An Italy travel advisor’s guide to staying near Lecco, exploring Lake Como’s southeastern shore, and discovering a different side of the lake.
When travelers picture Lake Como, the first places that often come to mind are Bellagio, Varenna, and the grand lakeside hotels of Tremezzo and Cernobbio. Yet the southeastern branch of the lake offers another experience, one defined by dramatic mountain scenery, charming waterfront communities, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
During my recent visit to Lake Como, I had the opportunity to explore Hotel Promessi Sposi, a contemporary four-star superior hotel in Malgrate, directly across the water from Lecco.
For travelers considering where to stay on Lake Como, this is a property and location worth getting to know.
A Historic Hotel with a Contemporary Identity
Hotel Promessi Sposi is situated along Malgrate’s waterfront in a historic building dating back to the 19th century.
Following an extensive renovation completed in 2023, the hotel now combines its longstanding hospitality heritage with modern Italian design.
The property features approximately 70 rooms and suites, including accommodations overlooking Lake Como and the surrounding mountains.
Its aesthetic is contemporary and understated, offering a different experience from the ornate historic villas and grand hotels traditionally associated with the lake.
For travelers who appreciate modern comforts, thoughtful design, and a scenic setting, the property presents an appealing alternative.
The Location: Why Consider Malgrate Instead of Bellagio?
One of the most interesting aspects of Hotel Promessi Sposi is its location.
Malgrate sits on the southeastern branch of Lake Como, facing the city of Lecco. While Bellagio and Varenna are popular destinations for international visitors, Malgrate retains more of its local character.
Its waterfront promenade offers beautiful views of the lake, the city of Lecco, and the surrounding mountains.
The location also offers practical advantages for travelers arriving from Milan or planning to explore the region.
Lecco has direct train connections from Milan, while Malgrate provides road access toward Bellagio and the central lake.
However, choosing Malgrate rather than Bellagio does change the experience.
Travelers hoping to spend every evening walking through Bellagio’s historic streets may prefer staying in the central lake area. Those seeking a quieter waterfront setting, wellness facilities, and the flexibility to explore different parts of the region may find Malgrate more appealing.
Neither is necessarily better. The right choice depends on how you want to experience Lake Como.
Dining at Hotel Promessi Sposi: From Rooftop Cocktails to Lakeside Pizza
One of the advantages of staying at Hotel Promessi Sposi is the variety of dining experiences available, each offering a different atmosphere.
Lisander Restaurant is the hotel’s more refined dining destination, showcasing contemporary Italian cuisine with an emphasis on regional ingredients and seasonal flavors.
For something more relaxed, Da Giovannino Bistrot, located just across from the hotel along Malgrate’s waterfront, offers a casual dining experience with artisan pizza and Italian favorites. Its lakeside setting makes it particularly appealing for an easy lunch or dinner without having to venture far from the property.
Then there’s People Cocktail Bar & Rooftop, where panoramic views of Lake Como, Lecco, and the surrounding mountains provide the backdrop for cocktails and aperitivo.
What I appreciate about this dining arrangement is the flexibility. Guests can enjoy a more elevated dinner, a casual pizza by the lake, or an evening cocktail with a view, all within easy reach of their accommodations.
The Spa at Hotel Promessi Sposi: Wellness Overlooking Lake Como
One of the features that stood out during my visit was the hotel’s spa and its remarkable views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
The approximately 200-square-meter wellness area was designed to create a relaxing environment where the landscape becomes part of the experience. Large windows bring in natural light and frame the dramatic scenery that makes this part of Lake Como so distinctive.
The spa features a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, sensory showers, relaxation areas, and treatment rooms, offering guests an opportunity to unwind after a day exploring the region.
For couples planning a romantic getaway or travelers looking to incorporate wellness into their Italian itinerary, this is a particularly attractive feature.
It’s also worth considering for an autumn or winter visit to Lake Como, when cooler temperatures make time in the spa especially inviting.
My travel advisor tip: Spa access may require a separate reservation and additional fee, depending on the booking arrangement. I recommend confirming access and treatment availability in advance, particularly for weekend stays.
