Passalacqua

Five stars honestly do not feel like enough for Passalacqua. We have stayed in many beautiful five-star hotels, but this place really is in a category of its own. I think there are probably only a handful of hotels in the world that can create this kind of feeling. From the moment you arrive, you immediately know that you are somewhere very special. The service deserves a separate mention. Every person we met, from the valet taking care of the car and luggage, to reception, housekeeping and restaurant staff, was genuinely warm, kind, attentive and helpful. Nothing ever felt forced or overly formal. You simply feel looked after from the very first minute, while still being given all the privacy and space to enjoy the place in your own way. One of the things we loved most is that Passalacqua is relatively small. It feels intimate, peaceful and very personal. The whole property is impeccably maintained, with beautiful greenery, flowers, old trees and countless little corners where you can sit and enjoy the surroundings. There is so much to do and discover, yet somehow the hotel never feels busy or crowded. Even the other guests seemed exceptionally pleasant. Maybe places like this simply attract lovely people. And then, of course, there is the view over Lake Como. It is difficult to put into words. Passalacqua gives you the feeling of being completely removed from noise, crowds and everyday life, while still being perfectly connected to everything around the lake. We stayed during our honeymoon and the hotel made the experience even more special. They helped us organise a photoshoot with their photographer and also arranged a private boat for us. Everything was taken care of so smoothly from beginning to end that we could simply relax and enjoy the day instead of thinking about logistics. Our boat driver was also absolutely lovely. We were welcomed in our room with sparkling wine, a beautiful selection of desserts and fruit, including probably the sweetest little apricots we have ever tasted. Such a thoughtful and memorable gesture. The room itself was a work of art. There are so many details that you keep discovering something new every time you look around. The interiors have this wonderful mix of elegance, history and comfort, with beautiful vintage pieces throughout. Staying there almost feels like being invited into an extraordinary private residence or museum, except you are actually allowed to touch everything, use it and feel completely at home. We were too tired for dinner in the restaurant and ordered room service instead. The pasta, pizza and tiramisu were all excellent. Breakfast the next morning was just as good, served in another gorgeous room where it is almost impossible not to spend half your time admiring the interiors. Our only regret is that the hotel was fully booked and we could stay for just one night. It definitely was not enough. Before this stay, Lake Como itself was a destination we wanted to return to. Now the destination is Passalacqua. When we come back, it will be because we want to stay here again. Every excellent review, every award and every bit of praise this hotel receives feels completely deserved.

Passalacqua lives up to its reputation in almost every way. The setting is extraordinary. The views over Lake Como, the terraced gardens, and the pool are all as beautiful as you’d hope, and the service throughout is warm and attentive. The spa was a standout, the massage my husband and I received was among the best either of us has ever had. Breakfast was excellent, too. Dinner, unfortunately, was the weak spot. The experience felt clunky and a little awkward, with a few clear misses. The wrong primi arrived, and a soufflé that, when it came, wasn’t really a soufflé. For a property of this caliber, the dining should match the rest of the experience, and right now it doesn’t quite. The gym is the other major letdown. Frankly, it’s atrocious and well below what you’d expect here. Limited and dirty equipment and no AC, for example. Would we recommend Passalacqua? Yes, without hesitation. The location, the grounds, the spa, and the overall hospitality make it special. But the dinner service needs attention, and the gym deserves a serious upgrade.

Well, what can you say? This place is like something out of a dream. We’ve been lucky enough to stay in some incredible luxury hotels over the years, and on this trip alone stayed in six boutique hotels across Europe. Passalacqua was in a league of its own. It sounds dramatic, but the setting could genuinely be one of the prettiest places on earth. The entire time you can’t help but feel like you’re in a dream. We were lucky with perfect spring weather, which definitely helped, but I honestly can’t imagine this place ever being anything less than magical. It doesn’t rely on the views alone either. Every little detail has been considered. Everything is immaculate. It smells beautiful, the music playing through the villa feels perfectly chosen, the styling is perfection, and there is even a full-time florist creating arrangements throughout the property. In spring, the gardens were overflowing with flowers. Our room was spacious, beautiful and incredibly comfortable. The sheets were some of the softest we’ve ever slept in, the bed was excellent, and importantly for us, the room was properly dark at night with no annoying lights. There was a little corridor noise at times, which I think is just part of staying in an old building, but nothing that took away from the stay. The estate is spread across several terraces, so there are endless places to sit, swim, read, wander, smell the roses, visit the chickens or just stare at the lake. The pools are beautiful, properly sized, and surrounded by plenty of lounges. The gym is also very well equipped and, of course, in a beautiful setting. Breakfast was excellent, with lots of different places to sit depending on your mood and weather. The buffet had so much variety and everything we tried was delicious. Food generally was consistently very good. Service was exactly what you would hope for at this level - warm, polished, genuinely thoughtful and never intrusive. As for location, we didn’t leave the property once in three days, which probably says everything. Of course, you’re right on Lake Como, so if you want to explore you can, but for us this was a place to simply stay, slow down and enjoy. We had very high expectations for Passalacqua and I am happy to say they somehow managed to exceed them. A very special place that we couldn’t recommend more.

What an exceptional place - one of my favorite hotels in the world. Service exceptional- the landscape stunning the grounds perfectly manicured - the start to finish experience well tailored - perfect amenities the outdoor gym, the quiet spa, the outdoor pool serviceable views and the fabulous combination of different rooms to sit in for different occasions- there is a sophistication to the hotel that cannot be described, it simply must be felt. It takes alot for me to want to come back to a hotel as there is so much in the world to see but this is a hotel I would come back to. Incredible!