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Artful Escapes

Artful Escapes: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Set on the scenic shores of glistening Lake Como, the storied property has been an iconic destination for over 150 years

By Christina Ohly Evans
Historic villa overlooking Lake Como with a boat passing by, framed by lush mountains and a clear blue sky in the background.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Photo: COURTESY OF GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI

The family-run Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, set on the scenic shores of glistening Lake Como, has been an iconic destination for over 150 years, with guests including Franz Liszt, Winston Churchill, and Sophia Loren. This summer marks a new era for the sleeping beauty.

Opulent interior with grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and elegant gold candelabras in a historic building.
Interior of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Photo: COURTESY OF GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI

Praised for its memorable marble staircases, trompe l’oeil ceilings, Murano chandeliers, frescoes, and gilded finishes, the hotel has undergone a thoughtful renovation to its 94 rooms and suites that include bespoke furnishings and lighter fabrics with a modern sensibility. Also new this year is Luce del Lago, the largest wellness center on the lake, including two futuristic hydro pools, a Finnish sauna, immersive chromotherapy treatments, and a hammam, among other meditative amenities.

Luxurious hotel room with ornate decor, gold accents, and a scenic view of a lake and mountains through large windows.
The Open Space Suites. Photo: Courtesy GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI

The expanded beachfront—a rarity on Lake Como—offers even more opportunities to sample la dolce vita throughout the day. The hotel’s beloved Ristorante La Goletta, heralded for Mediterranean dishes served poolside, debuts a nautical aesthetic, while updated public areas are dressed in artisanal boiserie and parquet flooring by local makers. Yet with all these enhancements, the historic beauty of Villa Serbelloni remains blissfully unchanged.

Elegant vintage room with red chairs, wooden desk, chandelier, and large windows showcasing mountain view.
Helmut Newton Suite Photo: Courtesy GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI
Scenic view of a lakeside area with mountains, palm trees, and a terrace overlooking calm waters under a partly cloudy sky.
View of the swimming pool and lake. Photo: Courtesy GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI

A version of this article first appeared in print in our 2025 Summer Issue in the section “Artful Escapes.” Subscribe to the magazine.