You’ve seen the photos. The floating pool. The dramatic stone arches. The sort of effortless Italian glamour that makes you want to pack a linen suit and never come back. But let’s be real for a second—Lake Como is crowded. In the peak of July, the ferry lines are a nightmare and the prices at the legendary grand dames can feel like a personal insult. So, where does Mandarin Oriental Lake Como actually fit into this?
It’s different.
While the historic heavy hitters like Villa d’Este or Grand Hotel Tremezzo lean heavily into that "Gilded Age" Belle Époque aesthetic, the Mandarin Oriental feels like it actually belongs in the 21st century. It sits on the sunny eastern shore in Blevio. It's quieter here. You don’t have the frantic tourist energy of Bellagio or Menaggio buzzing right outside your gate. Instead, you get a nine-villa estate anchored by the 19th-century Villa Roccabruna, formerly owned by the opera singer Giuditta Pasta.
Honestly, the history matters because you can feel it in the walls, but the Mandarin Oriental isn't a museum. It’s a vibe.
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The Geography of Blevio: Why the Location Matters
Most people stay on the western shore because that’s where the "action" is. Big mistake. If you stay in Blevio, you get the sunset. You get the golden hour light hitting the water in a way that makes everything look like a Renaissance painting.
The resort is tucked away. It’s private. You’re only five miles from Como city, which is great for a quick dinner or some shopping, but when you’re back at the property, it’s silent. The botanical park surrounding the villas has over 50 different species of plants. It’s lush. It's green. It smells like jasmine and old money.
People often worry that being on the eastern shore makes it hard to get around. It doesn't. The resort has its own Riva boats. They’ll whisk you across the water to Villa del Balbianello or the town of Cernobbio in minutes. There is something fundamentally cool about stepping off a wooden speedboat directly onto your hotel’s private dock. It never gets old.
The Floating Pool: A Masterclass in Engineering
Let’s talk about the pool. It’s the centerpiece. It’s a literal floating pontoon on the lake. If you’ve scrolled through Instagram in the last three years, you’ve seen it.
But what the photos don't tell you is how it feels when a ferry goes by. There’s a slight, almost imperceptible bobbing. It’s surreal. You’re swimming in a heated pool, but you’re on the lake. The dark grey stone of the deck contrasts with the deep blue of the water. It’s sharp. It’s modern.
The deck service is surprisingly fast. You want a Negroni Sbagliato? It’s there before you’ve even dried off. The staff doesn't hover, but they’re somehow always right there when you need them. It’s that weird, high-level service Mandarin Oriental is famous for globally, but with an Italian "Ciao" that keeps it from feeling stiff.
Rooms, Villas, and the Art of the View
There are 75 rooms, suites, and villas. Most of them have a view. If you end up in a room facing the gardens, it’s still beautiful, but the lake view is why you’re here.
The design by Eric Egan is a departure from the "grandma’s parlor" look you find in many Italian villas. Think muted teals, soft greys, and high-end Italian craftsmanship. It’s understated. It’s expensive-looking without being flashy.
The Penthouse Suite is the one everyone talks about. It has a private terrace and its own pool. It’s massive. But even the "standard" rooms in the outbuildings are oversized by European standards. The bathrooms are massive marble sanctuaries.
One thing to note: the property is hilly. It’s built into the side of the mountain. They have golf carts to zip you around, but if you like walking, bring decent shoes. Those cobblestone paths are no joke for a pair of high heels.
Dining at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot
L’Aria is the fine dining spot, and it’s incredible—molecular touches on Mediterranean classics—but the CO.MO Bar & Bistrot is where the soul of the place is.
The terrace is perched right over the water. You sit there under the umbrellas, eating wood-fired pizza that has no business being that good at a five-star resort. The crust is thin, blistered, and perfect. Pair it with a local wine from the Valtellina region.
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Why Valtellina? Because everyone drinks Prosecco, but the Nebbiolos from the mountains just north of the lake are world-class and often overlooked. Ask the sommelier. They love talking about the local stuff.
The Spa: A Underground Sanctuary
The spa here is arguably the best on the lake. It’s 1,300 square meters of wellness tucked away in the lower levels of the villa.
They have a "Heat and Water" circuit that includes a Mediterranean bath, a Finnish sauna, and a Himalayan salt room. It’s dark, moody, and very relaxing. The signature treatments often use local ingredients like olive oil or herbs from the garden.
It's the perfect escape for those rare rainy days on the lake. Most people huddle in the bar when it rains, but the move is to head underground to the pool and steam rooms.
What Most People Get Wrong About Lake Como
There’s a misconception that you need a car. You don’t. In fact, driving in Lake Como is a nightmare. The roads are narrow, the parking is non-existent, and the local drivers are... assertive.
At Mandarin Oriental Lake Como, you should rely on the water. Use the hotel’s shuttle boat or book a private tour. Seeing the villas from the water is the only way to truly appreciate the architecture.
Another mistake? Only visiting in June or July. September and early October are the secret sweet spots. The water is still warm enough for the floating pool, the crowds have thinned out, and the air has a crispness that makes the mountains look sharper. The light is better for photos, too.
The Reality Check
Is it expensive? Yes. Very.
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Is it worth it? If you value privacy and modern luxury over old-world opulence, then yes. If you want to be in the middle of a bustling town where you can walk to ten different cheap trattorias, this isn't the place for you. You’re paying for the seclusion. You’re paying for the fact that when you sit on your balcony at night, the only thing you hear is the water lapping against the stone.
It's a sanctuary.
Actionable Insights for Your Trip
- Book the Boat Early: The hotel’s private Riva is in high demand. If you want a sunset cruise, book it weeks before you arrive.
- Walk the Greenway: If you get restless, take the ferry to Colonno and walk the Greenway del Lago di Como. It’s a 10km trail that takes you through ancient villages and gardens. It’s the best way to see the "real" side of the lake.
- Try the Breakfast: Don’t skip it. The spread at Villa Roccabruna is legendary. The pastries are made in-house and the view from the breakfast terrace is the best way to start a day.
- Explore Blevio: Don't just stay in the resort. Blevio is a charming "village of the seven hamlets." Take an hour to walk up into the village. You’ll find small churches and local life that feels a world away from the luxury of the Mandarin.
- Check the Calendar: The lake "closes" in late autumn. Most big hotels, including the Mandarin, shut down for the winter (usually from mid-November to March). Plan accordingly.
This isn't just a hotel; it's a piece of the lake's history reimagined for a crowd that wants the best of Italy without the dust of the past. It’s sleek. It’s quiet. It’s exactly what a lake escape should be.