Bellavista Hotel E Ristorante

What People are saying

Outstanding Gem!

ClareHebdenon 16/07/2017 11:54

We were bowled away by the hotel.

The views from the dining area and terrace over lake Como and to the Alpine mountains beyond on a clear day were stunning. It almost brought a tear to my eye.

The staff were absolutely amazing - polite, attentive, helpful and incredibly hardworking! They spoke English well, and accommodated our attempts at pigeon Italian too.

The food was delicious - over three meals, we tried the venison, turkey, beef, pasta courses, apple cake, chocolate cake, the orange in Grand Marnier with candied fruit and chocolate slithers, and breakfasts. All were superb. We tried the local red wine with the food, which is good and worth trying.

On the Friday evening there was live music (we gather that this is a regular fixture - usually jazz, but a good band playing more popular music when we were there - approximately 8:30-10:30pm, we think.)

The standard en-suite bedroom was comfortable and clean. It suited us well.

The hotel had an ideal location for the views, the funicular to Como, and exploring the area. There is plenty to do in the area. We visited the pretty local church (at the back of the hotel), walked 20 minutes to San Maurizo to see the Volta Lighthouse - more stunning views, and did a day hike Torno (we also walked back, but you can alternatively get the boat back).

Driving up to the hotel is along a narrow and windy road (hairpin bends), challenging in places, particularly near the top when coming across on-coming vehicles! It is also very accessible from Como via the funicular, running every 15-30 minutes. We drove, but another time we might be tempted to get the train from Milan to Como and the funicular up to Brunate.

The hotel was enjoyed by people of all ages, and some brought dogs too. Many day visitors stopped for lunch or dinner only. Most residents stayed for 1-3 nights we think. We stayed for 7 nights, which we felt was the perfect duration. The hotel is a great place to explore not only the local area, but also Como and the surrounding area (for example we took a boat trip to Bellagio one day, drove to Lenno / Tremezzo (& Villa Carlotta)/ Greenway on another day for a walk and swim in Lake Como - also possible by boat, the train to Lugano, and drove to Stresa by Lake Menaggio, seeing Isola Bella and taking the cable car up the hill whilst there).

We plan to return sometime.

The most beautiful views ever

Marie Gon 07/07/2017 12:26

We stayed at the Bellavista for three nights in June and it was one of the most lovely hotels I've ever stayed in.
I chose it because of the retro decor and the rooms have been restored to what they used to be when it was fist built and they are very clean and lovely. We had room number 6 which is a suit with a balcony overlooking the lake and the mountains on the other side - amazing.
The breakfast was good, pastries, coffee, tea, juice bread and meats and fruit salad and it's served downstairs in the restaurant. The restaurant/bar again has those stunning views and really friendly staff.
The hotel is 30 seconds walk from the funicular that will take you down to Como and you can purchase tickets in the cafe/bar next door to it. The funicular takes about ten minutes and runs frequently.
If you are driving up you will have noted from previous reviews that the road is rather narrow and sharp turnie and if you feel a little worried about this you can always park in Como (although from previous stays there I remember it being difficult to find a space) and take the funicular up to the hotel. If you do drive, like we did, you can park right by the hotel (inside the iron gates) and don't whatever you do park in front of the church as they will clamp you almost instantly.
We loved this hotel and will be returning as soon as we can.

Lovely, Quirky Hotel With Fantastic Location

bdwignallon 02/07/2017 23:45

The Bellavista is a step back in time, combining nicely finished rooms with a stately old building that enjoys spectacular views over Lake Como. Driving to the hotel is not for the faint of heart- and a small vehicle is recommended if you plan to park in one of the three parking spots the hotel offers in its courtyard. We stayed in one of the attic rooms at the hotel, which I would strongly recommend if you are staying in the hotter month because the attic rooms allow a lovely cross-breeze even during the hottest part of the day. This is a critical point because there are no air conditioners.... The breakfast is VERY VERY good, and was one of the nicest elements of our stay. Taking the funicular to and from Como is simple and efficient, and we were glad that we had chosen not to stay down at the lake.

Better impossible!

Yoticaon 27/06/2017 16:39

We couldn't have chosen a better place to stay in Brunate. An amazing house with spectacular view, very close to the funicular and with parking just a few mts away. The breakfast was generous, fresh squeezed orange juice, nice fastries, excellent coffee, a variety of options with an amazing panoramic view. Very romantic as well.

Our room was small but charming, nice furniture and a big window and a great renovated bathroom with toiletries and hair dryer etc. Spotless. Nice combination of old and comfy. I would only suggest a change of matress...

Before I finish we need to underline the excellent service from the workers at the hotel, very warm and welcoming, cool young people helpful and friendly -even when our arrival was at midnight.

Definitively a great place to stay when visiting Como area. It was our second time in the area and we are happy we stayed there!

Great views over the Como city & lake

Sami Lon 25/06/2017 21:29

A bit old fashioned, kind of "hippie" rooms & atmosphere, but the scenery and views are magnificent. When arriving with a car try to avoid direction from Ponzate as it is extremely narrow and at some point impossible to pass-by.
Try also hotel restaurant, good price/quality ratio compared to city of Como