Review Sheraton Como Lake: expensive, far from everything and very little "Bonvoy"

"Hey Barbone, but why do you review Italian hotels so little?" I often get similar comments, and the answer is that when I travel around Italy I often end up in hotels that are uninteresting to my community partly because the chains, while growing, are not as present as in the rest of the world.

This time, however, having to spend a weekend in the Lugano area with the family, I opted to try this hotel, given its proximity to the Swiss border and still for a few months remains the only Marriott hotel in the area.

Reservation

As I have explained several times in the first months of the year I (almost) always point to Marriott, because the Bonvoy promotion is usually the best of the year. In this case then having already reviewed, in the early days of the site, theHilton Como Lake, I focused on its direct competitor namely this Sheraton.

Sleeping in this corner of paradise is never cheap and in fact one night cost me just under 300€, figure that is absolutely out of the market for the type of facility, quality and services offered.

Location

The name could be categorized in the "false advertising" category, like when you book in New York City and there is Times Square in the hotel name, but you are 20 blocks from the famous square.

Let's say it is very convenient if you have a meeting in Cernobbio, rather than if you want to breathe the air of the Lake.

Check-in

We arrived in the late afternoon at the hotel and to greet us is a very dark exterior, where it contrasts greatly with the light of the ground floor and public spaces of the hotel.

Too bad, as when there is an open kitchen, if the management offices are the first thing you see they should always be kept immaculately, and instead chaos reigned, and being the first thing you see is not exactly the best calling card.

Operations at the front desk that went quite surreal. For the first time in my life in an Italian hotel, I was asked to give my ID card and not my passport, "Because that way we have the C.F."

Then to my request to already have the keys set with late check-out at 4 p.m., I was told "The Sheraton Lake Como does not guarantee this benefit.", remember that it is not a "subject to availability" benefit for Those who hold the Platinum level or higher, but are guaranteed. Out of curiosity I then asked the attendant if it also applies to Ambassadors' "My24h" and she replied "Yes."

To my question "until what time is the lounge open?" the answer was glacial: "Here at the Sheraton Lake Como we don't have a lounge.", but the most surprising thing is that I expected a "... however to make up for it we offer ...." and instead nothing.

Dulcis in fundo, we heard about the swimming pool and with my daughter lighting up we asked until what time it was open, answer: "Until 8, but you have to book at the SPA."

Eventually seeing my amazement (or disappointment) he confirmed the late check-out and before giving me the key he said, "You are on the 4th floor, we also made a nice upgrade." Considering that in the end I had decided not to use one of my NUAs. I thought, "go I got it anyway." However, as the legendary Vujadin Boškov taught, "penalty is when referee whistles."

The room

Given that I had booked a Deluxe room, I expected to be in a better room, but as I often explain this is not always the case, although the Bonvoy benefits speak clearly on the issue of upgrades and it really seems that in this facility what is provided is only at discretion.

Absolutely average room, let's say below average for the modern Sheratons I've visited lately.

Bed, mattress and pillows, on the other hand, were a real guarantee. That then the ABC of a hotel is to make the guest sleep well, and you've already done the 50% of the job.

The room also has a micro terrace, with zero privacy from the neighbors. The view at night sins on the lack of pool lighting, which in fact is only discovered upon waking.

Bathroom in the. average, zero plastic and comfortable shower.

In the room the usual options, not desultorily empty minibar, bric instead of plastic for water, and generously sized TV screen.

The closet, however, was missing an ironing board and iron, a guarantee in these facilities and that of course is missing on the morning you need them.

A welcome thought. In the room a welcome letter and a bottle of Pinot Grigio.

The structure

The common areas on the ground floor are beautiful and were practically spotless, as the hotel had been open for 3 days after the work that renovated all the common areas on the ground floor and beyond.

On the second floor is the bar area, the space where breakfast is served in the morning, one of the facility's two restaurants a nice relaxation area.

In the outdoor part, meant right outside the hotel, crossed the road, there is the swimming pool, but it is closed and not heated.

The hotel is also a gourmet destination, as there is the Michelin-starred Kitchen restaurant where elite guests have the opportunity to eat with 10% discount (and also accumulate points by putting the cost of dinner on the room bill).

The SPA

Before heading out in the evening we popped into the spa to book, for the next morning, our 90m pool as directed by the front desk. Too bad that at the entrance the attendant froze us: "Entrance is only for ages 16 and up, but instead if you want you can take her to the gym!!!!"

To be fair, we realized later that the rule is indicated in the elevators, too bad we had not been given this apostille at check-in.

Breakfast

Breakfast, I remind you, is not included in the room rate and it's a benefit of choice for those who have Platinum status or higher, and obviously in this case I'm happy to give up 1,000 points and go for this benefit.

Varied buffet, but lacking is quality and some small details (like unpeeled carrots). Staff friendly, present, clean and orderly environment.

Egg Station with the ability to order eggs and omelets prepared on the spot.

The garage

Parking in the shed on floor -1 costs 20€ per day, positive note the presence of 3 electric vehicle charging stations.

In conclusion

Overpriced for what it offers, in all respects. The location then is definitely not convenient if you want to experience the lake. At this price I would not recommend it to anyone.

The verdict

From a Sheraton, at this price and in this location, I expect a decidedly different level of service and quality than I got. Of course if the room had cost 100€ less the grade would have been different, if we were in school the teacher would say, "The student has all the skills to get excellent results, but he has to work much harder."

5

Pro

• Newly renovated and very beautiful public spaces

Against

• Benefit Status not guaranteed
• No Lounge
• High price