What about the spa?
Small but perfectly formed. Situated on the ground floor, the heated pool is not one for swimming lengths, more flopping about in pre or post treatment. Access to the spa is only complimentary to guests if you are staying in one of the suites, otherwise it’s 39 Euros a head, but free to use if you book a treatment and I had a very good massage. There is also a 24 hour gym and a personal trainer available, plus in summer months, complimentary al fresco yoga classes for guests up by the pool.
Food and drink.
There’s plenty of options to choose from, but it’s the fabulous and lively Terrazza 241 on the – yes, you guessed it – rooftop of the hotel where it’s at. A popular spot not only for hotel guests, but also locals who often come to the bar and restaurant for the live music and DJ sets which take place daily between 6.30pm and 10pm. The food is good standard Italian with a particular focus on sirloin and beef tartare (which are on show hanging in specially temperature controlled fridges.) Although for the non-carnivores there are some great vegetarian dishes including salads and risotto. Drinks-wise, we particularly enjoyed the ‘Sense, Sip and Repeat’ cocktail experience – a novel affair created with the local perfumery, Acqu del Lario. Theatrically presented in beautiful lacquered boxes and with a flourish from one’s waiter, guests are encouraged to choose their tipple based upon their favourite fragrance – all laid out for you in perfume bottles. The selection includes four smoked cocktails created with different smoking techniques; four coffee-based cocktails perfect for an after-dinner aperitif and four mocktails for the sober curious. My favourite was Nova, based on the Ventone fragrance and combining mountain pine gin with lime, bergamot, lime and green tea.
Next to Terrazza 241, guests can enjoy drinks and poolside snacks from their sun lounger such as fruit platters and sandwiches until 6pm.
On the ground floor, Silk restaurant is where you will find breakfast – and other dining options of course too – but the breakfast buffet is particularly good with a large selection to choose from and also, for the dietary challenged – excellent gluten and dairy free options. In the summer, pizzas, pastas and gelato is served out of a Piaggio Ape van in the gardens of Taffeta, the ground-floor bar.
What is there to do nearby?
Situated to the north west of historic Como town and conveniently located for San Giovanni Railway Station – with direct trains to Milan and Milan Milpasse airport (it’s about a 40 minute cab) – the Hilton is set aside from the hustle and bustle of the town. But, it is a mere 15-20 minute walk to the town centre, a lovely stroll along the Passeggiata di Via Olma. Como itself has a plethora of bars and restaurants, a historical cathedral and plenty of market squares for shopping opportunities.