May 16, 2013
Hazel L, Edinburgh, United Kingdom | Trip type: Couples
Recently returned from Lake Como and stayed at Britannia Excelsior Hotel. Whilst checking in at a chaotic reception desk we were asked if we wished to upgrade our room to...
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Recently returned from Lake Como and stayed at Britannia Excelsior Hotel. Whilst checking in at a chaotic reception desk we were asked if we wished to upgrade our room to one with a lake view and balcony for an additional 40 euros. We were not given the opportunity to see either the standard room we'd booked or the upgrade. The lake view with balcony sounded lovely so extra money paid (no receipt) and the upgraded room allocated. No-one mentioned the building site directly in front of the upgraded room with accompanying noise and crane swinging about in front of our balcony spoiling the view of the lake. The level of cleanliness fell below acceptable standards with blutack decorating the walls, toenails from a previous occupant on the floor, dirty marks (blood?)on the canopy above the bed and sheets not changed during our stay.Excrement in the shower tray reported to reception was blamed on a bad storm that day but how could faulty drains have affected the sixth floor! Many guests suffered from the norovirus but there was no directive from the hotel. Hand gel eventually appeared but without any instructions or requests for people to use it. Following this experience we would be reluctant to travel with Shearings again and certainly could never recommend the Britannia Excelsior Hotel. « less
“A really lovely hotel”
May 12, 2013
timmond, Chichester, United Kingdom | Trip type: Family
Perfect setting on the lakeside, grand public rooms, free wi-fi, good food, an excellent pool with bar and restaurant, all inclusive drinks, helpful staff and very comfortable beds. Oh, and...
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Perfect setting on the lakeside, grand public rooms, free wi-fi, good food, an excellent pool with bar and restaurant, all inclusive drinks, helpful staff and very comfortable beds. Oh, and a free launch across the lake to the beautiful town of Bellagio - what more could you want? The hotel is busy, presumably because it is good, but there were always lots of staff around to help with any queries. It is a great base, in the most beautiful part of the lake, for exploring the area, and always a welcoming place to come back to in the evening. They are shortly to complete a large floating pontoon pool directly outside the hotel, which looks like it will be a great facility. I would thoroughly recommend this place. « less
“First Class 3 Star Hotel”
May 11, 2013
IJM824, London, United Kingdom | Trip type: Couples
We have just returned from a 6 night stay at this hotel, travelling independently. We greatly enjoyed it. The location is excellent. The ferry is 3 minutes walk, and the...
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We have just returned from a 6 night stay at this hotel, travelling independently. We greatly enjoyed it. The location is excellent. The ferry is 3 minutes walk, and the view stunning. I have stayed in many hotels over the years in England, Europe and the Far East, from 5 star downwards. Reading some of the less complimentary reviews makes me believe that some of the writers have very limited hotel experience. There is no doubt of two things; one, this is unquestionably a top of the range 3 star hotel. Two, it is, to a degree, a victim of its own success, because it is full (or was when we were there)! When you walk past restaurants, do you go into the one that is full, or the one that is empty? The staff were friendly, attentive and helpful (and not just in the restaurant). I also found the same in the bar, where the staff are young , and contrary to a review here. The food was top drawer. The chef knows his business. I would highlight in particular the salads (and I am not a rabbit food fan), 6 or so available at lunch and dinner. Lots of fresh local ingredients and each salad a meal in itself. I agree the breakfast coffee could be better, as could the orange juice. It is true it is a buffet service, but so what, if the quality of food is so good? It does not purport to be a 3 star Michelin restaurant; if you want that, go and stay at such a place and pay the prices. I also notice a reference to German guests, and there certainly were Germans staying. It seemed to me that the menu was designed to cater for the English and the Germans. A large floating swimming pool is under construction and when I asked why it was not quite completed, I was told that the builder was behind the contracted schedule and that matters were in hand to see it was completed shortly. Only the 5 star hotels on the lake have such pools, which shows you the ambition of this hotel, and in any event there is a good swimming pool at the Lido about 3 minutes walk from the hotel. Our room (fifth floor, but not overlooking the lake) was well appointed and clean, the bed comfortable and spacious. One irritation was guests wlaking along the corridor talking loudly at 7am, but I can’t blame the hotel for that. The shower pressure was good. There was an overhead fan and aircon. The hotel wifi worked without issue. I had an electronic door key problem that was resolved in short order by reception and maintenance. We would highly recommend this hotel. « less
“Mixed Feelings”
May 9, 2013
WishfulThinking72, Milton Keynes | Trip type: Solo travel
As others, I travelled here with Shearings. On arrival, I was allocated room 42, the room was small, but contained a double bed (well twins pushed together), it had a...
