Advisors Unpacked: Top Luxury Hotels in Milan & Lake Como + the Ultimate Peru Itinerary (Lima, Cusco & Sacred Valley)
- willwebb35
- 35 minutes ago
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At Elli Travel Group, we believe that the best travel advice comes from direct exploration. That’s why our advisors travel, stay, and gather the stories and data that help create unforgettable journeys. In this edition of Advisors Unpacked--Report from the Road, we take you behind the scenes of Milan and Lake Como and Peru through the eyes, words, and insights of Lisa Primmer and Melissa Gaynor.
Luxury Hotels in Milan & Lago di Como — with Lisa Primmer
During her travels through Milan and the Italian Lakes, Lisa Primmer found that the neighborhood you choose sets the tone for your entire stay.
"Milan is a city of neighborhoods — and where you stay shapes your entire experience."
Milan: Neighborhoods & Hotels
Brera — Milan’s artistic heart, with its boutiques and cafés — was a standout.
Portrait Milano: “This was my favorite. It felt warm, personal, and chic — like staying at a stylish friend’s townhouse.” Housed in a restored seminary, Portrait Milano offers 73 rooms and suites, two signature restaurants (Beefbar and 10_11), plus a serene subterranean spa and pool. Just steps from the fashion quadrilatero, it blends intimacy
with design sophistication, making it a natural fit for style-minded travelers.
Rocco Forte House: Lisa described this discreet option as feeling more like a private residence than a hotel — ideal for longer stays or clients seeking privacy in Brera. Lisa's clients love the VIP status they receive through Elli Travel's Rocco Forte Knights Program.
Bulgari Milan: “You wouldn’t stumble on this hotel — it’s hidden, very private. Inside, it’s dark marble and sleek lines with gardens that open up in the back. Exclusive but surprisingly family-friendly.” Tucked behind gates, Bulgari Milan offers a quiet, polished escape with lush gardens and a contemporary feel — perfect for clients who want privacy in the center of the city.
Duomo / Central Milan — For travelers who want to walk everywhere and be at the heart of the city.
Park Hyatt Milan: “You step outside and you’re in the thick of it — the cathedral, the Galleria, the energy of central Milan.” This five-star hotel places guests directly in Milan’s iconic Piazza del Duomo. Elegant interiors and a lively lobby give it the right mix of prestige and energy.
Casa Brera (Luxury Collection): Lisa called this property “fun, hip, with a rooftop pool looking over the Duomo. It doesn’t take itself too seriously.” With around 116 rooms and suites and four restaurants (including the rooftop Etereo), Casa Brera brings a playful, design-forward take on Milanese luxury.
Porta Nuova District — just outside the historic core.
Hotel Principe di Savoia (Dorchester Collection): “It’s very classic — ornate interiors, drapes, gold detailing. It’s not in the center, but they do offer a shuttle. For clients, it’s good value in Milan’s luxury category.” A Milan institution since the 1920s, Principe di Savoia features nearly 300 rooms and suites, neoclassical architecture, and restaurants including Acanto and Il Salotto. Lisa noted that for travelers who want Milanese grandeur with Dorchester service — at a value compared to some city-center properties — this is a strong choice. Elli Travel clients love the enhancements & amenities they receive through our The Dorchester Diamond Club partnership.
Lake Como Luxury Hotels | Different Contrasts by Location
As Lisa moved north, the city energy gave way to water, gardens, and hillsides — each property reflecting a different side of Lake Como.
Pasalacqua:
“This was the highlight. It’s intimate, quiet, and feels like a private villa. If you want serenity, this is it.” With fewer than 30 rooms, Pasalacqua feels like an elegant Italian home rather than a hotel. Lisa highlighted its warm, residential interiors and tranquil setting — perfect for couples or honeymooners who value exclusivity and retreat-like quiet.
Villa d’Este:
“Classic and formal. Jackets at dinner, old-school elegance. The definition of Lake Como tradition.” A legend on the lake, Villa d’Este is all about heritage and prestige. Lavish interiors, formal gardens, and strict dining codes make it a haven for travelers who want the most traditional, iconic Lake Como experience.
Il Sereno:
“Modern and sleek, with just 40 rooms. It feels exclusive and design-driven.” Designed by Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno reimagines Como luxury in minimalist style, with ~40 suites, floor-to-ceiling glass, and an infinity pool suspended over the lake. Its Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Sereno Al Lago, and spa built into the old boathouse make it a top choice for design lovers.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo:
“Colorful, vibrant, lively. Two pools, antiques everywhere, and the breakfast buffet is legendary.” For those who like buzz and exuberance, Tremezzo is Lake Como’s most playful property. Bursting with color and filled with antiques, it offers both a floating pool on the lake and a hillside garden pool.
Villa Serbelloni & Grand Hotel Victoria:
Lisa pointed out these two properties as ideal for clients who want to stay in walkable villages. Villa Serbelloni is historic and traditional, right in Bellagio’s bustling town center, with ferries at your doorstep. Grand Hotel Victoria, recently refreshed, offers a lighter, more modern style and is especially family-friendly. Located in Menaggio, it provides quieter charm while still giving easy ferry access. Together, these highlight another side of Lake Como: connectivity and convenience.
