Powered By TripAdvisorAn Epicurean Dream in a Historic Lakeside Villa
Powered By TripAdvisorKnown as a place of rest and relaxation since 1787, this 24-accommodation estate perched on the hills overlooking Italy’s famed Lake Como continues to offer luxurious retreats by inviting guests to experience the country’s traditional relaxing country stay, known in Italian as villeggiatura. Highlights of this casually opulent exclusive hotel include:
- 24 exclusive rooms and suites spread across three classically-designed estate buildings
- A can’t-miss pool and lawn offering unrivaled views of Lake Como
- Lavish treatments at the hotel spa, located behind a “secret” staircase
- An open-air gym at the hotel’s lakeside tennis court, and a private pier with boats
Set amid lush gardens and meticulously landscaped lawns framing panoramic lake views, Passalacqua strives to help guests perfect the art of doing nothing by encouraging them to slow down and truly embrace the leisurely lifestyle of Lake Como.
Hotel Amenities
Accommodations
Passalacqua’s lush estate offers 24 suites throughout three estate buildings: The Palazz, the Villa, and Casa al Lago.
The Palazz hosts eight jewel-toned rooms featuring 200-year-old oak beams contrasted with Venetian silk hangings.
The Villa is home to 12 sumptuously decorated suites boasting soaring ceilings, artisanal floors, and ornate wall and ceiling moldings and coverings that instantly transport guests back to the villa’s colorful past.
By the lake, Casa al Lago lies nestled in a shroud of greenery and offers four secluded rooms, each with its own private garden with lake views.
Dining
At Passalacqua, guests are invited to dine as if they were staying with a great Italian friend. Gourmet dinners, al fresco lunches, impromptu snacks, and fresh breakfasts offer an authentic way to embrace Italy's vibrant culinary culture.
Breakfast – Delight in a morning of fragrant coffee, fresh-squeezed juice, an array of pastries, and a chef on hand to prepare whatever you desire, from eggs to alzatina cake. Guests may choose to enjoy breakfast wherever they like within the estate.
Lunch – Whether you prefer a light salad by the pool, a bright and full lunch on the restaurant terrace, or something different in a perfect hideaway spot, lunch is a beautiful affair that can take place wherever your heart desires.
Aperitivo – In northern Italy, the pre-dinner aperitive hour is a ritual. Enjoy a Negroni, spritz, dry Martini, or champagne at the hotel's bar, by the pool, under the stars on the terrace, or wherever else catches your eye.
Dinner – Savor the best of seasonal and classic Italian cuisine with dinner on the candlelit terrace, or in the Sala Ovale beneath frescoed gods and goddesses.
Activities at Passalacqua
Within Passalacqua, guests can seek physical and spiritual serenity at the hotel spa, keep up with their fitness regimen at the outdoor gym, relax by the pool, enjoy an on-site event, or simply spend a day doing nothing at all – but doing it the right way.
For relaxation, enter the villa’s spa via a hidden door and a flight of stairs and emerge into historic underground tunnels turned into an ultra-luxe destination spa, featuring state-of-the-art Dr. Barbara Sturm products and treatments, along with a sauna and Turkish bath.
Water lovers will enjoy a visit to the hotel’s private pier where two boats are ready for tours and excursions, giving travelers a front-row seat to spectacular lakeside villa views and the lake’s natural splendor. Kayaks, water skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding are also available for sports enthusiasts.
Outside the estate, the quaint villages and picturesque towns of Lake Como are easily accessible and perfect for day-trippers, souvenir-seekers, and lovers of local Italian food.
Location
Set along the shores of the naturally stunning Lake Como on a terraced estate rising upward to the foot of the town of Moltrasio, Passalacqua hotel offers a sense of privacy, thanks to its parklike estate, while still being within steps of a traditional lakeside village. Its access to the lake itself via a private pier enables travelers to transit the lake via private boat, preventing the need for a personal vehicle during their stay.
Address
Via Besana, 59 , Moltrasio, Italy
Transportation
- Airport
- Malpensa Airport is 60 km / 37 mi away – approximately 45 minutes by car.
