Raffles Hotels & Resorts is set to open a property in the Lake Como region, marking the Accor luxury hotel brand’s first property in Italy.
Raffles Lake Como will be a full-scale renovation and conversion of the former Grand Hotel Imperiale, an art nouveau villa from the 1920s.
Located on the exclusive western banks of the Lombardy lake, the lavish hotel will be a 40-minute drive from Milan and an even shorter drive from Como. It will also have easy access to a private dock, should guests wish to explore the rest of the iconic area.
Created in partnership with CL Hotel SPA, and with UniCredit as the financial partner, Raffles Lake Como is expected to open in 2027.
It will offer 84 guest rooms, including 18 suites and two villas, as well as “lakeside culinary experiences” in addition to a “signature Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar.” There will also be indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, fitness centre, and a beach club.
Guests will have private lake access, including an exclusive arrival and check-in experience from the water. The brand expects the property to be a popular destination for weddings and other celebrations, due to its ample meeting space and grand gardens with lake views.
“Raffles Lake Como represents a milestone for Raffles as our first property in Italy and fifth hotel in Europe, underscoring our commitment to thoughtful growth in highly sought after resort destinations,” said Omer Acar, chief executive officer of Raffles Hotels & Resorts.
“Raffles is world renowned for its elegance, gracious service, and inspirational guest experience, and we are thrilled to bring these hallmarks to one of the world’s most glamorous havens. We look forward to working with CL Hotel Spa, visionary partners who share a commitment to creating a truly unique and exceptional resort.”
This enthusiasm was echoed by Andrea Girolami, principal at CL Hotel Spa, who said: “We are honoured to work with Raffles Hotels & Resorts to create a distinct resort experience in Lake Como, a destination known for its stunning natural beauty and glamorous lifestyle.
Raffles represents service excellence and heritage, with a deep respect for culture in all its forms, making it an ideal fit for the Lake Como community. Together, we hope to create a new lakeside landmark that will serve as an elegant escape for both residents and visitors to the destination.”
The EY Hospitality team, led by Marco Zalamena and Francesco Cammardella, assisted CL Hotel SPA as the sole advisor in this successful operator selection process.
Raffles Lake Como will be the fifth addition to the brand’s European portfolio, joining Raffles London at The OWO, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Raffles Europejski Warsaw, and Raffles Istanbul.