The Edition Lake Como:
One of the lake’s newest and most buzzed-about openings.“It’s not your typical Lake Como hotel — it’s sexy, design-forward, and made for a guest who wants energy and atmosphere as much as scenery.” Located near Torno, the hotel blends Ian Schrager’s signature modern style with a social, cosmopolitan vibe. With about 145 rooms and suites, a striking infinity pool, and lively bars and restaurants, The Edition offers a fresh, urban contrast to Como’s traditional icons.“It feels modern and international — more Milan-meets-Como than old-world villa.” Lisa called it a perfect fit for younger travelers or design enthusiasts looking for contemporary luxury on the lake.
Milan & Lago di Como Luxury Booking Tip
Working with Lisa Primmer and Elli Travel Group opens travelers to a world of enhancements & amenities. Elli Travel Group is a proud member of invitation only Luxury Travel Programs such as, The Dorchester Diamond Club, Rocco Forte Knights, Marriott Stars & Luminous & Hyatt Prive which enhance your stays at some of Lisa’s favorite luxury Milan Hotels.
Planning your next Italian getaway? Connect with Lisa Primmer — she’ll curate the perfect Luxury Experience.
Luxury Peru Itinerary — with Melissa Gaynor
For Melissa, Peru was as much about managing logistics and altitude as it was about luxury hotels. Her trip became a lesson in balance: culture, comfort, and careful pacing.
Lima | Where History Meets Coastal Cool
Melissa began in Lima, a city that divides neatly between polished Miraflores and artsy Barranco. In Miraflores, international hotels dominate, with high-rises overlooking the Pacific. In Barranco, the vibe is creative and bohemian — galleries, street art, and boutique hotels. Melissa stayed at the Belmond Miraflores, a popular partner for clients seeking a refined stay offering ocean views. Another great option, that Melissa toured, is Hotel B, a restored Belle Époque mansion: “Boutique, artsy, full of personality.”
Lima tip: make Lima a culinary destination in itself. Book ahead for iconic spots like Central or Maido, and remember that Lima sits at sea level, making it the perfect buffer stop before Cusco.
Sacred Valley | Peru’s Tranquil Heart
The Sacred Valley, lower than Cusco, is the location for acclimation. Wide valleys, terraced hillsides, and villages made it feel both rural and culturally alive. She stayed at Tambo del Inka: “You wake up to alpacas on the lawn. The rooms feel local and authentic.”
Sacred Valley Planning Tip: Plan two nights here to adjust before climbing higher, pack layers, and leave time for cultural stops like Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo, Moray, or the Maras salt pans.
Sacred Valley Hotel Tip: A favorite location is the Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado Tucked along the Urubamba River, its perfect for clients clients seeking authentic tranquility and local character. Let Melissa enhance your stay with our Belmond Bellinni Partnership.
Machu Picchu
From the Sacred Valley, Melissa boarded the train to Machu Picchu in Ollantaytambo, where she notes that you can reserve the journey via the luxurious Belmond Hiram Bingham or the Inca Rail. Once at the citadel, timing matters: “It will always be crowded, but the magic is still there.” Her tips: aim for early morning or late afternoon entry, wear supportive shoes, and always carry light rain gear. The uneven terrain and shifting weather make preparation key.
Planning Tip: Our recommendations usually have clients stay near Machu Picchu, in Aguas Calientes (where the train arrives). This allows clients to enjoy several hikes around Machu Picchu and the opportunity to enjoy this Majestic Citadel.
Cusco | The Gateway to the Inca World
Cusco was, in Melissa’s words, a must-see city — a blend of Inca foundations and Spanish colonial plazas. But at over 11,000 feet, it demands respect. She divided her time between Belmond Monasterio: “Historic and atmospheric, with harp music at breakfast,” and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas: “All suites, serene and calm. Perfect for clients who want luxury after a long day of exploring.”
Cusco Travel Tip: Take it slow on arrival. Short walks, light meals, and hydration make the adjustment smoother. Must-see sites include the Plaza de Armas, Qorikancha (Temple of the Sun), Sacsayhuamán, and the artisan quarter of San Blas.
Melissa’s Key Takeaways
Don’t rush the altitude — buffer days are essential. Hydrate, eat light, and rest when needed. Further, there are medications that can assist in acclimating and some hotels have rooms with oxygen assistance capabilities. Pack for variety: sun, rain, warm days, and chilly nights. And always book a private guide — Melissa stressed that guides are what make the stories and culture come alive.
Planning your next Peruvian Adventure? Connect with Melissa Gaynor — she’ll curate the perfect Luxury Experience.
Our advisors don’t just observe — they immerse, compare, and share the details that brochures can’t capture. Whether it’s Lisa’s take on Milan’s neighborhoods or Melissa’s altitude-tested Peru advice, their insights ensure your next trip is not just well-planned, but well-lived.