- Milan Linate Airport is 73 km / 43 mi away – approximately 1 hour by car.
what3words Address
Reviews
POWERED BY TRIPADVISOR
A True Wow-Effect Stay on Lake Como
Mon Aug 11 2025 06:32:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Inspire25083388098
Passalacqua delivers a true wow-effect from the very first moments. The historic villa and immaculate grounds are breathtaking, and my room — despite its classic style — was exceptionally comfortable and beautifully designed. Three fully opening windows brought in plenty of light and fresh air, the Wi-Fi worked flawlessly, and there was a well-stocked minibar, convenient sockets, and a beautiful full-height mirror. A special highlight was the freshly brewed Americano available at the bar any time of day — no capsule machines here. Breakfast was one of the best I’ve ever had in a hotel, with comfortable seating and excellent food. Dinner offered an unforgettable fine dining experience with spectacular views, and the entire F&B team deserves the highest praise. The only minor downside was the older air-conditioning system, which cooled quite strongly even on warmer settings — but with the windows open at night, the fresh air made for a perfect sleep.
Tue Jul 22 2025 14:18:23 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Jeremy K
After having stayed at Passalacqua, I don't really understand how any search engine reviews could be less than 5 stars. The property itself is magnificent. They've somehow managed to combine understatement and opulent luxury, the beauty of nature with the beauty of art and architecture. Just sitting by the pool, gazing out at the lake and the mountains and across the amazingly manicured gardens - is to see beauty on many levels. I was initially a bit apprehensive because I'd heard of some glitches with the service at this property. But honestly, I saw no sign of this. All the staff members were eager to help in any way they could, always with a suggestion and a smile. The housekeepers did such a thorough job we were blown away. They didn't just re-stock our mini-bar, for example, they took note of what we did and didn't drink the day before, and gave us more of what we used and less of what we didn't. They literally brushed out the tassels of the area rug every time they cleaned the room. And as a side-note, we are high-maintenance guests because we keep a kosher diet. When I contacted the hotel and asked whether they could accommodate, they gave me several options, and they even have a separate prepared menu they designed just for any kosher guests they may have. They cordoned off an area of their kitchen, purchased new utensils, and brought in kosher meats and cheeses just so that we'd feel comfortable. I can't say enough good things about this hotel. The only drawback is the cost (which is high), but if budgets allow, I'd highly recommend Passalacqua.
Idyllic Setting, Perfect Service, Good Food
Fri Jun 27 2025 09:17:27 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Sally H
Passalacqua is stunning, absolutely idyllic. The elevated position, the glorious gardens, the stylish, no expense spared design and decoration - simply beautiful. I came for lunch and was warmly welcomed. Staff were wonderful - fun, friendly and unpretentious from start to finish. A perfect sunny day meant most diners opted for the outdoor terrace, enjoying its wraparound vistas over manicured grounds and the pretty town of Moltrasio. Food was very good, as indeed it should be given the prices. You can go a la carte or choose from 2 short tasting menus (€250 or €350 respectively). An indulgent but memorable experience.
Best Restaurant in Lake Como
Fri Jun 20 2025 17:09:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Ben Q
Best restaurant and view in Europe. Been in Lake Como for eight days and have eaten at the best restaurants, but was far above everything else. The service we received from the warm staff was like I was at a family reunion. We especially appreciated Simone Migliorin who was the most professional person I have interacted with in all my trips to Italy and Europe.
There is Paradise & then there is Passalacqua
Tue May 27 2025 10:53:40 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Ingrid H
Most stunning property, grounds, design, branding, food and service. It was like being in a dream. The rooms beautifully appointed with the most extra of Dyson hair appliances, blowers, curlers, flat irons etc. everything in this place is eye candy and feels like you are in a Wes Anderson picture perfect movie. I think JJ Martins design was a perfect bridge between old and cool hip new. Makes you want all the umbrellas, pillows chairs, fabrics etc. Loved using the outdoor rowing machines overlooking the lake and the spa was unique. I would not recommend this property if not fully mobile because of the steep grounds which also make it so stunning. If planning a stay here choose to do little outside and enjoy the property. A big thank you to the lovely staff. Can't wait to be back!
