The Italian Lake District’s first big brand property, Sheraton Lake Como, has quickly made a name for itself as one of ‘the’ places to stay, dine and hang out since opening its doors in April. TDUK editor Gemma Greenwood finds out why.
There’s a new kid on the block on Lake Como and it’s turning heads with its contemporary good looks, fine food and modern facilities, not to mention its enviable location.
And for the first time ever in Italy’s famous lake region, it’s a property that’s operated by one of the world’s biggest hotel brands, Sheraton, part of the mega Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide portfolio.
Sheraton Lake Como, like every other hotel that lines the shores of this stunningly beautiful area of Italy, was once solely a family-run property (Grand Hotel di Como), but in December last year, the owners partnered with the international hospitality firm, marking the start of a new era for the property and for Lake Como.
Between January and March this year, the property underwent a complete renovation – a 100-day overhaul orchestrated by renowned Italian architect, Ruggero Venelli and studio Venelli Kramer. The result was a 116-room modern yet cosy hotel that embodies Italian style and flair, incorporating top-quality natural materials, neutral palette and in a nod to local talent, custom handcrafted furniture from acclaimed Italian designers.
It’s piqued the interest of the local and international jet set, many initially lured by the comfort of the Sheraton brand and the high standards for which it is known. These are certainly upheld in features ranging from the oh-so-comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed and Sheraton Club lounge, to the Sheraton Fitness and Link@Sheraton (PC and internet) concepts.
However, the property’s appeal extends way beyond its physical features. Although its ‘made in Italy’ design elements are essential to creating a sense of place, Sheraton Lake Como’s ambience is its true selling point.
It’s hard to put your finger on the secret ingredient, but a number of factors contribute to the hotel’s magnetism.
For starters, the hotel is surrounded by a stunning Alpine landscape that can be best admired while sipping cocktails by the pool or dining at Kincho Restaurant – a one-of-a-kind outlet located in a wooden poolside gazebo that serves South American delicacies, meat grills, and for the less adventurous, traditional Italian wood-fired pizzas.
Every Thursday evening during the summer months, Sheraton Lake Como’s mountain views are the backdrop to one of the area’s most popular DJ nights. It brings out the beautiful people, but in true Italian style, families are also more than welcome. Model types dance alongside excited kids by the pool as the sun sets to ‘Café del Mar’ style chilled-out dance tunes.
Completing the scene, Sheraton Lake Como’s surroundings are spacious and green and the property even has its own private park for sunbathing, jogging, picnicking or child’s play.
The hotel staff are also friendly, happy to help and multi-lingual – they’ll even lend you a special hotel umbrella if you’re about to walk out into a pre-dinner rain shower (which often happens during the balmy Lake District summers), or loan you a bike so you can take a trip around the lake itself into nearby villages such as Cernobbio.
The hotel’s main source markets for business are the UK, Europe, US, Australia and increasingly, the Middle East. In the autumn and spring time the property is popular with the meetings market, thanks to its futuristic conference centre, Spazio Como – a multi-functional space designed by Italian architect Attilio Terragni, which can host up to 350 people. It’s an iconic venue that serves as one of the hotel’s defining landmarks. Sheraton Lake Como also has 10 meetings rooms, which can accommodate between 40 and 150 people or collectively hold up to 1,000 guests.
In a bid to capitalise on the property’s popularity, the hotel plans to close its doors once again this winter (December to February) to convert the first floor from 33 single rooms to 20 doubles. It’s a move that will take its inventory to a much-needed 136 rooms.
Sheraton’s debut in Italy’s Lake Como region has certainly given the destination’s hotel and tourism market food for thought, introducing a new sleek and contemporary accommodation style that appeals to all types of travellers, from holidaying couples and families to business and conference guests.
The upscale brand has even paved the way for other global hotel operators to take the plunge, with Hilton preparing to open its first property, Hilton Lake Como, in the centre of Como town in 2017.
Sheraton Lake Como’s style and finesse have certainly started a new accommodation trend in this popular destination, introducing a new way of experiencing an area of the world that remains a second home to the likes of Hollywood superstar George Clooney. In fact his pad is just a few miles up the road, or rather, the lake. Take a boat trip from the small ferry port at Tavernola, just opposite the hotel, and you’ll be able to sail past the actor’s retreat and give him a wave.
Here’s a run down of these and other top selling tips for Sheraton Lake Como:
Location: Near the village of Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como in Italy’s Lombardia region. The hotel is surrounded by the Alps and within a one-hour drive of Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports.
Accommodation: 116 guestrooms including four suites with 20 more rooms being added by February next year. Each room features the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed. There are six room types: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Deluxe Pool View Room; Deluxe Terrace Room; Club Floor Room; and Suites.
Restaurants: Three restaurants and two bars. Restaurant Kincho is an open-air Brazilian grill, complete with its own al fresco Bar Kincho; Restaurant Gusto is contemporary outlet serving modern Italian dishes; and Bar Fresco on the first floor is the place to sample the best Italian wines in a casual setting, surrounded by art books and newspapers.
Sheraton CLUB lounge: Club Room guests have exclusive access to the Club lounge, which offers privileges such as breakfast, afternoon hors d’oeuvres, a premium selection of beverages and free Wi-Fi. Located on the first floor, it boasts views of the mountains and a private park.
Leisure facilities: An outdoor pool and separate Jacuzzi heated to 32 degrees with several hydro-massage points; a private park where guests can sunbathe, picnic, exercise or hold a party; plus a fitness centre open 24 hours a day and fitted out with Technogym equipment.
Business facilities: A conference centre with 10 rooms that can accommodation between 40 and 150 people or collectively, up to 1,000. The futuristic multi-functional space, Spazio Como, is an auditorium that can host up to 350 people.
Technology: The Link@Sheraton concept is a partnership with Microsoft that allows guests to use free computers with internet access in the lobby, complete with free Wi-Fi and printers.
What to do: Take a boat ride around the lake, stopping at must-visit towns such as Bellagio; visit the old town of Como, just 10 minutes by boat or a 30-minute walk from Sheraton Lake Como; check out the lakeside piazza at nearby Cernobbio; walk around the gardens of Villa Balbianello, Villa Carlott, Villa Melzi or Villa Erba, to name but a few; take part in lake sports and activities such as water-skiing, windsurfing, fishing and seaplane rides; embark on a bike or hike expedition around the lake, in the mountains or in the countryside; play golf at one of seven nearby 18-hole courses; and shop at Como, nearby fashion capital Milan, or for designer bargains, at FoxTown, a luxury outlet in Mendrisio (a 20-minute drive over the Swiss border).
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