It’s the deep blue-green turquoise that did it for me. That and the Harry Potter-esque closet under the stairs at the entrance.
Those are my two big takeaways from my first-look stay at the newly-renovated Casa du Lac hotel in chic Varenna on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
Casa du Lac reopened for the 2025 season after being purchased and renovated by R Collection Hotels. The former Hotel du Lac welcomes guests to its 13 unique rooms, unified not by their layouts but by the bold turquoise and green color palette that evokes the color of the lake over which it sits.
A quirky property, Casa du Lac has a restaurant with a terrace view to die for, but does not serve breakfast. Guests are invited instead to take the 3-minute walk to sister property Hotel Royal Victoria just up the hill, where a full buffet breakfast awaits.
The meals it does serve, however, are fresh, seafood-forward, and well-executed. Even in October, typically the end of the shoulder season, the restaurant and hotel were bustling.
The Skim
- 13 rooms across 6 categories, all unique
- Newly renovated and reopened in 2025 after purchase by family-owned R Collection Hotels
- High-quality finishings and stunning views, but few amenities
- Excellent high-end hotel for couples
The Rooms
I stayed in a Junior Suite Lake View room, one of 6 categories in the 13-room hotel. Every room has a lake view at a minimum, while some have balconies and others have full terraces.
I was able to view the 3 rooms the rest of my group had, and each was a different size, layout, and view. One was a Junior Suite with Balcony, one was a Junior Suite with Terrace, and one was a Deluxe Lake View.
Mine was technically considered an obstructed view because it is set back in an extension of the property, but I loved the mixed view of picturesque buildings and lake, and no room has a wall of windows like my room did (room 414).
The king bed was comfortable, the color palette was soothing sage and warm wood tones, with bright sea green mixed in. The clean lines have a Japanese feel to them, but the view is entirely Italian.
The bathroom is spacious, with double sinks, a walk-in shower, and a separate toilet and bidet. The in-room coffee maker was a lifesaver to get the morning going before we walked over to Hotel Royal Victoria for breakfast (which is included in the daily rate).
The Service
The service saved the day – we had checked out and left our bags at the front desk for a few hours before transferring to our next hotel. I always travel with my own Tempurpedic travel pillow and forgot to pack it back up.
The housekeeping staff found it when cleaning the room and stuck it in my tote for me. I completely forgot about it until we went to collect our bags and there it was, waiting for me. I was so grateful to not leave it behind!
The Amenities
Casa du Lac is a small boutique property and while it is well-appointed in the rooms, there are really no amenities. There is no gym or spa on the property, and the restaurant has limited hours. Guests can use the facilities at Hotel Royal Victoria just up the path, but walking to another hotel isn’t particularly convenient.
Who’s It For
Casa du Lac is for travelers who value a hotel that feels like a luxurious home. It’s family-owned and run, and it plays up its one-of-a-kind offering as opposed to trying to make everything feel uniform. Book it for high-end couples or small groups traveling together who don’t need their rooms to look identical for “fairness’s sake” – you won’t get that here.
What you will get is character, charm, and a quiet atmosphere. You will find a helpful, friendly staff and views that will make you forget that there isn’t much to do in the hotel other than look at them.
This hotel doesn’t exclude children but doesn’t offer amenities for them, either. Families may be more comfortable at a property with a bit more room to maneuver.
Would I Recommend It?
I loved my stay at Casa du Lac for its charm, fresh renovation, and access to both the town of Varenna and the amenities at Hotel Royal Victoria. I recommend it, though at 1200 euros per night in late May, I’m not sure I find my exact room to be a great value.
Prices at the Royal Victoria, which shares its amenities with Casa du Lac, are only slightly more but the hotel offers greater convenience. However, Casa du Lac is newly renovated and is the sleeker of the two properties if you are deciding between them.
Looking elsewhere on Lake Como? Check out the brand new Villa O in Cernobbio.
