On the shores of Lake Como in the town of Varenna, visitors can find Hotel Villa Cipressi. From R Collection Hotels, this historic villa, which dates back to the 14th century, is in one of Italy’s most picturesque locations. Surrounded by lush, green gardens and breathtaking views of the water, Hotel Villa Cipressi is essentially a dream come true.
Originally a private noble residence in the 1400s, it was later transformed into a hotel. In 2018, it was completely refurbished, becoming even more luxurious than before yet still keeping its historic charm. What makes this hotel one of a kind (aside from its rich history and incredible views) is its gorgeous terraced gardens that cascade down towards the lake. From these gardens, guests can enjoy views of the water as well as peeks of the picturesque town of Bellagio across the lake. Exotic plants, purple wisteria, and bright flowers fill the winding gardens, making it the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Inside, the hotel offers 32 rooms that are located in the three buildings of the Villa Cipressi. Some rooms are in the ancient wing (which dates back to 1300), meaning guests can truly experience the history of the building. As for the rooms themselves, they are each elegantly decorated (yet still comfortable) and feature classic Italian style with contemporary touches. Plus, many of the rooms have balconies or terraces that overlook the lake. (Choose from classic rooms with village views, deluxe rooms with lake views, and prestige rooms with lake views.) There are also five different suites – the Junior Suite Tremezzo, Junior Suite Bellagio, Suite Mimosa, Garden Suite, and Suite Magnolia. Every suite has spacious living areas, big beds, sleek TVs, and minibars that are restocked daily.
In terms of dining, Hotel Villa Cipressi has two different restaurants, both located on the grounds of Hotel Royal Victoria, which is a two-minute walk through the gardens. Guests can enjoy Restaurant Visteria, which serves fine Italian and Mediterranean dishes and has views of the lake, or Victoria Grill, which has casual Italian favorites and views of the main square of Varenna. All of the cuisine is made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, meaning every bite is worth savoring.
The hotel also features a wellness center, known as Suite Spa, where guests can relax and unwind with a range of spa treatments, including massages and facials. Additionally, there is a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, and a shower that’s equipped with color therapy.
For those looking to explore the area, the hotel offers easy access to Varenna’s quaint streets, which are dotted with delicious trattorias, small shops, and historic churches. What’s more, the ferry terminal is a five-minute drive away, allowing guests to hop on board for trips around Lake Como.
As for the hotel’s most incredible feature, it has a set of stunning gates that lead directly to the water. Perfect for any photo op, these gates are one of the most popular attractions in all of Lake Como for good reason.
Top Takeaways
Location: Varenna, Lake Como, Italy
Address: Via IV Novembre, 18, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
Rating: Four-Star
The Vibe: Historic, peaceful, and serene. A blend of timeless Italian charm and pure luxury.
Food + Drink: The hotel has two restaurants that are next door at Hotel Royal Victoria. Victoria Grill can be found in the front of the hotel in the main square of Varenna. The menu includes Italian favorites such as pasta, meat, fish, and more. The other restaurant, Visteria, provides a fine dining experience with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients and wine pairing. Additionally, the terrace is perfect for enjoying coffee or a cocktail.
Our Favorite Part of the Hotel: The gates that lead to the water. They’re essentially like the gates to Heaven.
Amenities: Lakefront garden; two restaurants; Spa Suite; private balconies or terraces (in select rooms); flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, minibar, and air conditioning
What’s Nearby? Varenna is a small town, so everything is in close proximity to the Villa. Take a stroll through the historic street, enjoy a meal at an authentic trattoria, and shop in the local stores. Plus, the ferry terminal is close by, meaning guests can take trips around Lake Como.
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Visit Villa Monastero and its botanical garden. It has so much history and it’s absolutely stunning.
Rooms: 32 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rates start at $440/night.
Closest Airport: Milan Malpensa Airport or Orio al Serio International Airport
