It’s no secret that some of the most extravagant hotels in the world line the shores of Lake Como itself, but in the town of Como it’s possible to hide away in a hotel that’s a little less conspicuous. And while the Palazzo Albricci Peregrini is an exceedingly private place, tucked safely away from prying eyes, the experience it offers is no less extraordinary than that of its more ostentatious neighbors. It’s owned by a family, still in residence, who’ve sectioned off a part of this centuries-old house and transformed it into a modern boutique hotel in that perfectly Italian style, which blends weathered stone and antique architectural details with the latest in contemporary luxury design, as well as eclectic vintage objects and contemporary artworks. (It doesn’t hurt a bit that the family’s younger generation can boast of architectural training.) Here the considerable visual interest never comes at the expense of tactile comforts. Subtle luxuries abound, from Nespresso machines to Frette linens, and the bathrooms are spa-like in their enveloping luxury. An impressive breakfast is on hand to begin the next day in style; and while there’s no restaurant, your hosts are happy to guide you to the best the town of Como has to offer.