Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA

Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA in Moltrasio, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers guests a blend of historic charm and breathtaking Lake Como views, though experiences can be somewhat mixed regarding service and room modernity.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general sentiment for Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA is largely positive, with guests appreciating its stunning location and beautiful grounds. However, there's a recurring theme of mixed satisfaction concerning service levels and perceived value for money, with some guests feeling it doesn't always meet expectations for its price point. The hotel holds a guest feedback score of approximately 17.2/20 based on verified stays.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's spectacular lakeside location and the stunning views of Lake Como. The dramatic lakeside swimming pool is frequently mentioned as a major strength, providing a lively spot right on the shore. The gourmet Imperialino Restaurant, with its prime lakeside setting and fabulous food, is also a significant highlight. The beautiful gardens and the tranquil atmosphere are also highly valued. The modern spa complex with its treatments and design is another appreciated amenity.

3. Room Quality

Room quality at the Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA can be a mixed bag. The property features a total of 120 rooms, including suites, across its historic 1926 Art Nouveau Villa Imperiale and two newer wings. Rooms in the historic Villa Imperiale are described as traditionally elegant with large marble bathrooms, often featuring small balconies and great views. Suites, such as the Panorama Suite, offer incredible private terraces with jacuzzis and large sunning areas. However, some reviews indicate that decor in other rooms can be basic and even tired, not always living up to the regal surroundings. All rooms generally include a writing desk, LCD TVs, a safe, air-conditioning, laundry service, and a minibar, with free in-room WiFi available. Some guests have noted that rooms could benefit from modernization.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel boasts two main restaurants. The Imperialino Restaurant, located lakeside, is highly praised for its gourmet cuisine, fabulous food focusing on carefully sourced ingredients, and stunning views. The service at Imperialino is often described as spectacular. Ulivo is the more casual restaurant, serving traditional Italian fare in a garden-surrounded veranda. A buffet breakfast is served daily. While the breakfast selection is considered superb and luxurious by some, the service during breakfast has been noted as slow, with staff occasionally forgetting orders.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback on service and staff is somewhat polarized. Some guests have experienced faultless and spectacular service, feeling "like a Queen". Many guests praise the helpful staff, stating they were "perfect for a nice relaxing three nights". The multilingual staff is available to assist with planning stays. Conversely, a significant number of reviews express dissatisfaction with the service, with some finding it not exceptional or below expectations for a hotel of this category. Complaints include slow breakfast service and issues with communication regarding room features like a non-functional jacuzzi.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA is situated directly on the shores of Lake Como in the quiet village of Moltrasio. Its location is highly convenient, with a ferry stop right by the hotel restaurant, offering a roughly 20-minute boat trip to Como's city center. The main road connecting Moltrasio to other lakeside towns is adjacent to the hotel, and Como is about a 10-15 minute drive away. The surrounding area of Moltrasio is generally sleepy, with a few restaurants but limited shops or services. The hotel also provides parking, including an underground car park, and offers a shuttle service. A tunnel for hotel guests allows safe passage between the main building and the lakeside facilities across the busy road.

7. Value & Pricing

Value and pricing elicit mixed opinions. While some guests consider the Grand Hotel Imperiale to be "extremely good value" in an otherwise expensive region of Italy, others express dissatisfaction, feeling that the hotel did not meet their expectations for the cost and was "way too expensive". Kayak reviews specifically highlight that many found the service and value for the price not up to par.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms often center on service dissatisfaction and the perceived value for money. Some guests have noted cleanliness issues and a general need for improvements in service. Specific complaints include slow service during breakfast, unexpected issues with room features like a broken jacuzzi upon arrival, and instances where accessible rooms were assigned without prior notification or did not match advertised photos. Some suggest that certain aspects of the hotel's interiors and exteriors appear dated and could benefit from refurbishment.

Sources

1. kayak.com
2. oyster.com
3. michelin.com
4. hotelimperialecomo.it
5. tablethotels.com
6. julieabroad.com
7. comolake-hotels.com
8. bestbeds.reviews
9. booking.com
10. expedia.com
11. hotels.com
12. booking.com