Opening of the Ritz-Carlton Bellagio Hotel

It’s official: The Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel chain will debut in Italy in 2026 and has chosen Lake Como with a restyling of the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Bellagio.

The hotel was inaugurated in 1873, had more than 170 beds and attracted guests from all over the world. It was one of the destination’s very first and most distinguished luxury hotels and was the only one on Lake Como to have gas street lamps. In addition to hospitality, in 1932 the Folies du Lac Casino was inaugurated inside the Grande Bretagne in Bellagio and a few years later an international hotel school opened which in a few years became one of the most sought-after and prestigious ones in Europe. Unfortunately the hotel subsequently fell into disuse and closed permanently at the end of the last century.

Today, more than 30 years after the closure of the Grande Bretagne Hotel, an agreement between the American Marriot International (the group owning the The Ritz-Carlton brand) and Grimit Srl (the current owner of the property) has been officially signed. The strong increase in US tourism on the shores of Lake Como has been an important factor in the choice of Lake Como as the brand’s debut location in Italy.

Ritz-Carlton arrives in Italy and chooses Lake Como!

According to Mr Gianleo Bosticco, VP Development Southern Europe for Marriot International, the brand of the hotel chain is synonymous with luxury among American and foreign clients. The brand is “thrilled to be able to open its own hotel in a destination so coveted by luxury travelers. The aim of the future Ritz-Carlton Bellagio is to become an important reference in the luxury hotel market on Lake Como”. The choice of the “Bellagio” location was undoubtedly influenced by the fascinating places such as Villa Melzi, the Villa Serbelloni Park, the direct connections with other wonderful villages of Lake Como and the proximity to Malpensa airport – an international airport that every year welcomes millions of tourists from all over the world.

In three years Lake Como will therefore acquire a new symbol of luxury and good life: Expected to open in 2026, the spectacular waterfront property is slated to offer 59 rooms and 46 suites, including two Ritz-Carlton suites, featuring modern and luxurious furnishings. Comprehensive resort facilities are anticipated to include a spa complete with an indoor pool, casual and fine dining restaurants, and state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. Extensive parkland and gardens will reflect the typical landscaping of the country’s region and are expected to feature a meditation garden, historical walking trail, large outdoor swimming pool, and private boat dock to allow guests effortless access to other renowned destinations on the lake.

In the coming months the owner will provide more information on the restyling of the hotel, and in the meantime you can enjoy the beauty of Bellagio and Lake Como in one of our luxury properties for rent or for sale!