Cadenabbia hotel; hotel on Lake Como

Hotel Britannia Excelsior, Cadenabbia, Como

Set amidst beautiful scenery on the banks of Lake Como, surrounded by magnificent 19th century villas, the Hotel Britannia Excelsior sits just 50 metres from the landing stage from the boats - with superb views over the Bellagio promontory.

The hotel was created in 1830, and is set within a building in the Liberty style typical of 19th century Italy. It gives you the opportunity to immediately immerse yourself in the grand, old-world atmosphere. This is a quite unique location, with lovely garden and swimming pools, spacious lounges in which to relax, a pleasant bar and excellent restaurant - everything is set up to make your vacation on Lago di Como a truly memorable one. The hotel has private parking, a garage and a jetty for boats.

For centuries, boatmen would leave the town of Como at the south of the lake, first thing in the morning, then stop at the old inn here for the night. They would continue their journey the following day with passengers or goods bound for Chiavenna or Colico. Then, in 1801, Giuseppe Gianella had the idea of transforming the modest hostelry at Cadenabbia (which means 'boatmen's house') into a luxury hotel - the first here. Over the following decades, the new village became a draw for discerning visitors from all over the world.

In-room comforts have changed somewhat over the intervening two centuries of course - all rooms now have bathroom, phone, cable/satellite TV, desk and lamp, safe, and a buffet breakfast is provided. But some things don't change - most importantly the service, style and scenery that make this such a popular destination year upon year. What better way to enjoy Como than to enjoy a lake cruise, passing magnificent villas and luxuriant gardens, picturesque fishing villages and Bellagio itself - 'the pearl of the lake'.

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Double room from €59