Hotel Belvedere by Joanna Monkhouse

Lake Como is one of Italy’s most picturesque areas. Bellagio is a very pretty village on the lake and for that reason is heavily populated by tourists each summer. Hotel Belvedere is set away from the village’s main promenade enabling guests to benefit from the stunning lake views in a more tranquil setting than that of the hotels in the village’s centre. A five-minute stroll (down a very long staircase, half way down the fear starts for the return trip) brings you into the heart of Bellagio with many restaurants and bars to choose from.

The newly renovated rooms are the ones to go for, sporting shiny marble floors, some reproduction antique furniture and an inviting selection of books next to each of the comfortable beds. Bathrooms have been redone with Philippe Starck taps, designer basins and soft colours. Most rooms at the Belvedere have balconies or terraces overlooking the lake.

Hotel Belvedere’s restaurant overlooks Lake Como as do the pretty terraced gardens that lead down to the swimming pool. Staff are welcoming and helpful.