Granda, lined with colorful homes. 

Public transport within Varenna is limited, but other popular tourist attractions in the area can be reached by car. The famous Castle of Vezio, for instance, is a two-minute car ride away. Nearby lakeside towns, like Bellagio and Menaggio, can be reached by ferry, and the jetty is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest airports to Varenna are both in Milan. Car rides from each airport to the hotel take about an hour and a half. 

See More Location

Rooms

Elegant decor and modern amenities 

The charming wood-floored rooms at the Royal Victoria evoke the 19th-century era effectively and elegantly. Most of the furnishings, from the walnut-wood dressers and desks to the brass detailing on the mirrors and half-shade wall lamps, reflect the hotel’s historic influences. There's a noticeable lack of artwork and sufficient lighting in some rooms, however. Walls are either painted in neutral colors or papered with floral-patterned wallpaper. 

Double Rooms are available with a view of the San Giorgio square or a lake view; the Lake View Rooms include balconies that accommodate small tables and chairs. Lakefront rooms all come with double beds, while Square View Rooms are available with twin or double beds. All Double Rooms come with air conditioners (known to get noisy), safes, minibars, and satellite TVs. Wi-Fi must be purchased for a daily fee. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are only provided in the Junior Suites, which also include larger lake-view balconies, fireplaces, and space for an additional bed if needed. 

Bathrooms have modern fixtures, but are simple in appearance with wooden floors and white-tiled walls. Each standard bathroom includes single sinks, bidets, and walk-in showers with both rainfall and handheld showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided, although lotion isn’t included. Only one of the suites offers a bathtub.  

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Features

Free breakfast buffet and swimming pool, but extra charges for most other amenities 

Hotel Royal Victoria offers two dining options for guests. The Royal Gourmet restaurant is open for three meals a day, serving dishes inside the dining room with simple tiled floors and linen tablecloths, and out on the veranda for spectacular lake views and an airy atmosphere. The free breakfast buffet includes a sizable selection of pastries, fruits, eggs, meats, and Prosecco. The dinner menu offers more of an Italian fine-dining experience. The more casual Restaurant Victoria Grill is located in the nearby San Giorgio piazza, with both indoor and alfresco seating and a pizza-focused menu. The hotel also includes a retro evening lounge bar. The outdoor bar in the terrace garden overlooks the lake and offers light snacks from the afternoon until evening. Guests also have easy access to a small beach from the terrace, as well as a private dock from where boat rentals and lake tours can be arranged

Also available is the small, but pleasant, heated outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers. Most of the hotel’s other amenities, however, come with extra fees. A Suite Spa includes a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath with customizable LED lighting, a range of shower varieties, and a relax area offering sensory music and bath accessories. On the downside, there is no gym on-site. Extra charges also apply for access to the internet point (a business center with one computer), room service, Wi-Fi, and parking. Separate meeting rooms are available to rent for conferences, courses, or private events. 

See More Features

Things You Should Know About Royal Victoria

Also Known As

  • Royal Victoria

Address

Piazza San Giorgio 2, Varenna 23829, Italy

Website

Oyster Hotel Review

Royal Victoria

Scene

A restored textile mill with 19th-century charm

The Royal Victoria was a textile mill in the 1800s before it was renovated as a hotel. Today, it offers a mix of vintage decor and modern conveniences. The stone base of the building makes it look almost castle-like, while the symmetric, arched terraces, and columned, lemon-yellow facade reflect medieval and Neoclassical influences. 

Inside, the lobby is deliberately old-fashioned: a burnt orange, brown, and white palette dominates throughout the tufted sofas, stained-glass ceilings, chests functioning as coffee tables, and reception desk partly sculpted from antique wood. The theme continues through much of the hotel, with chandeliers studding the arched hallways and ornate railings and patterned rugs on the staircases. There are 21st-century touches visible as well, from the sleek garden bar on the terrace, to the pink LED tube lights framing the glass enclosure of the suite spa. The overall vibe, including idyllic views of Lake Como, lends itself well to the quintessential Italian getaway experience that most of the couples here are seeking. 

