{"id":2263,"date":"2025-05-06T14:59:10","date_gmt":"2025-05-06T14:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=2263"},"modified":"2025-05-13T13:12:10","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T13:12:10","slug":"i-visited-lake-como-and-the-italian-riviera-one-shines-brighter-than-the-other","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/06\/i-visited-lake-como-and-the-italian-riviera-one-shines-brighter-than-the-other\/","title":{"rendered":"I visited Lake Como and the Italian Riviera \u2014 one shines brighter than the other"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Weighing up the pros and cons of Lake Como and Portofino (Picture: R Collection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ah, Italy<\/a>. Home of pasta, leaning towers and some of the world\u2019s best beaches<\/a>. <\/p>\n

There are hundreds of reasons why La Dolce Vita is at the top of almost everyone\u2019s bucket list. But with a rich tapestry of destinations boasting an abundance of culture and cuisine, it can be difficult to choose only one.<\/p>\n

Dozens of Reddit<\/a> threads are devoted to this conundrum. One of the most popular queries is whether to head for Portofino, on the Italian Riviera, or Lake Como, an upscale resort<\/a> in the northern region.<\/p>\n

I stayed at hotels in both to find out where you should spend your time and money sipping limoncello this summer \u2014 here is my honest review.<\/p>\n

The case for Como<\/h2>\n

Putting two iconic destinations head to head in a Gladiator-esque battle required strict rules of engagement. I needed to stay at hotels of similar standard (both are part of the same R Collection group), and choose activities that could be fairly compared.<\/p>\n

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In Lake Como, I checked in to the Grand Hotel Victoria, an imposing lakeside building built in 1890 in Menaggio, an ancient town on the lake\u2019s western shore.<\/p>\n

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The hotel boasts an impressive outdoor pool area (Picture: R Collection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are modern interiors and a traditional facade, with polished marble floors and chandeliers decorating the pristine white lobby. On the ground floor is a high-end cocktail bar that serves a Rossini, a prosecco and a fresh strawberry drink that puts Bucks Fizz to shame.<\/p>\n

Like all luxury hotels in the Como area, the bedroom was spectacular, complete with cotton sheets of a higher thread count than any I\u2019ve ever slept in, plus a dressing room and a bathroom with the best rainfall shower I\u2019ve ever experienced.<\/p>\n

Elegant touches such as a fruit basket and a bouquet of fresh flowers would usually be the first thing I\u2019d gravitate towards. But instead, the massive Juliet balconies had me hooked. The view is the hotel\u2019s USP.<\/p>\n

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The hotel is perfectly situated for hopping across the lake (Picture: R Collection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The price per room is not cheap (standard rooms from \u00a3580 in low season, and from an eye-watering \u00a31,078 in high season), but given the location and high-end comforts, in this part of the world it\u2019s par for the course.<\/p>\n

On-site are a range of activities, including cookery classes hosted by friendly staff who managed to teach me how to make fresh pesto and tiramisu, all while sipping on prosecco.<\/p>\n

No mean feat for someone who once set fire to frozen chicken in a microwave.<\/p>\n

The hotel has one of the most elegant spas I\u2019ve seen, with treatments aimed at destressing different parts of your body. <\/p>\n

A full-body oil massage was the perfect way to untie every knot, and a walk through the reflexology-inspired shower trail with alternating temperatures really got my blood pumping.<\/p>\n

Outside is a beach club, with private cabanas and sun loungers surrounding a large pool overlooking the lake.<\/p>\n

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The beach club has a spectacular view (Picture: R Collection)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Beyond the resort walls, Menaggio is a good base for exploring Como. <\/p>\n

Characterised by winding narrow streets, the town is less touristy than neighbouring Bellagio or Varenna, both a short boat ride across the water.<\/p>\n

Menaggio is home to an abundance of swanky restaurants. Local hotspot Darsena serves some of the best pasta I\u2019ve ever eaten. For lunch, a plate of fresh pasta and wild boar ragu will set you back about \u00a317, much the same as London prices.<\/p>\n

Check the menu before you sit down, though: in high season, an Aperol Spritz in a central location could force you to remortgage your flat.<\/p>\n

From the hotel, dozens of shops and bars are within walking distance, as well as ferry boats travelling across the lake to Varenna, a viral Instagram<\/a> location.<\/p>\n

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Lake Como has served as the backdrop for many famous films (Picture: Laura Harman)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

One of the most deluged spots is The Hotel Villa Cipressi, where an attractive entranceway known as the \u2018gates of heaven\u2019 draws hordes of influencers each day.<\/p>\n

Lake Como has never been a hidden gem, but overtourism has intensified in recent years. In April 2024, a tourist tax charging day-trippers a 5 euro entry fee<\/a> was rolled out.<\/p>\n

Officials said the tax was designed to reduce overcrowding at peak times, and came in addition to city taxes for overnight stays.<\/p>\n

I visited in October, at the tail end of the season, which meant many streets were deserted. It\u2019s worth planning a trip for the shoulder seasons if you want peace and quiet.<\/p>\n

Grand Hotel Victoria Concept & Spa: 9\/10<\/em><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\tAffordable Italian destinations to explore in summer 2025\t\t\t<\/h2>\n
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