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Situated in a stunning 19th century Venetian-style Palazzo that has long been one of the most photographed structures on Lake Como, Vista Palazzo Lago di Como is the Italian town’s first five-star hotel and is open year-round. Vista enjoys a convenient central position next to the lively Piazza Cavour, the historical main square of Como, with a unique lakefront location offering panoramic views of world famous Lake Como from the romantic balustrades and Juliet balconies of the 18 hotel rooms and suites. Oozing effortless glamour, the rooms showcase the best in Italian craftsmanship, with intricate hand-hewn marquetry on the wooden floors, glass walls and hand-embroidered Italian bed sheets. The hotel’s Infinity Bar offers an extensive selection of cocktails influenced by the Lake Como area such as the “Up into the River”, a whisky cocktail inspired by the migration of salmon with Tio Pepe sherry and pomegranate syrup or the “Green Mizu” cocktail combining Asian accents of Kombu, wasabi and matcha tea.

SLH Insider Tip: Hotel guests can indulge in the services of a personal shopper, who can escort them through retail attractions in Como or further afield to Milan or Lugano in Switzerland. Sight-seeing options are also available on Lake Como, with tours via both Riva speed boats and seaplanes, which can be arranged through the hotel’s concierge.