Hotel Griso – Stunning Views of Lake Como
By Tim Cotroneo
A guest staying at Hotel Griso and George Clooney have something in common. They both wake up to stunning views of Lake Como.
Whereas Clooney lives in an 18th-century villa on the western shore of the lake, guests at Hotel Griso arise to the best views in the quaint town of Malgrate, positioned on Lake Como’s southeastern tip.
Guests learn that Hotel Griso was built in 1966, and renovated a decade ago. Its prime locale served as the setting for Italy’s first, and most famous, romance novel. Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed found inspiration from the beauty surrounding Malgrate and the neighboring city of Lecco. Let’s take a look at what Manzoni and fortunate Griso guests discover while staying at a hotel revealing “mountains rising from the waters.”
First Look from the Lobby
Before a guest steps foot in the hotel, they discover that Griso’s steep driveway is accompanied by a tiered landscape where the hotel floors are stacked to deliver better and better views. The one dozen evergreen trees flanking Lake Como’s promenade walkway serve as nature’s buffer between your room balcony and Italy’s third largest lake.
Checking in from the Hotel Griso lobby, guests delight in seeing the backdrop of Mount Resegone and Mount San Martino. This picturesque mountain feast occurs before you’ve even been handed the room key.
Your heart, your eyes, and your smile lift in unison as you anticipate what other treasures the Hotel Griso has hiding in its hip pocket. In the words of the 70s song from Bachman Turner Overdrive, “Baby You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.”
Balconies Suited for Romeo and Juliet
Romeo’s legendary exchange with Juliet took place in Verona, Italy, some two hours east of Malgrate. If Juliet’s balcony was instead standing tall at the Hotel Griso, the storied audience would not have been disappointed.
Sunrise, sunset, or an evening under the stars all bring awe-inspiring balcony visuals and a feeling that confirms any romantic notion you hoped Italy would convey. Morning coffee, afternoons with a favorite book, or an evening glass of wine provide personal magic moments.
Hotel Griso’s balconies and tiered architecture certainly had future guests in mind. Each room offers a sense of place with a view that delivers tenfold.
Breakfast as Good as it Gets
Griso’s Panorama Restaurant breakfast buffet is a fabulous way to start the day. The breakfast bonus is the sweeping vista view you will look forward to each morning.
The restaurant’s exterior is all glass. That means Lake Como serves as your left to right dining partner for as far as the eye can see.
If you get the chance, step outside the restaurant and walk left to the end of the deck. This vantage point offers an amazing view of the Lake. In case we haven’t mentioned, there are more views to come.
Up on the Roof – Say Panorama in Italian
Make sure you take the hotel elevator to the roof. Breathe in the fresh Northern Italian air and choose a table along the railing.
The views from The Solarium Restaurant are spectacular. Relax, sip a cocktail, and savor what you’re seeing. Gaze at the people below walking along the Lake Como promenade, the boats floating on the calm water, and the mountains on the horizon. Whew! This is some kind of wonderful.
By the way, the Hotel Griso rooftop also is home to a hot tub. One gets the impression that this hotel has thought of everything.
See the Sights
While vacationing in the Malgrate/ Lecco region, there are lots of things to see and do. Stretch your legs and walk to one of the seaside restaurants along the lake for a bite or a cocktail.
The neighboring city of Lecco is easy walking distance to a thriving downtown. Lecco is known for its Centro Storico, or historic center. You’ll find buildings dating back 2,000 years. A Lecco best bet is taking a Lake Como scenic boat trip from the marina located across from the historic center. Learn about the famous villas along the shoreline and the region’s rich history.
Another great way to experience the area’s beauty is to take a ride on the Funivia Piani d’Erna cable car. The lift soars 1,300 meters high and the aerial views showcasing Lake Como are second to none.
That’s Amore By George
A central factor in Griso’s appeal is the hotel’s convenient location. The hotel is just a 45-minute drive to the city of Lake Como, a half hour ferry to Bellagio, and the colorful village of Varenna is located 12 miles northwest.
Hotel Griso’s staff is available at the front desk to assist in suggesting things to do, directions for your desired day trip, and simply making your stay exceptional. Spend more than a day at this 50-room boutique hotel, and you’ll feel the essence of Italy’s la dolce vita. In English that’s finding pleasure in the sweet life.
Upon returning home after your exquisite Hotel Griso stay, you can tell friends back home that you and George Clooney now have something in common. You both have awakened to amazing views of Lake Como. It also seems that your Hotel Griso escape has you feeling like a star.
