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Marriott has announced that it’s signed a deal that will bring a Ritz-Carlton property to Lake Como in northern Italy.
When the luxury property opens in 2026, it will be the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Italy and will give Marriott Bonvoy loyalists an excellent option at which to use their points.
“Lake Como is the jewel in the crown of the Italian Lake district and we can think of no better destination to debut The Ritz-Carlton brand in Italy. This incredible development showcases our commitment to thoughtfully growing our iconic brand in destinations where we know our guests want to travel most,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, at The Ritz-Carlton.
Let’s take a look at what we know so far about this exciting property!
Marriott’s iconic Ritz-Carlton brand will open just outside the world-famous town of Bellagio, along the shores of Lake Como, in 2026.
The property will open in the space of the former Hotel Grande Bretagne after an extensive renovation.
According to Marriott, the property will feature 59 guest rooms and 46 suites, including 2 Ritz-Carlton suites that will boast “beautiful views of the lake and luxurious furnishings.”
The hotel will feature plenty of other amenities, as well. There will be a “destination” spa, an indoor pool, multiple restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining, and meeting and events spaces. Like other properties in the area, guests can expect lavishly landscaped gardens and an outdoor space that will have distinct areas including a “meditation garden, historical walking trail, large outdoor swimming pool, and private boat dock” that guests can use to reach other points on the lake.
This forthcoming Ritz-Carlton will occupy a piece of property with a storied history. The Hotel Grande Bretagne originally opened in 1850 just outside Bellagio. The belle époque masterpiece was one of the first luxury hotels in the area, putting it on the map for the global jet set.
After the hotel fell into disrepair, it was acquired by the Galbusera family and their company, Grimit S.r.I., which is now working with Marriott International to restore, renovate, and expand the property, transforming it into the luxurious Ritz-Carlton hotel that will open in a few years.
“As a family, we are deeply rooted in the stunning area of Lake Como and are incredibly proud to be bringing The Ritz-Carlton brand to Bellagio,” said Emanuele Galbusera, President of Grimit S.r.l.
Set on over 175,000 square feet of land, the new Ritz-Carlton in Lake Como will be located within a 15-minute walk of popular sights in Bellagio including Punta Spartivento, Villa Melzi, and Parco Villa Serbelloni.
The Lake Como region is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, known all over the globe for its stunning scenery, exquisite villas, quaint lakeside towns, luxury hotels, elegant boats, and so much more.
It’s relatively easy to reach, too. Lake Como is located just about 90 minutes by car from Milan Malpensa International Airport (MXP), which has several nonstop flights to the U.S.
We don’t yet know how much this upcoming Ritz-Carlton hotel will cost, but we’d wager that it won’t be cheap. However, the hotel should participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program, meaning you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for free nights once it opens.
Hot Tip: Want to book a room for (almost) free at this property? Find out all the best ways to earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points!
Marriott’s posh Ritz-Carlton brand will soon debut in Lake Como — a very exciting development for points travelers who are loyal to Marriott.
The chain also intends to bring another luxury brand — the EDITION — to the area in 2025, a year before the Ritz is slated to open.
In an area that’s traditionally not been the best for award travelers, the fact that Marriott is opening not just 1, but 2 luxury properties, is great news for those with Marriott Bonvoy points to burn.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more information about this property!
