Discovering the Charm of Hotel Europa: A Lake Como Family Retreat

Hotel Europa Lake Como Italy - A charming facade nestled on the shores of Lake Como — Hotel Europa: Your home away from home on the picturesque Lake Como.

Our journey to Lake Como, Italy, was serendipitous. Initially, our travel plans revolved around exploring alternative destinations near Switzerland after our Swiss adventure. Paris, Tuscany, and Munich were all contenders, but fate had a different plan.

During a late-night travel planning session, fueled by determination (and perhaps a bit of desperation), I stumbled upon Hotel Europa in Sorico, a quaint town nestled at the northern tip of Lake Como. Among the myriad of accommodations I researched, this particular hotel resonated with a unique warmth and authenticity. The glowing TripAdvisor reviews were undoubtedly impressive, highlighting the hotel’s idyllic location just a short drive from Zurich, Switzerland, and the irresistible allure of the stunning Lake Como. Yet, it was more than just the practicalities; it was an undeniable feeling that this was where we were meant to be. My mind instantly affirmed, “Yes, this is it,” my heart fluttered with anticipation, and my intuition wholeheartedly agreed.

After exchanging a series of prompt, heartfelt, and welcoming emails with Mattia Copes, the hotel’s manager, we successfully secured a reservation in one of their spacious three-bedroom family suites during the peak travel season. From that moment on, I knew our Lake Como experience would be special.

Hotel Europa: Your Lake Como Sanctuary

Hotel Europa offers a perfect blend of tranquility and accessibility. Here’s how to find them:

Via Cesare Battisti, 4
22010 Sorico, Italy
+39 0344 / 84004
http://www.europasorico.com/

Family outside Hotel Europa, Sorico, Lake Como, Italy — Our family in front of Hotel Europa, Sorico – a cherished memory on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.

Located at the northernmost point of the stunning Lake Como and enveloped by the majestic Alps, Hotel Europa in Sorico presents an ideal setting for a relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable family vacation. Situated approximately one hour from the larger city of Como and the popular tourist destination of Bellagio, Sorico offers more reasonable prices and a less crowded atmosphere, providing a more authentic Italian experience.

Navigating Lake Como: Transportation Tips

To reach Hotel Europa and explore the surrounding region, I strongly recommend renting a car. While it’s possible to take a train to Como or Bellagio and then transfer to a bus to Sorico, the schedules can be unreliable and the bus journeys can be quite daunting. Trust me, after witnessing those large buses navigating the narrow, winding roads carved into the mountainsides, you’ll appreciate the freedom and flexibility of having your own vehicle. Driving allows you to explore the hidden gems of Lake Como at your own pace and discover breathtaking viewpoints along the way.

In a future post, I’ll be sharing more detailed travel tips and captivating photos of Lake Como. For now, here’s a glimpse of the magnificent lake and mountain views that my family enjoyed just a short stroll from Hotel Europa.

Lake Como view near Hotel Europa — Our family enjoying the stunning views of the northern tip of Lake Como, just steps away from Hotel Europa.

Hotel Europa has been lovingly managed by the Copes family since 1973. Now, the third generation is at the helm, upholding the long-standing tradition of exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and unforgettable homemade meals served in the hotel’s renowned ristorante. Their dedication to hospitality is evident in every detail, creating a truly welcoming and memorable experience for their guests.

The Copes Family, Hotel Europa, Lake Como — The Copes family, the heart and soul of Hotel Europa, have been welcoming guests with open arms since 1973.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting reception area, often by Mattia himself or his father. Stepping inside, you’ll immediately feel a sense of belonging, as if you’ve arrived at a home away from home. The Copes family’s genuine hospitality and personal touch create a welcoming atmosphere that sets Hotel Europa apart from other accommodations.

Welcome area at Hotel Europa — The inviting welcome area at Hotel Europa, setting the stage for a memorable stay.

