VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como

Many of the hotels around the Italian Lakes have preserved the old-world opulence of yesteryear in their interiors – not this one. The 1800s façade of the VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como might look traditional, but head inside and you’ll be greeted by super sleek contemporary interiors that are more characteristic of five-star city hotels. There are only eight rooms and eight suites in this small-but-perfectly formed property, which is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World group.

As far as location goes, it doesn’t get much better than this. You’ll find the hotel perched on the lakefront Piazza Cavour – the city’s main square – and you’ll have sweeping views over Lake Como from many parts of the hotel. The Duomo and plenty of museums are within a five-minute walk, too.