Lake Como is in the midst of a renaissance as a destination, and just an hour north by train from Milan, Hilton Lake Como embodies the way past, present, form and function can coexist in harmony. As a whole, this modern luxury property taps into the town’s legacy as a textile producer.

Monica Limonta, architect and owner of the hotel, designed the property with fellow architect/cousin Dario Cazzaniga, with construction by Como-based Nessi & Majocchi. The architecture wraps a century-old former silk factory into a greenhouse, which puts guests physically and spiritually in the middle of the area’s splendor. The concept is a nod to the popularity of greenhouses around the region, down to the glass-enclosed lobby and landscaping visible from the outdoors and indoors. Rooftops incorporate an outdoor pool; hot tubs; and Terrazza 241, a glass-enclosed bar-restaurant that flows into outdoor seating.

The final result frames rather than conflicts with the lake and mountain landscape, as well as the “Liberty”-style, medieval and Renaissance buildings. While earthy materials like dark-wood flooring, exposed bricks and plants provide continuity throughout the public and private areas of the building, “natural” does not mean muted or boring. The hotel embraces the culture of vibrant silk textiles and manicured gardens of nearby estates with furnishings.

© Elyse Glickman

The hotel’s 170 large and airy rooms, including 19 suites, have a canvas-like quality through floor-to-ceiling windows and clean-lined furnishings, allowing guests to plan their day just by waking up and looking out the window. Premium suites sitting on the top floor of the old factory feature a glass ceiling.

© Elyse Glickman

Other perks include a pet-friendly policy, free WiFi, electric vehicle charging stations and astute concierge professionals. Terrazza 241 benefits from its own self-contained greenhouse feel, along with 360-degree views. Against this carefree-yet-elegant backdrop, signature cocktails (with many featuring Rivo Gin made with local botanicals), Italian wines, informal meals, flavorful plant-based dishes, light bites and sharing platters are served. Between May and October, the experience stretches out to the pool area.

On the first floor just beyond the airy lobby, Taffeta and its adjoining garden are also alive with silk-inspired color and coziness. Throughout the year, this bar offers its own creative cocktails and zero-proof drinks, and in summer, the “Streetfood” adjunct is open outside, serving pizza, Italian snacks, seasonal libations and craft beers.

© Elyse Glickman

Midway between the lounge and Eforea Spa (a global Hilton signature service), Satin provides a lovely sunlit setting for far-above-average breakfasts. A rotation of green juices and smoothies await guests at the entrance, and the buffet is stocked with top-quality bacon and meats, cheeses, pastries, and warm dishes with subtle yet delicious twists. A daily à la carte menu likewise features a changing selection of options.

While the 24-hour gym and indoor pool are also enhanced by the outdoor landscaping, lake and mountains, Eforea Spa here has a local feel thanks to a focus on Comfort Zone and other Italian-made skincare lines, as well as the floral Acqua del Lario fragrance collection for body and home (silk fashion accessories are also available). The signature Deeper Than Deep Hot Stone Massage uses Balinese stones treated with frangipani monoi body oil to help relieve tension.

The heart of Como is 15–20 minutes from the front door on foot, and trails leading up to the main dock are gorgeously flanked with landmark buildings and homes such as Villa Olmo, which peeks out on one side. Other walking-distance attractions include Volta Museum; Como’s football team’s Sinigaglia Stadium; the Marina serving as a departure point for numerous boat tours; and The Aero Club Como, a century-old sea plane flight school. Como Old Town, meanwhile, abounds with top-tier shopping and Duomo de Como, which has nine 16^th-century tapestries and paintings by Gaudenzio Ferrari and Bernardino Luini (a contemporary of Leonardo da Vinci) on display.

Hilton Lake Como

Via Borgo Vico, 241, 22100
Como CO, Italy
tel 39 031 338 2611