Grand Hotel Imperiale, Lake Como

Location

It enjoys a peaceful location at the foot of the town of Moltrasio, with its charming hotchpotch of houses descending to the shore. It's on the western shore of the lake, spreading on both sides of the lakefront road (the buildings and gardens are connected via an underground tunnel). It's a 20-minute drive to Como, a pretty town home to stylish boutiques, lively restaurants and bars. Public boats dock 55yds from the hotel, making it convenient to zip off to nearby Como or to explore the rest of the lake.

Dating back to 1922, the main building retains a sprinkling of original Art Nouveau features including handcrafted lamps, tiled floors and ceilings embellished with floral motifs. White marble floors, rugs and paintings in mellow hues feature in the lounge, although despite these pleasant features, the drab uninspiring furniture (nondescript office-style armchairs) are a bit of a downer, lending the reception area and lounge a rather insipid atmosphere. Head over to the lakefront via an underground tunnel and you’re in for a treat: the pool area and adjacent renovated villa exude Lake Como charm, and there are gorgeous lake views too.

Accommodation

Standard rooms feature classic-style furnishings, with white-and-grey wallpaper and faux-leather headboards. Dim wall lighting by the bed creates a warm atmosphere, and marble bathrooms are equipped with Etro toiletries. Rooms give onto the garden; if you're after sweeping lake views you'll have to splash out for a room in the renovated lakefront villa.

Dining

With its large floor-to-ceiling windows, Imperialino Restaurant offers wonderful lake views. It offers delicious gourmet dishes with an emphasis on local specialities. The lake fish trilogy is a good introduction to what the lake offers, featuring soused char (a trout-like fish), salmon trout tartar and perch mousse; the lake perch fillets with butter rice and crunchy sage are particularly good.

Cascata Restaurant offers traditional Italian dishes in a less formal setting, with buffet breakfast – a spread of hams, cheeses, fruits, cereal and pastries – taken here. For a tipple, head to Bar Regina, a pleasant Art Nouveau bar dating back to the 1920s.

Facilities

The peaceful lakefront swimming pool is particularly attractive and offers wonderful views, while the compact spa has a small indoor swimming pool with hydromassage jets, salt room, sauna and steam room.