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As others, I travelled here with Shearings. On arrival, I was allocated room 42, the room was small, but contained a double bed (well twins pushed together), it had a small window which overlooked the carpark, and it was quite chilly on arrival (good for the hot months) but my main problem was the shower was the tiniest one I'd ever seen. As a slightly larger than average build I didn't fancy wedging myself into it every day so decided to uprgrade my room. The receptionists at this point were very helpful, despite being extremely busy with all the new arrivals and advised I could check out other single rooms to compare. I decided in the end to still go for an upgrade so I had a nice view. They gave me room 225. Much bigger with a better sized shower, though a tinier bathroom! (I had to be careful not to hit my head on the sink when sitting on the toilet!!). I will shortly add pictures of room 225 and the views. As for cleanliness I did notice there was rather a bit of dust/grit and some hair under the dressing table but the shower and toilet were always clean (I dropped an M & M on the floor one day, didn't see where it went but noticed it the next day in the corner, I decided to see how long it would stay there - 4 days before it disappeared!) The bed was very comfortable, shame the noise kept me awake (read on)!
Now all was going well until the 2nd night. Just like most hotels of this standard, you could hear very clearly people talking as they walked past your room, the toilet being flushed next door and cupboards being opened and closed etc. What I've never had a problem with anywhere before, but what I did here, was the most inconsiderate idiot in the room above me (325), who stomped, ran and jumped around the room non stop, dragged furniture around, jumped on the bed and constantly dropped/threw things on the floor. With no exageration I thought they were going to come through the ceiling on many occasions. Every night it kept me awake and every morning it woke me up early. I did complain to reception but if they did anything about it they didn't tell me and it made no difference. Yes I could have complained to the person in the room directly but I had a feeling they were one of those people who would react by making an even bigger nuisance of their obnoxious self, and I may have ended up doing something I would regret. Ear plugs did not drown out the noise. If you are offered this room all I can say is make sure the person above is an elderly, light footed, considerate person and not a half wit that can't stay still for 5 minutes and (I think) chooses to turn their room into a gym, improvising with furniture as exercise equipment rather than going out for a run by the lake!
Turning to the food, it was ok and what I would expect of a 3 star hotel, I stuck with the pasta, fish and salad, I wasn't keen on their pizza and am not a meat eater so can't comment on the main dishes, although their roast potatoes were nice as was their cheese gnocchi which unfortunately they only had once. I quite liked some of the little cakes they had and the ones I had I didn't find dry, although I always had them with icecream. When they run out of things they are often replaced by something else - sometimes a cake I had my eye on was gone by the time I went to get dessert and a different one would be in its place, and if the potatoes ran out they were always replaced with french fries - if you like french fries then go to dinner after 7.45 and you'll probably be in luck! When the tuna ran out, which was with the salads, it was never replaced so if you like a tuna salad, go to dinner early!
I can't fault the dining room staff save for one girl who on my last meal there walked passed me about 10 times without asking if I wanted a drink, for the most part they were quick at providing drinks and clearing tables and were friendly with it.
The reception staff were a different story. Apart from the lady I dealt with on arrival most were really not very helpful, including the British staff. They were a bit dismissive or just ignored you. When there was a huge fiasco with the packed lunches (many had to go without one day) the staff were really not concerned. I twice asked for the maids not to come to my room before 12 noon and both times they turned up at 7.30am or just after (this is why I think my complaint about the person in the room above wasn't actually dealt with).
