“Modern architecture, clean design and genuine hospitality create a luxuriously modern vibe that sets Hotel Filario apart from everything else on Lake Como.” Filario Hotel & Residences
Amongst all the traditional, colourful Italian dwellings in Lake Como sits Filario Hotel & Residences, a luxury lake-front boutique hotel in Lezzeno. Like all the surrounding properties, the contemporary hotel that was previously a wire factory, is embedded into the steep hillside with a local stone and leafy facade visible from the road.
Filario, which is part of the Design Hotels group, may appear small upon entry but the accommodation and facilities are spread downwards and along the wishbone shaped lake’s edge. The hotel by Italian designer Alessandro Agrati, is both modern and elegant with the reception and lobby at ground level and the bedrooms on the floors below. The fine dining restaurant and bar, Ristorante Filo is located at the bottom of the main building overlooking the private beach.
All accommodation options at the hotel offer private balconies with lake views. The main building has thirteen modern rooms that have been designed with the same aesthetics using natural materials. The adjoining detached residences are also well designed but have a different, less luxurious feel. We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom apartment that was spotlessly clean with a huge balcony that spanned across the lounge and bedroom. The apartment had a separate bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with dining area, lounge with wall mounted TV and Sky channels and two outdoor seating areas. It’s clear that a lot of time and money has been invested in this resort but unfortunately while the hotel was stunning overall the bed was extremely uncomfortable as were the pillows which resulted in poor sleep.
A buffet breakfast is served in Filo with lots of choices including scrambled eggs, cold meats, cheeses, pastries, fresh juices and hot beverages. Extras such as eggs benedict and omelettes are available at an extra charge. The restaurant, under the guidance of Chef Alessandro Parisi, offers fine dining every evening from 7pm (weekends from 12pm – 2pm) with à la carte and tasting menu options. The tasting menu is only available for the whole table so the other half was unable to order it, much to his disappointment especially as he planned to order it with the wine pairing.
The à la carte menu offers a culinary journey with elevated Italian cuisine using the very best fresh and local ingredients. The food was flavoursome and well-presented with complimentary bites between courses but dessert options were a little too unusual so I opted out. The restaurant is stylish with lake views that are particularly stunning at sunset with a peach Bellini in hand.
Hotel facilities include an infinity pool and a pebble beach with loungers and cabanas that offer incredible views across the ginormous lake and the villages on the opposite side. SUPs, kayaks and paddle boats are available for guests to use as well as bikes (first hour free then it’s a chargeable activity) to explore the locale. The hotel can also arrange private boat rental, wakeboarding, water skiing, wake surfing and seaplane adventures. There are walking and hiking trails accessible near the hotel for those looking to explore the surrounding area on foot.
Lezzeno itself is a peaceful, traditional town in the Lario region with a few eateries and a ferry stop that connects it with the more well known towns such as Bellagio, Varenna and Lenno. The town stretches seven kilometres along the lake and offers amazing views of Villa Balbianello (the filming location for James Bond and Stars Wars movies), Comacina Island (the only island on Lake Como), the Alps and mountain trails beyond.
The Nitty Gritty
Filario Hotel & Residences, loc. Bagnana 96 22025 Lezzeno, Lake Como, Italy
Website: www.filario.it
Telephone: +39 (0)31 914035
Bookings: reservations@filario.it
Check-in: 4pm
Check out: 11am
Want to find out more about the hotel? Check out their FAQ’s HERE
The Good…
Stylish, luxury hotel in a good location
Amazing Lake Como views
Fine Dining restaurant
Good service (except one incident – see below)
Free fast wifi
The Not so Good…..
Uncomfortable bed and pillows
No full length mirror in the apartment
Sexist restaurant manager who only gave a menu to my husband and communicated with him only
Restricted set menu that was not available for one person
Limited taxi services in the area and public boat services that stop quite early. A private car service is available but it’s expensive and must be booked in advance at reception
We travelled from Abu Dhabi to Northern Italy via Zurich and back via Milan with Etihad Airways. We booked the hotel on Booking.com
All views are my own based on my experience. Unless otherwise stated all photos © Jo Brett 2022. All rights reserved. All room and residence photos used with courtesy of www.filario.it