Comfortable and Spacious Accommodations

This family-run hotel features 13 spacious and well-lit non-smoking rooms, each equipped with a private bathroom, television, and complimentary WiFi. For families, they offer larger suites with three or four beds, providing ample space compared to typical Italian hotels. Convenient street parking is available around the hotel, and its location away from the bustling main street ensures a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The sound of the Lake is only a few steps away. The charm of this location is magnificent.

Between 2010 and 2012, Hotel Europa underwent a comprehensive renovation, resulting in modern furnishings and updated amenities in every room. Some rooms even boast balconies with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. If you’ve previously stayed in traditional Italian hotels in larger cities, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the generous size of Hotel Europa’s rooms. With two adults and two children, we found our suite to be exceptionally comfortable and spacious.

If you’re traveling with children, be sure to inform Mattia, as he can arrange for a room with bunk beds. My children were absolutely thrilled with the bunk beds! Upon entering the room, they squealed with delight and immediately claimed their respective spots. Without exaggeration, the bunk beds were one of the highlights of their entire trip!

Hotel Europa room with bunk beds — Comfortable and well-appointed rooms at Hotel Europa, perfect for families.

Mattia thoughtfully informed us in advance that the hotel does not have air conditioning, recognizing that this is a common expectation for American families. While we anticipated the absence of air conditioning, as it’s less prevalent in this region, we appreciated his consideration. Our room was equipped with a large oscillating fan, and despite the warmth outside, the interior temperature remained consistently comfortable. The fresh mountain air that Lake Como offers is magnificent and is worth the stay. This is why Hotel Europa is a must stay for travels.

The room rates are incredibly reasonable, especially considering the size and amenities offered. We paid just 115 Euros for the three-bedroom suite, a true bargain for such a delightful hotel. A small price for big memories.

The Culinary Delights of the Ristorante

One of the primary factors that drew me to Hotel Europa was the overwhelming praise for “Mama’s cooking.” When traveling, I often find myself yearning for home-cooked meals after days of dining out. The rave reviews of Hotel Europa’s ristorante sealed the deal; this was undoubtedly the perfect place for us to stay.

Mama Angela cooking at Hotel Europa Ristorante — Witness Mama Angela’s culinary magic in the kitchen (left), and savor the delightful house Chianti (right).

At Hotel Europa’s ristorante, there is no formal menu. Instead, Mattia personally greets you and guides you to your table, where he verbally presents the breakfast options in the morning and the dinner specials in the evening. If you’re staying at Hotel Europa, I highly recommend enjoying at least one dinner here. The homemade pastas are simply phenomenal.

The Art of Housemade Pasta

Mama Angela meticulously prepares the pasta fresh each day, and during peak season, she often makes it twice a day. She uses the same pasta maker stand that her mother used, symbolizing the family’s unwavering commitment to hosting visitors from around the world in their home and hotel. I found this heartwarming and beautiful.

Using a simple mixture of eggs and flour, Mama Angela creates the same base pasta dough for each pasta dish served that evening. I was honored to observe her at work. It’s evident that she possesses a genuine passion for cooking, and more importantly, she’s incredibly skilled at her craft. (Scroll down to the food photos below if you can’t wait to see the delicious results!)

Mama Angela making pasta at Hotel Europa Ristorante — Mama Angela kneads the dough and presses it through the pasta maker with expert precision.

Tagliatelle, tortelloni, and lasagna at Hotel Europa Ristorante — From this dough, she creates delectable tagliatelle, tortelloni, and lasagna dishes.

Ingredients for Italian food at Hotel Europa Ristorante — The simplicity of real ingredients is the key to perfect homemade Italian food.

What I admire most about homemade Italian food is its emphasis on simplicity and quality ingredients. Real ingredients, and only the best. Italians understand how to make ingredients shine without resorting to excessive combinations, enormous portions, or complicated preparations. Simplicity is paramount, and Mama Angela’s cooking perfectly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine.

During our first night, I savored the incredibly rich tagliatelle bolognese:

Hotel Europa's Tagliatelle Bolognese — Hotel Europa’s Tagliatelle Bolognese: A culinary masterpiece.

