Grand Hotel Imperiale 4*

Set at the foot of the picturesque little village of Moltrasio, and a few steps from the lakeside, the Grand Hotel Imperiale dates back to 1926. Three interlinked buildings plus the exclusive 12-room Villa are combined with a spa, a fine-dining restaurant and an inviting pool. It attracts couples from across the world. Views from the lakeside pool area are outstanding. The original building is in late Art Nouveau style and most attractive. The Villa, pool, and restaurant area by the lake, with lawns and brightly planted borders, is lovely. Period furniture makes the old school bar, the Regina, full of character. Most rooms, even in the old section, have a balcony of some sort. The Villas offer exceptional lake view and deluxe spa rooms “emotional” showers and other goodies. Most rooms are spacious. Many guests will appreciate the I-Spa with indoor pool, saunas and salt cave. Most, though, will migrate through a small tunnel to the outdoor pool, which is right beside the lake and affords grand vistas. There is on-site tennis, too. The underground car park is essential for those with rental vehicles. A pianist plays in the bar several nights each week. Reception staff is smiley and helpful, while restaurant staff is eager to please. Half-board guests will eat in the airy Cascata restaurant, with patio doors opening on to the pretty garden; there are a few tables outside too. The standard fare is good and varied, with the pasta usually delicious. Breakfast — a generous spread, with fresh fruit — is taken here too. For a real treat, there is the Imperialino restaurant beside the lake with tables charmingly set within a hop of the water. With three Michelin red forks, it dishes up the likes of ravioli with beef tartar and roasted perch and trout from the lake.
The Grand Hotel Imperiale spreads on both sides of the small coast road and the public jetty is next door, with regular services to Como town (20 minutes).