Lake Como: The New Luxury Battleground
Long admired for its timeless elegance and breathtaking scenery, Lake Como is entering a new era of international hospitality. Once dominated by independent Italian hotels and historic villas, the lakefront is now capturing the attention of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel groups. In the next few years, five major global brands: The EDITION, Ritz Carlton, Raffles, Six Senses and Belmond, will each open a property along its shores, marking a transformative moment in the hospitality landscape of the region. From Belle Époque palaces to Art Nouveau villas, these new openings aren’t just hotels: they’re restorations, reinventions, and declarations of long-term intent in one of Italy’s most exclusive destinations.
The Lake Como EDITION (Opening 2025)
Also from Marriott, EDITION Hotels: the brand known for its cultural edge and anti-chain ethos is opening its first Italian property in Cadenabbia, on the lake’s western shore. Set in a 19th-century palazzo and formerly the Britannia Excelsior, the Lake Como EDITION will feature 145 rooms, two signature penthouses, a floating pool, and multiple dining venues with views over the Bellagio mountains. With its chic minimalism, EDITION is designed for a younger, style-conscious traveler looking for immersive experiences. Its arrival signals not only a shift in tone but also a broader generational appeal for Lake Como’s luxury scene.
The Ritz-Carlton Bellagio (Opening 2026)
Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott International, will make its Italian debut by converting the former Hotel Grande Bretagne in Bellagio, a property dating back to 1850. The hotel, closed for decades, is undergoing a meticulous restoration and expansion project. Upon reopening, it will offer 105 rooms, including 46 suites, a destination spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a private boat dock. Located just a 15-minute walk from the historic town center of Bellagio, the new Ritz-Carlton will combine lakeside heritage with understated modern luxury, a long-awaited addition for high-end travelers who prefer the consistency and service standards of an international brand.
Raffles Lake Como (Opening 2027)
In partnership with CL Hotel SPA, Raffles Hotels & Resorts is restoring the Grand Hotel Imperiale in Moltrasio, a stunning Art Nouveau villa from the 1920s. This will be Raffles’ first Italian property, offering 84 rooms including 18 suites and 2 private villas.With its signature butler service, a Long Bar, a Writers Bar, and private lake access for water arrivals, Raffles aims to blend timeless elegance with the glamorous lifestyle of Lake Como. Situated on the western banks, it offers privacy while remaining connected to Como town and the region’s iconic villas.
Six Senses Lake Como (Opening 2028)
In 2028, Six Senses Hotels & Resorts, the eco-luxury brand of IHG, will bring its vision of sustainable hospitality to Lake Como with the opening of Six Senses Lake Como. The resort will be developed within the historic Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, one of the lake’s earliest vacation destinations, originally opened in 1820. The Six Senses Lake Como will offer 102 rooms and suites, a floating lake pool, solarium, expansive spa and wellness area, all set within a serene lakeside garden. Just 90 minutes from Milan, this resort will serve as a peaceful counterpart to the urban sophistication of the upcoming Six Senses Milan in Via Brera.
Belmond at Castello di Urio (Opening date TBA)
Luxury conglomerate LVMH has added another jewel to its crown with the acquisition of Castello di Urio, a 16th-century lakeside castle in Carate Urio. Featuring 180 meters of waterfront and 2 hectares of gardens, the estate will be transformed into a flagship Belmond property, joining Italian icons like the Cipriani in Venice and the Splendido in Portofino. While dates are not yet confirmed, the future hotel is expected to be one of the lake’s most exclusive retreats: a place where history, architecture, and Italian elegance come together in perfect harmony.
A New Era for an Old Icon
Why this sudden surge of interest? Lake Como offers rare real estate, cinematic beauty, proximity to Milan, and a clientele that values discretion and authenticity. With fewer than a dozen five-star hotels currently active, the region presents a unique opportunity for global players to craft high-value experiences in a highly desirable destination. From Hollywood celebrities to discerning European travelers, Como has long enchanted the elite. Now, as the world’s top hotel brands move in, the lake is not only maintaining its mystique, it’s rewriting the future of luxury travel in Italy.