Uncover the Hidden Gem of Lake Como: Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano!
Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano: Lake Como's Unpolished Jewel (Or, My Slightly Chaotic, Utterly Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile hotel review. This is me, spilling the tea (and maybe a little bit of limoncello) on Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano – a place that, let's just say, tried to steal my heart in the most wonderfully imperfect way. This isn't a flawless diamond; it's a slightly chipped but undeniably sparkling gem.
First Impressions & Accessibility (aka, the "Getting There is Half the Battle" Chapter)
Finding Ciclamino is part of the adventure. Bellano, a charming little town on Lake Como, isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. That said, the hotel is accessible, or at least, mostly accessible. The website promises facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which is a huge plus. But let's be real, navigating some of the older, charming Italian towns can be a bit…challenging. Think cobblestone streets, narrow walkways, and the occasional rogue Vespa. Be prepared to embrace the chaos and pack comfortable shoes! They do offer airport transfer, which is a godsend after a long flight.
Safety First (and Second, and Third!) - Because, Let's Face It, We're All a Little Anxious These Days
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: gestures wildly at the world. Ciclamino takes safety seriously, which is a huge relief. They’ve got all the usual suspects: hand sanitizer everywhere, staff masked up, and a commitment to cleaning that would make even Monica Geller proud. They're using anti-viral cleaning products, sanitizing rooms between stays, and even offering room sanitization opt-out if you're feeling extra cautious. Plus, a doctor/nurse is on call, which is comforting (especially after one too many Aperol spritzes). They've got a whole laundry list of hygiene certifications, and daily disinfection in common areas. I felt genuinely safe, which is a massive win.
The Room - My Sanctuary, With a Few Quirks
Alright, my room. Let's just say, it wasn't perfect, and that's part of its charm. It had that classic, slightly worn Italian elegance. Think: air conditioning that worked (praise be!), a comfy bed, a minibar stocked with essentials (and maybe a few tempting treats), and a window that actually opened! The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those late-night adventures. They also have a high floor, which means it's quieter. They offer free Wi-Fi (thank you, sweet baby Jesus!), and even LAN access if you're old-school.
The bathroom…ah, the bathroom. It had a separate shower/bathtub, which is always a bonus. But the water pressure? Let's just say, it was a little…gentle. And the lighting? A tad dim. But hey, it added to the atmosphere, right? It felt less like a sterile hotel room and more like a charming, lived-in space. They have all the standard amenities: hairdryer, toiletries, and the all-important coffee/tea maker.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - My Stomach's Perspective
The food at Ciclamino was…a mixed bag, but in the best possible way. The breakfast buffet? A solid offering. Think: fresh pastries (the cornetti were divine), fresh fruit, and the usual suspects. They have a Western breakfast, and an Asian breakfast, which is a nice touch. They have a restaurant with a la carte options, and a pool-side bar. There's also a coffee shop, and room service 24 hours.
The real star was the restaurant. They have a focus on local ingredients, which is fantastic. The pasta dishes were incredible. I had a truffle pasta that nearly made me weep with joy. The desserts? Chef's kiss. They had a happy hour, which was a great way to unwind after a day of exploring. They have a snack bar, as well, which is great.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Spa Day! (And My Slightly Embarrassing Experience)
Alright, this is where Ciclamino really shines. The spa! They have it all: a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor!), a sauna, a steam room, and even a pool with a view! They offer massages, body wraps, and body scrubs. I, being the intrepid reviewer I am, decided to dive headfirst into the spa experience.
I booked a massage. And, let's just say, I may have snored. Loudly. The therapist was incredibly professional, but I think I was a little too relaxed. After the massage, I spent an hour in the sauna, contemplating the meaning of life (and whether I should order another Aperol spritz). The pool with a view was stunning. I spent an hour just floating around, staring up at the mountains. Pure bliss.
The Little Things (Services & Conveniences) - The Devil is in the Details
Ciclamino offers a ton of services to make your stay easier. They have a concierge, a doorman, and daily housekeeping. They have a gift shop, currency exchange, and a laundry service. They have meeting/banquet facilities and business facilities. They have a convenience store. It's all there to make your life easier.
For the Kids - Family Friendly? You Bet!
They are family-friendly. They have babysitting service, and kids facilities.
The Imperfections (Because Nothing is Perfect, and That's Okay)
Okay, let's be honest. Ciclamino isn't flawless. The Wi-Fi sometimes hiccuped (but hey, we're in Italy, not Silicon Valley!). There were a few minor maintenance issues (a slightly wonky light fixture, a creaky door). But honestly? These imperfections just added to the charm. They reminded me that I was in a real, lived-in place, not a sterile, corporate hotel.
My Emotional Verdict: I Fell (Mostly) in Love
Look, I'm a tough critic. But Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano, won me over. It's not just a hotel; it's an experience. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and soak up the beauty of Lake Como. It's a place that's imperfect, authentic, and utterly charming. It’s a hidden gem, and I’m so glad I found it.
The Offer: Escape to Lake Como and Discover Your Own Italian Adventure!
Book your stay at Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano, and receive:
- A complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival: Cheers to your Italian adventure!
- Free breakfast for two: Fuel your day with delicious local pastries and fresh coffee.
- A 10% discount on spa treatments: Unwind and rejuvenate with a relaxing massage or body wrap.
- Early check-in/late check-out (based on availability): Maximize your time in paradise.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected (or disconnect, your choice!)
- Special offer: For the first 20 bookings, receive a complimentary guided walking tour of Bellano and a boat tour of Lake Como.
Don't wait! Book your unforgettable Lake Como getaway today!
(Click Here to Book Your Adventure!)
