Castello di Casiglio Review: A Luxury Castle Stay Near Lake Como
One of the best things about it is the location. It’s tucked away in Erba, which is only about 20 minutes away from Lake Como. You can leave the busyness of the lakeside crowds behind and, in less time than it takes to finish a cup of coffee, find yourself pulling into a driveway that feels like it’s in a completely different century. Living near Lake Como, you see plenty of grand villas, but staying in an actual castle is a different thing altogether. For my 30th birthday, we stayed a night at Relais & Spa Castello di Casiglio, and it was exactly the kind of reset I needed.
The hotel was amazing from the start. They were incredibly accommodating when we needed to move our booking at the last minute. From the moment we arrived, they were brilliant. They even had our room ready early, which is always a win in my book.
We happened to visit during Easter week, which if you’ve spent any time around the Lake in April you’ll know is absolute chaos. The narrow roads are packed, the ferries are overflowing, and the tourist crowds are in full swing. Being able to retreat to somewhere this peaceful was ideal.
1,000 Years of History (And an Intact Cardinal)
A bit of history about this place; The original construction dates back to around 900 A.D., and if you look at the facade that faces the cemetery, you can still see the oldest surviving original bridgework and stone structures.
The real transformation of the castle happened in the 14th century under Cardinal Beltramino Parravicini. He was a powerful figure that was made Bishop of Como in 1339 and later Bishop of Bologna. He expanded the castle into the grand structure you see today, and he clearly loved the place.
Cardinal Beltramino died in 1351, leaving instructions in his will that he be buried in the castle’s church. The story goes that when they reopened his tomb in 1361, his body was found completely intact. After surviving an 18th-century fire (which forced them to rebuild the tower on the left side), the castle was fully restored in 1985.
The Rooms: High Ceilings and Stone Walls
The rooms really lean into the history. You’ve got the thick stone walls and massive, high wooden ceilings that make the space feel big but still very snug. Our room had a gorgeous view of the gardens.
The bathrooms are spacious, and they’ve included the kind of details that make a stay feel a bit more premium. Like a well-stocked mini fridge and Codage Paris branded toiletries. It’s a nice blend of that old-world atmosphere with the modern comforts you actually want when you’re relaxing.
The Spa: A Proper Reset Near Lake Como
After checking into our room, we put on the robes and flip-flops and headed straight to the spa. It’s state-of-the-art, and we practically had the whole place to ourselves which, considering it was Easter week, felt like a miracle. It is surrounded by trees and nature and all you can hear is the water and the birds.
Inside the spa:
- The Heat: Saunas, Mediterranean baths, and a scented steam room.
- The Cold: If you’re brave enough, there are cold showers and a cold bucket (which I love to do after the sauna).
- The Pools: A heated indoor-outdoor pool, plus a large outdoor pool that’s unheated. Ideal for the hotter summer months.
- The Domes: There are cool relaxation domes where you can sit and play a game of chess or just relax by the pool.
They also provide hot teas, water, fresh fruit, nuts, and chocolate. After a few hours in the spa, we opened a bottle of champagne and took it out into the gardens to enjoy the sun. As a hotel guest, you can come and go as you like, but they also offer day passes for people just looking for a spa day. You can check their latest packages and prices [here].
Dining at LèCru: A Romantic Night Under the Castle
The hotel’s restaurant, LèCru, is actually located underneath the castle, You pass through a wine cellar lined with an impressive collection of magnum bottles of champagne and wine before entering the dining room itself. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and an extensive menu that has lots of options for vegetarians, meat lovers and gluten free options.
If you’re visiting in the hotter months, they also set up tables outside in the gardens so you can dine under the stars.
The Tasting Menu:
- The Highlight: I had the Gnocchi di Pane with garlic, oil, chilli, and salted cod mousse. Honestly, it was the best gnocchi I’ve had.
- The wine: The wine list is massive, we ordered a Franciacorta Rosé.
- The Bread: They brought out an endless supply of freshly homemade bread which was delish.
- The Main: I went for the lamb with citrus, jalapeños, and Caslino goat’s cheese. It was perfectly balanced, especially with that hint of pine.
- The Sweet Finish: They finished us off with a tray of mini desserts, we also ordered a Tiramisu and a Cannolo LèCru.
The Morning After: Breakfast & My Final Verdict
Breakfast the next morning was back in the main restaurant room, and it was one of the best we’ve had in a long time. There is a massive choice of fruit, cold meats, eggs, and pastries. You also get a menu at the table for hot dishes. The French Toast was amazing. They’ll also bring you as many coffees as you can handle.
All in all, it was one of our best stays. It’s incredibly peaceful and feels like you’re completely cut off from the rest of the world, despite being just 20 minutes from the lake. If you need a proper weekend to recharge the batteries and escape the seasonal madness, this is the spot. I already can’t wait to go back.
