Passalacqua

We drove an hour and a half only to be turned away rudely by a blonde staff member who was waving her hands hysterically.

As soon as we walked in for a bite and to relax, instead of politely explaining there was a private event, she started rolling her eyes and practically pushing us out. There was no sign anywhere that the place was closed. Any customer-oriented venue would at least apologize or offer a coffee — be aware you might be turned away at the door.

This was a surprise trip for my birthday and what a surprise — best five-star hotel ever.

The room, service, and location all exceeded expectations. The breakfast was exceptional and I want to congratulate the whole team for their constant dedication to customer satisfaction. Everything about this property demonstrates why it's considered the world's finest.

I've traveled the world and this is the nicest hotel I've ever had the good fortune to stay in.

Every attention to detail has been done and it shows throughout the property. The rooms are gorgeous, the service is wonderful, and the setting is absolutely stunning. We're thoroughly enjoying our family holiday here — this level of care and beauty is rare to find anywhere in the world.

We've eaten at the best restaurants in Lake Como for eight days, but Passalacqua was far above everything else.

The service we received was like being at a family reunion, especially from Simone Migliorin who was the most professional person I've interacted with in all my European travels. This is simply the best restaurant and view in Europe — the warmth of the staff made it unforgettable.

We got engaged at Passalacqua on their Riva and couldn't have chosen a more magical place.

The room was breathtaking and the service flawless. Every detail was thought-out from the hand-picked decor to the warm, intuitive hospitality. A huge thank you to the entire team for making our stay so memorable and helping create the perfect engagement moment.

We're paying $4,000 a night for our minimoon at Passalacqua and struggling to understand what justifies the premium over $1,500 properties.

Lake Como is already expensive, but we booked Passalacqua right after our wedding and honestly can't figure out what makes a fat property worth so much more than chubby ones. You arrive, check in, and then what? Aside from exclusivity and privacy, I'm genuinely curious what the point of this level of luxury is when you could get beautiful lake views elsewhere.

We stayed in the Bellini Suite for our honeymoon and it was the most exquisite room I've ever set foot in.

This is the single best-run hotel I've ever experienced. The team were kind and completely on point from minute one, with special thanks to Giorgia and Hotel Manager Gregory. Our suite had knockout Lake Como views and character that deserves its own review. Breakfast was a highlight with eggs laid on the grounds, and the underground spa cave was reinvigorating. What sets Passalacqua apart is how human the service feels — effortless execution that shows exactly how well it's run.

I was pregnant and booked after it was crowned 'Best Hotel in the World' — what a mistake that was.

The hotel is undeniably one of the prettiest I've ever seen, but that's where it ends. When rain canceled our dinner plans, we couldn't get a table in the restaurant despite being hotel guests and were sent to the bar for 'snacks.' My simple salad arrived with seven or eight flies inside — absolutely disgusting. After endless apologies we left questioning how this hotel could top any global list.

I came for a romantic weekend and the attention to detail in absolutely everything is mind-blowing.

The place surpassed our expectations despite hearing so much about it in the press and from other guests. The romantic atmosphere created throughout the property is truly unique, and the staff were excellent — always attentive and friendly. We also had a fantastic mixology class with Andrea that I highly recommend. The gardens are among the most beautiful I've ever seen, perfectly manicured yet full of soul.

I've stayed in luxury hotels worldwide, but I've never seen anything like Passalacqua — every corner is a piece of art.

The staff take care of each guest with familiarity that makes you feel at home — reception greets you by name, the sommelier remembers your wine from last night, the waiter knows your favorite spot to sit. Between the pool, spa, tennis court, and terrace dining, there's plenty to enjoy. The breakfast buffet is beautiful and the restaurant food is excellent — you don't need to dine anywhere else in Como.

After staying here, I don't understand how any review could be less than five stars — the staff even designed a kosher menu just for us.

I was initially apprehensive about service glitches I'd heard about, but saw no sign of this. All staff members were eager to help with suggestions and smiles. The housekeepers were so thorough they brushed out the area rug tassels daily and adjusted our minibar based on what we actually consumed the day before. They even cordoned off a kitchen area and brought in kosher ingredients when we mentioned our dietary needs.

I stayed in the Agnes room and they delivered breakfast made exactly to my taste — the softest blankets I've ever slept in.

Everything about my experience was so thoughtful and well done. The room felt new and modern despite being in an old building, with heated bathroom, connecting speakers, and a hidden TV that raises with a button. My favorite part was the bedsheets and blankets — perhaps the softest I've ever experienced. Staff called me by name within a day and knew exactly when to clean and refill the minibar.

The second you pass through the gates at Passalacqua, you feel like you've slipped back in time to authentic Italy.

I've stayed at many luxury properties, but Passalacqua transports you completely. Every corner of the villa and view of the lake reminds you exactly where you are without feeling staged. With only 24 rooms, the team knows what's happening with each guest and stays one step ahead. A cappuccino appears before you realize you want one, and your dinner table is already set the way you like it.

We paid €3,300 a night and got a two-category room upgrade — this historic villa transported us to another era entirely.

I've stayed at 38 other properties planned by our travel advisor, and Passalacqua ranks 21st on my all-time list. The 1780 villa setting is steeped in grandeur, comparable to Ballyfin in Ireland but with its own unique Italian charm. Even our basic villa room exceeded expectations with soaring ceilings, elegant paint finishes, and a ceiling-height marble bathroom that was the true highlight. The restoration preserves timeless elegance while providing modern comfort.