I appreciate this is a very large and busy hotel, but maybe a course in customer relations wouldn't go amiss for some of the staff. That said I did notice that the British reception staff seemed much friendlier and more attentive when a large group of American tourists arrived - they were falling over themselves to be nice and helpful - maybe the Americans are better tippers?
So yes, mixed feelings about the hotel. There was a terrible bug going around and people were dropping like flies, I was so lucky that the bug hit me 10 minutes after arriving home! Of course I'd rather not have had it at all... Hopefully this is now longer problem at the hotel but do be extra careful.
As for the excursions, do not miss the Bernina Express through the Swiss Alps, fantastic! The Milan tour was also very good. Do however give the boat trip to Bellagio with a tour of the Como villas a miss - you don't go anywhere near George Clooney's villa like they allege, the boats they use are not very good if you want to take pics, I couldn't understand a word that was being said and neither could others. Better off taking the free boat to Bellagio (a very nice little place). If you do go on the boat tour though, sit on the right hand side!
As for location - lovely position on the lake but not much else to do (Villa Carlotta is worth a visit) hence rating location as a 3. « less
“Good Hotel No Complaints Wifi very good”
May 8, 2013
LiverpoolAngie, Liverpool | Trip type: Couples
Food good buffet style ,am very fussy and i didn't complain something for everyone..alcohol is ok your usual all inclusive better than Greece/Spain all inc.you can drink there water so...
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Food good buffet style ,am very fussy and i didn't complain something for everyone..alcohol is ok your usual all inclusive better than Greece/Spain all inc.you can drink there water so don't buy water from hotel machine's or supermarket.you drink there water at dinner so fill your water bottles up we did it will pay for a trip what you save on water.we upgraded are room and it really isn't worth it as your never in it.unless your honeymooning etc.I got Wifi signal down in the bar area and also in my room so not just Wifi area just gently turn your laptop etc around till you get a signal .there's free internet access in the Wifi area.there's tv's to watch sport's /coronation st etc.take a travel kettle,teabags for your room as no tea making facility's and too far to take up to the room. Go on the Bernini Express its amazing my highlight of the trip.there's a big market trip into como town.and a boat trip to Bellagio which is beautiful. the hotel has a floating swimming pool in lake como right over the road .1 little supermarket shop around the corner for cigarettes etc and a little souvenir shop next door and a few bar/bistro's along the road. over all a lovely old grand (in it's heyday) hotel .and yes i will go back.and to this hotel . « less
These reviews are the subjective opinions of individual travelers and not of TripAdvisor LLC nor of its partners.
Details
Corridors:
All Rooms Have Interior Hallways
Room Windows:
Windows Do Open
Cleaning Frequency:
Daily
Meeting Rooms:
0
Dist. to Food/Bars:
On-site
Dist. to Nearest Gym:
On-site
Policies / Expenses
Total Taxes:
10.00%
Total Misc Fees:
$0.00 USD (mandatory resort fees/taxes)
Room Types - Hotel Britannia Excelsior
Single Classic
One Twin Bed
This room measures 118 square feet (11 square meters). Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Double Classic
One Queen Bed or
Two Twin Beds or
One Bed
This room measures 183 square feet (17 square meters). Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Deluxe
One Double Bed
Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Double Deluxe Balcony & Lake View
One Queen Bed or
Two Twin Beds or
Two Beds
This room opens to a balcony, great for kicking back and taking in lake views. Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Triple Occupancy
One Queen and One Single Bed
This room measures 248 square feet (23 square meters). Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Double Deluxe with Lake View
One Queen Bed or
Two Twin Beds or
One Bed or
Two Beds
This room overlooks the lake. Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
Junior Suite
One Double Bed
Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
XXX-double junior suite
One Queen Bed or
Two Twin Beds or
One Bed or
Two Beds
Satellite channels are offered for your entertainment. The private bathroom has a makeup/shaving mirror. A sofa bed, a ceiling fan, and a safe are among the conveniences offered.
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Based on 1,026 traveler reviews 
Value
“Idyllic Holiday Hotel--Not”
“A really lovely hotel”
“Mixed Feelings”
“Good Hotel No Complaints Wifi very good”
Single Classic
Deluxe
Double Deluxe Balcony & Lake View
Triple Occupancy