Luxury, calm, and tennis on the shores of Lake Como

Some places give you that feeling right away: you’ve arrived somewhere truly special. Hotel Passalacqua on Lake Como is exactly that kind of place. Here, you’ll find an experience that combines refined luxury, heartfelt hospitality, and an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. And if you’re passionate about tennis, there’s even more to look forward to.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

A quick glimpse
You stay in historic surroundings with a cinematic view over Lake Como. You wake up in a bed so comfortable you’ll hesitate to leave it. The staff knows your name before you even introduce yourself. And when you find yourself on the tennis court early in the morning, dew still on the grass and the lake shimmering in the background, it all feels almost too good to be true.

A seamless experience from start to finish
From the moment you arrive, you’re met with a genuine warmth that can’t be taught – it’s real. The service isn’t just polite, it’s personal. It feels like the entire staff has made it their mission to ensure your stay is the best it can be. And they succeed – without ever being overbearing.
Your room is tucked away in a peaceful corner, maybe in the villa or a private garden wing. You sleep like a dream in a bed made for long, lazy mornings. It’s quiet. You might hear birdsong or a boat in the distance – but never traffic or noise.
Cleanliness is flawless. Not a thing out of place. Rooms, bathrooms, pool areas, terraces – everything shines as if you’re the first guest to ever stay there.

Active luxury – With tennis at the heart
The hotel’s tennis court is discreetly nestled in the garden, featuring a classic clay surface. The staff is happy to help you book court time, find a hitting partner, or arrange a private lesson. Whether you’re playing for fun or training seriously, the setting is ideal.
But tennis is just the beginning. You can start your day with yoga in the garden, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or join a gelato workshop. End the day with cocktail hour at sunset or a private boat tour on the lake, arranged through the hotel.
Everything is carried out with care and elegance – and at a pace that gives you room to breathe and just be.

Location – A hidden gem
Moltrasio is a small, exclusive town on the western shore of Lake Como. There’s no stress here – just narrow cobbled streets, old villas, and lush gardens scented with lemon and lavender. You have private access to the lake and can walk straight down to the water from the hotel’s grounds.
The drive from Milan Malpensa Airport takes about an hour. Alternatively, take the train to Como and hop in a taxi – it’s simple and stress-free.

Value for money: ★★★★☆

There’s no doubt – Hotel Passalacqua is expensive. But it’s also worth every cent. Every detail – from the linens to the service – lives up to the price tag. You don’t just feel like a guest here – you feel truly special. That’s why the hotel earns 4 out of 5 stars for value for money. If breakfast and dinner were included, that final star would easily be theirs too.

Your time at Lake Como
A stay at Passalacqua isn’t just a trip – it’s a breath of fresh air. A place where you rediscover calm, feel pampered, and still have the space to be active, social, and curious. You don’t just return home with pictures on your phone, but with the sense that you’ve experienced something truly rare.
So if you’re dreaming of a getaway where tennis and luxury go hand in hand with Italian elegance and genuine warmth – this is where you need to be.

A heartfelt thank you to @memoirsofatravelbug and Sergey (Tripadvisor) for kindly allowing me to use their beautiful travel photos in this story.