Escape to HOTEL GALAXY Banswara: India's Most Luxurious Getaway!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is Ciclamino - Cà del Lasco Bellano, Italy: The Reality Show Edition. Prepare for chaos, beauty, and probably a whole lot of gelato stains.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Bellano Bewilderment
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Okay, so the flight went… well, let's just say the guy in the seat behind me considered my knees a personal footrest. Finally, landed in Milan. Train to Bellano. The view from the train… chef's kiss. Lake Como shimmering like a movie star's teeth. Totally worth the cramped flight. My luggage, however, is currently on a solo adventure in… well, who knows. Praying to the luggage gods.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive in Bellano! The train station is charmingly… small. Finding Cà del Lasco is a bit of a quest. Google Maps is leading me on a wild goose chase through cobblestone streets. It's like a medieval maze designed by a particularly mischievous imp. Finally, finally, find the place. The view from the balcony? Jaw-dropping. The apartment? Rustic, charming, and smells faintly of… basil? I'm in!
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): First priority: food. Wander into a local trattoria. The menu is all Italian, and my Italian is… well, let's say I can order a coffee and maybe, maybe, ask for directions to the bathroom. Ended up pointing at things and hoping for the best. Got some pasta with pesto (the basil smell makes sense now!) and a glass of local wine. Life is good. Or, at least, it will be once my luggage arrives.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore Bellano. The Orrido di Bellano is a must-see. A gorge carved by a raging river. Walk across the bridge, getting sprayed with the mist. It's raw, powerful, and a little bit terrifying. And then… a gelato break. Because, Italy. Stracciatella and pistachio, naturally. Perfection.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Attempt to cook dinner in the apartment. Remember the basil smell? Turns out, the kitchen is also… well-equipped. With about three pots and a very enthusiastic collection of pasta shapes. Managed to burn the garlic, but the pasta, when finally cooked, was edible. Consumed it on the balcony, watching the sunset paint the lake in shades of orange and pink. Pure bliss. And my luggage finally arrived!
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Stroll through Bellano. The locals are all out and enjoying their evening. The sounds of chatting, laughter, and clinking glasses drift through the air. Feeling like I'm in a Fellini film.
Day 2: The Devil's Playground and a Boat Ride of Dreams (and Maybe Seasickness)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Woke up feeling refreshed. The lake view is, again, stunning. A quick coffee and pastry from the local bakery. Okay, so the pastry was a little… dense. But hey, it's Italy. Everything is delicious, even if it’s not perfect.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Orrido again. This time with a bit more confidence. And a better camera. The sheer force of the water is mesmerizing.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Found a restaurant with a view of the lake. This time, I attempted some Italian. Managed to order a delicious plate of grilled fish and a bottle of local wine. The waiter was patient and charming. He even corrected my pronunciation of "grazie" (apparently, I was saying it like a grumpy cat).
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Boat trip! Took a ferry to Varenna, a gorgeous little town. The lake views are even more spectacular from the water. Took a walk through the gardens of Villa Monastero. So many flowers! And the air smelled like… pure romance.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The boat was lovely, but it definitely rocked. I may or may not have turned a little green around the gills. Note to self: Bring ginger candies next time.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Head back to Bellano, and it's time to hit the shops. Trying to find a souvenir to bring home that is not a cliché.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): Another late night in Bellano. The town is alive with music and laughter. I'm finally feeling like I belong here.
Day 3: The Hike That Almost Killed Me (But Was Worth It)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Decided to be adventurous and hike up a mountain. The locals warned me. I ignored them. Big mistake. The trail started off innocently enough. Pretty views. Birds singing. Then, the incline got serious. My legs were screaming. My lungs were burning. I think I saw a goat laugh at me.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Almost gave up several times. But the views from the top… OH MY GOD. The entire lake stretched out before me. It was breathtaking. I felt like I could touch the sky. Suddenly, all the pain was worth it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): Back down the mountain, legs wobbly, but triumphant. Needed fuel. Found a tiny trattoria tucked away in a village. A simple meal of bread, cheese, and tomatoes. The best meal of the trip, by far.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Collapsed on a bench in the town square, exhausted but happy. Watched the locals go about their day. Felt a sense of peace I haven’t experienced in ages.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Found an amazing shop, selling local products. Bought some olive oil, and of course, more gelato.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Went to the local market. The place was brimming with produce, cheeses, and cured meats. It was a sensory overload.
- Night (9:00 PM onwards): The last night in Bellano. I'm not ready to leave. Tonight, it's a pizza night.
Day 4: Ciao, Bellano (For Now)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Woke up and spent my time packing. The apartment seems a lot smaller now.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last breakfast at the local bakery. The pastry this time was perfect. Maybe the luggage gods were smiling on me.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM): One last meal, a quick bite. Said goodbye to the restaurant owner.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM): Train back to Milan. The journey back was bittersweet. Sad to leave, but also excited to go home.
- Night (5:00 PM onwards): Flight home. The flight was uneventful, which, after the drama of the first flight, was a relief. Back in my own bed. Already dreaming of my return to Ciclamino, to Cà del Lasco, and to the magic of Bellano. Ciao, Italy. You've stolen a piece of my heart. And I'll be back to get it.
Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano: The Unfiltered Truth (and a Few Rambles)
Okay, so... what IS Ciclamino, Cà del Lasco Bellano *actually*? Is it just a fancy name?
Bellano? Is that, like, *actually* on Lake Como? Because, you know, Instagram...
What's the apartment itself, Ciclamino, like? I'm picturing something…rustic?
Is it...clean? Because, you know, some "rustic" places...
The balcony… is it really as amazing as it looks in the pictures?
What's there to *do* in Bellano besides stare at the lake (which, let's be honest, is tempting)?
Is it easy to get around? Do I need a car?
What about food? Are there good restaurants nearby?
Is it good for families? Couples? Solo travelers?