…while our children enjoyed a delightfully simple yet flavorful tagliatelle with tomato cream sauce:

Hotel Europa's Tagliatelle with Tomato Cream Sauce — Hotel Europa’s Tagliatelle with Tomato Cream Sauce: A kid-approved delight.

As you can see, my son thoroughly enjoyed his tagliatelle:

Bliss Boy enjoys Hotel Europa's Tagliatelle with Tomato Cream Sauce — Pure joy: Bliss Boy dives into Hotel Europa’s Tagliatelle with Tomato Cream Sauce.

Indulge in Exquisite Filled Pastas

My husband opted for the tortelloni with browned butter sauce:

Hotel Europa's Tortelloni with Mushroom Mascarpone filling — Hotel Europa’s Tortelloni with Mushroom Mascarpone filling: An unforgettable culinary experience.

This tortelloni is filled with a savory mushroom mascarpone mixture. It was simply divine! The filling-to-pasta ratio was perfect, and the lightness of the sauce allowed the tortelloni to truly shine. Mama Angela also offers a ham and cheese tortelloni option.

On our following night, I had the pleasure of trying – and am incredibly grateful that I did – Mama Angela’s famous lasagna, which is made with a rich bolognese sauce and uses mascarpone instead of ricotta cheese. I absolutely loved this substitution! I’ve vowed to use mascarpone in place of ricotta the next time I make lasagna. I doubt it will come close to tasting as exquisite as Mama Angela’s, but I can certainly try!

In addition to the pasta dishes, Hotel Europa Ristorante also features meat options, such as the veal scallopine that my husband ordered and thoroughly enjoyed, pictured below on the left.

Hotel Europa's Veal Scallopine and Mama Angela's Famous Lasagna — A delectable duo: Hotel Europa’s Veal Scallopine (left) and Mama Angela’s Famous Lasagna (right).

Finally, you must conclude your meal(s) at the Hotel Europa Ristorante with the housemade tiramisu. It’s a crunchy, sweet, and utterly delightful ending to a truly exceptional meal.

Hotel Europa's Tiramisu — Hotel Europa’s Tiramisu: A sweet and satisfying conclusion to your Italian feast.

At Hotel Europa, breakfast consists of classic European fare: breads, meats, cheeses, jams, Nutella (much to the delight of my Nutella-loving husband!), and exceptional coffee and orange juice.

The ristorante prices are remarkably reasonable, with pasta dishes priced around 7 Euros, meat dishes at 9 Euros, and tiramisu for just 5 Euros. An incredible value for one of the best Italian meals you’ll ever experience. If you’re wise, you’ll dine here at least twice during your stay 😉

Final Impressions of Hotel Europa

I have immense respect and admiration for families who maintain their hotel businesses across generations. It’s a challenging industry, and Mattia and his family manage to run the hotel almost entirely on their own, with only a few housekeeping staff. Mama prepares every meal from start to finish, Mattia manages the front office, designed the hotel’s beautiful website, and serves as your waiter, along with his sister, who also assists in the restaurant. You’ll feel like you’re at home because this is their home, and they genuinely enjoy sharing it with you.

What truly distinguishes Hotel Europa is its unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. From the moment I received the warm welcome email from Mattia to the moment we departed the hotel with the entire family waving goodbye, we felt like cherished members of their family. They are incredibly kind and accommodating, and they go above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable and pleasant. My family will forever cherish the fond memories of our stay at Hotel Europa, and we eagerly anticipate returning someday.

If you’re ever traveling to the Lake Como region of Italy and desire an authentic, down-to-earth Italian experience without the generic corporate hotel gimmicks and inflated tourist prices (often found in Bellagio), I wholeheartedly recommend booking a stay at Hotel Europa in Sorico, Italy. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’re venturing to northern Italy or southern Switzerland, be sure to read about our day trip to the castles of Bellinzona, Switzerland!