More modern than the more historic hotels in the area, the Barchetta Excelsior is composed of glass window panes and clear balcony gates. The hotel is fronted by the small Piazza Cavour, which separates the hotel from Lake Como. Inside, the color scheme is brown and maroon, accented by colorful artwork -- an abstract art piece next to the front desk covers the entire wall, and a multi-colored glass chandelier hangs over a cluster of maroon leather chairs. Stairs and elevators lead to the upper floors, whose interior hallways have golden-colored carpet and brown wooden doors.

Next to the lobby is the American Bar, the Bistro, and Barchetta Restaurant, and on the second floor a window-filled breakfast room, with many beige tables and chairs, also doubles as a meeting room, offering panoramic views of Lake Como. The hotel is popular with couples, but it draws families and business travelers too.

Barchetta Excelsior is conveniently located for visiting the city of Como. The ferry boats dock directly in front of the hotel, and are a good way to explore the villas of Lake Como. The Como Cathedral is about a three-minute walk from the hotel, and the Como-Brunate funicular train, which provides great views of the lake, Brunate, and the Volta Lighthouse, is within an eight-minute walk of the hotel. The Como Nord Lago train station is about a five-minute walk, and the bus station is right outside the hotel's door. Several restaurants and shops are within a minute's walk of the Barchetta Excelsior.

Rooms are spacious, though the sea-green curtains and bedding with maroon carpet are a bit dated. Rooms include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibars, safes, and robes and slippers. The four room types include Classic, Lake View, Junior Suite, and Suite. All rooms have two twin-size beds that can be combined to form a double bed, though the hotel does offer a third bed and cot if needed. The difference between the Classic and Lake View rooms is the views. Lake View rooms overlook Lake Como, and most have balconies, while Classic rooms have city views with no balconies. Junior Suites add such features as coffeemakers and lounge areas, with chairs and couches. The one full Suite offers extra lounge space and an additional bathroom. Upper-floor rooms (all Suites are on the top floor) offer the best views, and they're less noisy. Bathrooms have been updated, and include gray-veined marble countertops, and shower/tub combos (with handheld showers), bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

The Barchetta Excelsior offers several on-site dining choices. The American Bar, a fully-stocked bar with liquor, wine, and beer, also serves tea and such snack items as peanuts and chips. For dining, the Bistro serves a light informal lunch, with outdoor seating available at times, and in the evening becomes a romantic, candle-lit dinner spot. The Barchetta Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. For guests' convenience, there's a computer with printer in the lobby, and business travelers can make use of two meeting rooms, the Como and the Cavour, with interactive whiteboards, DVD players, and audio-visual equipment. Guests also get discount rates at nearby golf courses.