For me, this is one of the property’s strongest selling points. Lake Como is often associated with boat excursions, historic villas, and waterfront dining, but incorporating wellness into the itinerary offers a different way to enjoy the destination.
Wellness with a View of Lake Como
One of the property’s standout features is its wellness area.
The approximately 200-square-meter spa features large windows overlooking the lake and mountains, creating a setting that connects relaxation with the surrounding landscape.
Facilities include a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, experience showers, relaxation areas, and treatment rooms.
A fitness area is also available.
For travelers considering a wellness-focused weekend on Lake Como, the spa adds another dimension to the stay.
Travel advisor tip: Spa access is offered separately, so guests should confirm current pricing, availability, and reservation requirements before arrival rather than assuming access is included with their room.
Can You Stay in Malgrate Without Renting a Car?
Yes, although planning your transportation in advance makes a difference.
Lecco is accessible by direct regional trains from Milan, making this part of Lake Como particularly convenient for travelers arriving by rail.
From Lecco station, Hotel Promessi Sposi is approximately 2.5 kilometers away. A taxi or arranged transfer is the easiest option when traveling with luggage.
The hotel is also approximately a 25-minute walk from central Lecco via the scenic route connecting the two communities.
Local buses provide additional connections toward Lecco, Como, and Bellagio.
For sightseeing, seasonal boat services from Lecco connect with destinations along the eastern branch of the lake. Schedules vary, so ferry availability should be confirmed for the dates of your visit.
Travelers planning frequent visits to several lakeside villages may benefit from private transportation or a carefully arranged itinerary.
For a shorter stay focused on Lecco, Malgrate, and the hotel itself, a rental car may not be necessary.
What Can You Do Near Hotel Promessi Sposi?
The southeastern branch of Lake Como offers more than waterfront scenery.
Explore Lecco: Spend time along the promenade, discover its historic center, enjoy local restaurants, and explore the literary heritage associated with Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed.
Discover the mountains: The Lecco area is particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, with trails and mountain landscapes surrounding the lake.
Visit Bellagio: The famous central-lake village is accessible by road from Malgrate, making it a possible day excursion.
Explore the eastern shore: Destinations such as Varenna and Mandello del Lario offer opportunities to experience other communities along the lake.
Enjoy a private boat excursion: The hotel can help arrange private boat experiences, allowing guests to explore the lake from the water.
For travelers who want a balance of relaxation, local culture, and outdoor experiences, this part of Lake Como offers plenty to discover.
Is Hotel Promessi Sposi Right for Your Lake Como Trip?
I would consider this property for couples planning a relaxing getaway, travelers interested in wellness, visitors who appreciate contemporary hotel design, and those looking for a quieter base with convenient access to Lecco.
It is also worth considering for travelers combining Lake Como with Milan or other northern Italian destinations.
For a first-time visitor whose priority is to explore the central lake entirely by ferry, I would evaluate the logistics carefully before recommending Malgrate over a hotel in Bellagio or Varenna.
This is exactly why choosing the right location matters as much as choosing the hotel itself.
My Travel Advisor Perspective
One of the reasons I prioritize visiting hotels and destinations firsthand is to understand how a property fits into the overall travel experience.
A beautiful hotel may photograph well, but its location, transportation connections, atmosphere, and surrounding activities all influence whether it is the right fit for a particular traveler.
Hotel Promessi Sposi introduces visitors to a different part of Lake Como, where contemporary hospitality meets a historic lakeside setting.
For the right itinerary, it can be an excellent way to experience the region from a different perspective.
Planning a Trip to Lake Como?
Whether you’re considering a romantic getaway, a wellness-focused escape, or a multi-destination journey through Italy, I can help you choose the hotels, locations, and experiences that best match your travel style.
Through my firsthand destination knowledge and luxury travel industry partnerships, I help clients create thoughtfully planned journeys throughout Italy and beyond.
Explore my travel planning services and submit an inquiry.
Curated Travel, Thoughtfully Designed.
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