Palazzo Genazzini, a newly restored lakeside retreat in the heart of Bellagio, is set to open on 1 June 2026, bringing an elegant addition to the shores of Lake Como.
Occupying a historic waterfront building dating back more than 300 years, the boutique hotel has been thoughtfully reimagined through an extensive restoration led by Francesco Pastorelli Architetti alongside interior designers Studio Reveria. The project breathes new life into one of Bellagio’s long-standing architectural landmarks, transforming it into a refined 35-room retreat while remaining deeply respectful of the building’s heritage and original spirit.
The palazzo takes its name from the Genazzini family, who acquired the property in the late 18th century and helped establish it as one of Bellagio’s earliest hospitality addresses. During the era of the Grand Tour, it became a favoured stop for travellers exploring northern Italy, before eventually falling silent for several decades. Its reopening marks a thoughtful revival rather than a reinvention, with the restoration centred around retaining the building’s historic soul while adapting it for modern travellers.
That sense of continuity runs throughout the restoration itself. Rather than overshadowing the building’s history with something overly polished or dramatic, the approach has been centred around allowing the palazzo’s original character to quietly re-emerge. Decorative frescoes uncovered during the works, sections of the original staircase and historic tones within the façade have all been preserved, creating interiors that still feel unmistakably connected to Bellagio and the lake beyond.
Inside, the atmosphere leans towards understated Italian elegance, with an emphasis on texture, craftsmanship and natural materials. Marble, timber and locally sourced stone feature throughout the hotel, softened by silk-effect wall finishes and warm neutral tones inspired by the changing colours of Lake Como. Interiors balance contemporary comfort with subtle references to local heritage, and bespoke furnishings have been crafted by Italian artisans.
Natural light against reflective surfaces and other carefully chosen materials creates a gentle shift throughout the day as the light changes across the water. There are also quiet nods to Bellagio’s lakeside identity woven into the design, from circular details reminiscent of portholes to decorative motifs inspired by historic villas around the lake.
Accommodation at Palazzo Genazzini has been designed to feel more like an elegant private residence than a traditional hotel, with 35 rooms and suites arranged across four floors. More than half of the rooms fall within the suite categories, with views stretching across Lake Como, the rooftops of Bellagio and the surrounding mountains. Many first-floor suites will also feature landscaped private terraces overlooking the water, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living and adding to the property’s distinctly residential feel. Families and larger groups have also been thoughtfully considered, with selected interconnecting room options available.
Dining will form a central part of the experience, particularly through the introduction of Ristorante Genazzini 1788 and a rooftop bar overlooking Lake Como. The restaurant will serve Italian-inspired cuisine throughout the day, from relaxed breakfasts and lighter lunches to more atmospheric evening dining, and the outdoor piazza bar has been designed to feel connected to the rhythm of Bellagio itself rather than existing purely as a hotel space.
Meanwhile, the rooftop terrace looks set to become one of the property’s defining features, pairing panoramic lake views with cocktails created by Alessandro Grechi alongside seafood dishes and sharing plates designed for long aperitivo evenings.
The landscaped gardens and terraces, designed by Roberto Benatti, feature Cypress trees, palms and climbing roses, helping the hotel feel naturally woven into its lakeside surroundings.
For travellers drawn to properties with a genuine sense of place, Palazzo Genazzini promises a more intimate and quietly sophisticated way to experience Bellagio, an experience shaped as much by history, craftsmanship and atmosphere as by the lake views themselves.
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Visit: www.palazzogenazzini.com/en/
