I just completed a stay with my favorite ever Hyatt points redemption hotel! If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards to transfer to Hyatt or Hyatt points, you need to add this hotel and Lake Como to your bucket list. Seriously, it has been like I have just lived the Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. I imagine George (Clooney) and Amal staying at a hotel like this – it is that amazing! For all those wanting that experience for next to nothing, here is my review of the Grand Hotel Victoria Concept and Spa.

 

Location

The Grand Hotel Victoria Concept and Spa is located in Lake Como, Italy. It is about 24 miles from the town of Como. We rode the train to get to Como from Milan and then took a taxi to the town of Menaggio, where the hotel is found. It is a huge hotel that was recently renovated and reopened about 4 months ago. Nestled a few feet from the banks of Lake Como, the views are simply spectacular! The lake, the hills, the villas – gorgeousness everywhere! Add to the fact that you can hear the church bell located behind the hotel ring, it is surreal splendidness.

Although the location is close to Como, the roads are winding, and the streets are narrow. It took us almost an hour to get here via taxi. The cost was 100 Euros. When we returned to Como, we went by ferry for less than 20 Euros each.

The town of Menaggio is small and quaint, with the main center where you can grab a gelato or a beverage. It contains a few cute restaurants and some small shops. Two other popular towns, Varenna and Bellagio, are across the lake, easily reached by ferry for a 9 Euro price roundtrip. We went to Bellagio and enjoyed our time wandering around there, also.

 

 

Hotel

From the moment we arrived until the moment we left the hotel, we encountered first-class service. From Buon Giorno to Buona Sera, the staff was helpful and anticipated our every need. Immediately upon arriving, we noticed the best scent in the lobby. That signature scent is all over the hotel and was heavenly. I had to buy some lotion to carry home with me.

We were warmly greeted and offered beverages, and our concierge took us over to check us in. She then took us to our room to orient us to it. As we walked in, the window shades of our large room with floor-to-ceiling windows opened up. Everything is automated, and the room was simple and modern with a huge terrace.

 

Although I had used points (only 25,000 per night) and don’t have Hyatt status, we were upgraded to a larger room with a huge terrace. It didn’t have a lake view, but the view of the village and mountains was spectacular! I actually think I preferred it. We enjoyed watching local townspeople chatting it up and seeing them enjoy breakfast on their own terraces. But my favorite part was hearing those church bells!

 

Breakfast

I was surprised that our breakfast was included in our room charges (which we didn’t pay for).  I didn’t know then, but when you book one of the hotels from the Small Luxury Hotel Group (which this was) through Hyatt, you get upgrades and free breakfast! We looked forward to it every day. The best breakfast buffet and delicious, made-to-order items like eggs benedict, pancakes, omelets, and crepes. I had Nutella crepes every morning, fresh fruit, eggs, and fresh orange juice.

We could eat inside the beautiful restaurant or outside on the terrace overlooking the lake. It was such a great way to start each day.

 

Spa and Pool

The Victoria Grand Hotel Concept and Spa had the most amazing spa that we also had access to. It had sauna rooms, cold rooms, relaxation rooms, a huge blue jacuzzi, and a cold plunge. It was 12,000 feet of serenity and not very busy. We took our last day and spent it there. And since I didn’t have to pay for rooms, I paid for a massage. I love that I can afford to indulge myself because I didn’t pay for that $735 room! Of course, I NEVER would have paid for that room for 4 nights, so it is simply incredible that I can stay like this because of credit card points and miles.

 

We spent quite a bit of time reading and relaxing around the pool. We especially loved the time each afternoon when they would bring us a treat of fresh fruit. The weather was in the high 70’s – not too hot, not too cold. We enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the views.

 

Bottom Line

I 100% recommend this hotel to anyone. The ability to stay there for four nights for only 100,000 Hyatt points was amazing. Best redemption ever! You could actually do this yourself with just the signup bonus from one credit card, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card. (Refer your Player Two to it also). Do it! You can thank me profusely later!