NEW YORK, 25 March 2025 — In an exciting new chapter for luxury hospitality, Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a renowned brand under the Accor group, has announced its first property in Italy — the highly anticipated Raffles Lake Como. Set to open in 2027, this luxurious resort promises to bring the elegance and iconic charm of the Raffles brand to one of Europe’s most glamorous and picturesque locations. This venture is in collaboration with CL Hotel SPA, with UniCredit as the financial partner, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s expansion across Europe.
The new resort will be a full-scale renovation and conversion of the historic Grand Hotel Imperiale, an iconic Art Nouveau villa dating back to the 1920s. Situated on the exclusive western banks of Lake Como in Moltrasio, Raffles Lake Como will capture the essence of Italian culture while offering the world-class service and sophistication for which the Raffles brand is renowned.
A Milestone for Raffles: Blending History with Luxury
For Raffles Hotels & Resorts, this project represents more than just another property — it is a symbol of growth and a celebration of culture. Omer Acar, CEO of Raffles Hotels & Resorts, expressed his excitement about the debut of Raffles in Italy:
“Raffles Lake Como represents a milestone for Raffles as our first property in Italy and fifth hotel in Europe, underscoring our commitment to thoughtful growth in highly sought-after resort destinations. Raffles is world-renowned for its elegance, gracious service, and inspirational guest experience, and we are thrilled to bring these hallmarks to one of the world’s most glamorous havens.”
This development marks the fifth Raffles property in Europe, joining the prestigious Raffles London at The OWO, Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, Raffles Europejski Warsaw, and Raffles Istanbul. It reflects the brand’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in strategic urban and leisure destinations.
The Charm of Lake Como
Lake Como, known for its breathtaking scenery, luxurious villas, and timeless glamour, has long been a haven for celebrities, artists, and luxury travelers. Raffles Lake Como will offer guests an enchanting escape with the perfect blend of Italian charm and the legendary service that defines the Raffles brand.
The resort will provide guests with:
- 84 elegantly designed rooms, including 18 suites and 2 private villas, many of which will feature panoramic lake views.
- Lakeside culinary experiences, celebrating Italian cuisine with a refined twist.
- The iconic Raffles Long Bar and Writers Bar, offering sophisticated spaces for social gatherings.
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the-art spa, fitness center, and an exclusive beach club.
- Private lake access, allowing for an exclusive arrival and check-in experience from the water.
This stunning property will provide an ideal setting for weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings, with grand gardens, an expansive lawn overlooking the lake, and ample meeting spaces.
A Collaboration Rooted in Elegance and Tradition
The partnership between Raffles Hotels & Resorts and CL Hotel SPA is based on a shared vision of elegance and cultural authenticity. Andrea Girolami, Principal of CL Hotel SPA, emphasized the importance of preserving the local charm while offering an exceptional luxury experience:
“We are honored to work with Raffles Hotels & Resorts to create a distinct resort experience in Lake Como, a destination known for its stunning natural beauty and glamorous lifestyle. Raffles represents service excellence and heritage, with a deep respect for culture in all its forms, making it an ideal fit for the Lake Como community. Together, we hope to create a new lakeside landmark that will serve as an elegant escape for both residents and visitors to the destination.”
The project also benefits from the expertise of the EY Hospitality team, led by Marco Zalamena and Francesco Cammardella, who assisted CL Hotel SPA as the sole advisor in the successful operator selection process.
A Legacy of Excellence: The Raffles Experience
Raffles is not just about luxury accommodations — it is about creating timeless memories through exceptional service and personalized experiences. Since its founding in 1887 in Singapore, Raffles has set the standard for luxury hospitality. The brand is known for its:
- World-renowned butler service, offering personalized care to each guest.
- Iconic properties that serve as landmarks in each destination.
- A deep commitment to fostering culture, art, and design.
- Programs that support local communities and sustainability initiatives.
With the opening of Raffles Lake Como, guests will experience the same gracious hospitality combined with the warmth and vibrancy of Italian culture.
Expanding the Raffles Footprint
Raffles Lake Como is part of the brand’s larger strategy to expand its presence in key global markets. The brand continues to gain momentum with other exciting openings, including:
- Raffles Tokyo
- Raffles Goa Shiroda
Each new property reflects Raffles’ mission to blend luxury living with local culture, offering guests a chance to discover the soul of each destination.
About Accor: A Global Leader in Hospitality
Raffles is a part of Accor, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups with over 5,600 properties in more than 110 countries. The group encompasses more than 45 hotel brands, ranging from economy to luxury, with a commitment to:
- Responsible tourism and sustainable development
- Community outreach and diversity & inclusion
- Positive business ethics and integrity
Founded in 1967, Accor continues to innovate in hospitality while maintaining its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
A New Era of Luxury in Lake Como
Raffles Lake Como will not only enhance the hospitality landscape of Lake Como but will also become a new landmark for luxury travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience. With its perfect blend of Italian elegance, historic charm, and world-class service, this property is destined to offer guests more than just a stay — it will offer them a story.
For more details, visit:
raffles.com | accor.com | group.accor.com