Filario Hotel, Lezzeno, Italy

Finding the Perfect Modern Hotel in Lake Como: A Review of Filario Hotel & Residences

Finding the right place to stay in the Italian Lakes region is surprisingly difficult. As the Well-Traveled Fella, I have a strict set of criteria for hotels: a clean and modern design, a 4.5+ Google rating, a king-size bed, and a room with at least 300 square feet – all without an exorbitant price tag.

In Lake Como, you usually find two extremes: charming but stodgy, outdated albergos (often with the dreaded “tub-only” bathrooms), or lavish lake-front palaces starting at $1,000 per night.

Then, I discovered Filario Hotel & Residences in Lezzeno.

The History & Meaning of Filario

Filario opened in 2015 after five years of meticulous construction on the site of a former wire factory. The name is a clever portmanteau:

Filo: Italian for “thread,” honoring the region’s silk production heritage.
Lario: The ancient Latin name for Lake Como.

Modern Luxury at an Accessible Price Point

While Lake Como luxury often feels “old world,” Filario is breathingly modern. We visited in September and booked a Superior Room for around $400 per night.

For that price, we secured:

Space: 375 square feet of airy, light-filled design.
The View: A private lakeview terrace overlooking the water and the Alps.
The Amenities: A king-size bed with a firm mattress, Frette linens, and a sleek bathroom featuring a large free-standing rainfall shower.

With only three rooms per floor, the stay was peaceful, quiet, and felt incredibly exclusive.

Property Highlights: Infinity Pools and Private Beaches

Filario is conveniently located in the sleepy hamlet of Lezzeno on the SP583 road. The property is split into two main areas:

The Main Building: Housing the lobby, 13 guest rooms, a gym, and the signature restaurant, Filo.
The Residences: Eight luxury one-to-three bedroom apartments sitting atop a private parking garage.

The two buildings are connected by a stunning heated infinity-edge pool, a private beach, and a dock for boat excursions – which the staff perfectly coordinated for us.

Dining at Restaurant Filo

The on-site restaurant, Filo, exceeded our expectations. Beyond the expansive breakfast buffet, we enjoyed lunch there twice. The pizza was arguably the best we had during our entire Italian trip. While we didn’t stay for dinner, the atmosphere was festive and the guest reviews were glowing.

Location: Exploring Bellagio and the Larian Triangle

While Lezzeno is a quiet escape, you are perfectly positioned to explore the “Larian Triangle”:

Bellagio: Just five miles north. This “Pearl of the Lake” offers world-class shopping, villa gardens, and the main traghetto (car ferry) terminal.
Como: Fifteen miles south, home to a commanding Duomo and a boutique-filled centro storico.
Villa del Balbianello: Located directly across the lake in Lenno, famous for its cinema history and picturesque gardens.
Greenway del Lago di Como: Accessible via the nearby communes of Tremezzo and Colonno for those who love a scenic stroll.

Final Verdict: Is Filario the Best Hotel in Lake Como?

If you are looking for a modern, sophisticated, and well-priced sanctuary away from the tourist swarms of Bellagio, the Well-Traveled Fella highly recommends Filario Hotel. It meets every high standard for the discerning modern traveler.

Last visited in September, 2018

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