Hotel Excelsior Splendide

Memorable because of its deep yellow paint, and lakeside location, the Hotel Excelsior Splendide does offer a splendid location. Built in the "liberty style" this 1907 multi-story hotel comes with some nice features such as a large and comfortable lobby, a beautiful outdoor pool in a garden setting, and the covered, lakeside "Terrace Restaurant." There is quite a lovely dining room inside the hotel. However, the rooms do not follow suit. The hotel offers 50 rooms which look to be spacious, the decor is pleasant but somewhat spartan and with none of the grandness of the rest of the building. The rooms do come with private bath, color TV, phone, safe, air-conditioning and fan. That being said, maybe the room with such a view is worth it, and if not, less expensive accommodations are sure to be found.

If you are not a hotel guest, the Excelsior Splendide still offers a lovely lakeside bar and dining area for drinks, snacks or a light lunch or dinner. The Gelateria at Hotel Excelsior Splendide looks just as delightful as their luscious looking creations! They are not just luscious, they are exquisite looking -- I've never seen fruit look that beautiful!!

As you know, Bellagio is a premier tourist destination on Lago di Como, and accommodations with lake views naturally tend to be pricey. When I explored the "Hotel Excelsior Splendide" in March, 2004, I thought the prices were unbelievably reasonable. But it seems the prices have risen somewhat since then. Beyond that, you can expect to pay more for rooms with a lake view. Prices vary with the season but in 2004 rooms could be had for around 80 Euros per person half board. In 2006, you can expect to pay around 150 Euros per day half board, based on a minimum 7 day stay. Check their website for exact prices (which are sure to be more dear), specials or reductions for online booking.

Unique Quality: Definitely, their lakeside location and the gelateria is reason enough to stop here!!