See More Scene

Location

In the heart of a tiny fishing village, along Lake Como

Nestled in the center of Varenna, Hotel Royal Victoria is conveniently close to the little fishing village’s most notable sites, as well as being along Lake Como itself. The small town doesn’t offer many tourist hotspots; the scenery itself is the biggest must see. The town's cobblestoned piazza, a one-minute walk away, is almost an extension of the hotel, and offers many dining options. While the frequent ringing of the piazza's church bells can get loud, the lack of traffic in the square makes for minimal disturbance in the hotel from street noise. A three-minute walk away is Villa Monastero, an old monastery converted into a global conference center, known for its picturesque botanical garden. Longer walks, upwards of 25 minutes, snake alongside the lakeside promenade of Riva Granda, lined with colorful homes. 

Public transport within Varenna is limited, but other popular tourist attractions in the area can be reached by car. The famous Castle of Vezio, for instance, is a two-minute car ride away. Nearby lakeside towns, like Bellagio and Menaggio, can be reached by ferry, and the jetty is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest airports to Varenna are both in Milan. Car rides from each airport to the hotel take about an hour and a half. 

See More Location

Rooms

Elegant decor and modern amenities 

The charming wood-floored rooms at the Royal Victoria evoke the 19th-century era effectively and elegantly. Most of the furnishings, from the walnut-wood dressers and desks to the brass detailing on the mirrors and half-shade wall lamps, reflect the hotel’s historic influences. There's a noticeable lack of artwork and sufficient lighting in some rooms, however. Walls are either painted in neutral colors or papered with floral-patterned wallpaper. 

Double Rooms are available with a view of the San Giorgio square or a lake view; the Lake View Rooms include balconies that accommodate small tables and chairs. Lakefront rooms all come with double beds, while Square View Rooms are available with twin or double beds. All Double Rooms come with air conditioners (known to get noisy), safes, minibars, and satellite TVs. Wi-Fi must be purchased for a daily fee. Coffee- and tea-making facilities are only provided in the Junior Suites, which also include larger lake-view balconies, fireplaces, and space for an additional bed if needed. 

Bathrooms have modern fixtures, but are simple in appearance with wooden floors and white-tiled walls. Each standard bathroom includes single sinks, bidets, and walk-in showers with both rainfall and handheld showerheads. Hairdryers and toiletries are also provided, although lotion isn’t included. Only one of the suites offers a bathtub.  

See More Rooms

Features

Free breakfast buffet and swimming pool, but extra charges for most other amenities 

Hotel Royal Victoria offers two dining options for guests. The Royal Gourmet restaurant is open for three meals a day, serving dishes inside the dining room with simple tiled floors and linen tablecloths, and out on the veranda for spectacular lake views and an airy atmosphere. The free breakfast buffet includes a sizable selection of pastries, fruits, eggs, meats, and Prosecco. The dinner menu offers more of an Italian fine-dining experience. The more casual Restaurant Victoria Grill is located in the nearby San Giorgio piazza, with both indoor and alfresco seating and a pizza-focused menu. The hotel also includes a retro evening lounge bar. The outdoor bar in the terrace garden overlooks the lake and offers light snacks from the afternoon until evening. Guests also have easy access to a small beach from the terrace, as well as a private dock from where boat rentals and lake tours can be arranged

Also available is the small, but pleasant, heated outdoor pool, surrounded by loungers. Most of the hotel’s other amenities, however, come with extra fees. A Suite Spa includes a Finnish sauna, a Turkish bath with customizable LED lighting, a range of shower varieties, and a relax area offering sensory music and bath accessories. On the downside, there is no gym on-site. Extra charges also apply for access to the internet point (a business center with one computer), room service, Wi-Fi, and parking. Separate meeting rooms are available to rent for conferences, courses, or private events. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Business Center

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Cribs

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Internet

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Mini Bar (with liquor)

  • Pool

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Spa

  • Swim-Up Bar

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.