Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como

This is a charming location on the lake's western shore, opposite picture-perfect Bellagio.

Catch a boat from Cadenabbia, a ten-minute stroll away, to explore the rest of the lake.

By plane: direct flights from London (under 2 hours) and Manchester (2 hours 15 minutes) to Milan Malpensa. The hotel is a 2-hour drive from the airport. Paid on-site parking available. Book flights to Milan.

Perfect for young, hip couples looking for elegance and sophistication coupled with a heavy dose of style and glamour. While it's steeped in history and tradition, this is a family-owned hotel that is everything but stuffy. We love the youthful décor and the sophisticated yet laidback ambience.

Staff are enthusiastic and are willing to offer advice and recommendations on the local area. The main draw is the floating pool, although there's a second one in the gardens, as well as a tennis court and spa. Take one of the hotel's motor launches for a trip across the lake.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Private beach
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Spa
• On-site parking
• Free Wi-Fi

All rooms have either garden or lake views, with a balcony or bow windows offering stunning views. Marble bathrooms are elegant, while low lighting adds a cosy touch.

Room types: Prestige, Deluxe, Terrace Garden, Junior, Emilia, Signature, Greta, Rooftop suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryer, TV, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

There's no shortage of places to eat and drink. We loved the tasty trattoria-style dishes at L'Escale and its fantastically stocked cellar with over 1,300 types of Italian wine.

La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi: fine dining, open daily for breakfast and dinner.

L'escale trattoria & wine bar: modern Italian cuisine, open Fri-Sun for lunch and daily for dinner.

Giacomo al lago: fish and seafood restaurant, open daily for lunch and seasonally for dinner.