The moment you emerge from the tunnel and see Lake Como glittering below is one you’ll never forget. Snow-dusted peaks, elegant villas, and rust-hued villages ring the water like a scene from a film. The best places to stay in Lake Como range from lavish lakeside palaces and romantic bolt-holes to hillside hideaways, boutique B&Bs, and family-run gems. Whether you're after full-on glamour or simple Italian charm, there's a spot here with your name on it.
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From Como’s cathedral and lively waterfront to the villa gardens of Bellagio and Varenna’s cobbled alleys, each lakeside town has its own draw. You can hop between them by ferry — a scenic adventure in itself — stopping for long lazy lunches or shopping sprees in elegant boutiques. History buffs will love exploring 18th-century villas and centuries-old churches, while outdoorsy types can hike, sail, or simply float in a pool suspended over the lake. Food is a real highlight too, with everything from candlelit fine dining to rustic trattorias serving lake fish and risotto. Nights are mellow: aperitivi on panoramic terraces, a soft clink of glasses, then stargazing from a private balcony. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with kids, or on your own, the accommodation you choose shapes the experience — and with this much variety, from opulent suites in grand hotels to peaceful garden B&Bs, you'll find somewhere that suits.
The key is booking early: Como is a hot ticket, and the most memorable stays tend to go fast.
The Best Places to Stay on Lake Como
For a Special Occasion
- The Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como is an incredibly grand-looking spa hotel right on the waterfront, with elegant, historic buildings rising up behind it on a lush hillside. Converted from several opulent villas, there’s plenty of luxury remaining in the 73 rooms and suites, and grand communal areas. In addition, the property boasts two gourmet restaurants, a subterranean spa hewn into the rocky shoreline, an indoor pool, and an outdoor pool that floats on top of the lake. There’s plenty of scope for families, but also plenty of opportunity for romance.
- The Villa d'Este is a traditional five-star hotel, the kind with grand state rooms and ballrooms, suites as big as an apartment, and glorious gardens and restaurant terraces. The colour scheme is regal, the fabrics rich, and the chandeliers glitter in the sun streaming in from private balconies. The hotel also has a fleet of private boats, which you can catch from the private jetty, alongside the fabulous pool that floats on the lake. This is classic Lake Como grandeur, and perfect for a special occasion.
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Passalacqua is a lavishly restored 18th-century villa in Moltrasio that has quickly become one of the most prestigious addresses on the lake. With just 24 suites, it blends extraordinary historic beauty with intimate, next-level service. Expect lake-facing terraces, landscaped gardens, a private dock, and exquisite interiors crafted for ultimate indulgence. A destination for very special celebrations.
For the Views
- The Grand Hotel Tremezzo, in Tremezzo, has one of the best views on the lake; across the water from here you can see Bellagio in the foreground, and Varenna behind and to the left. The building is tall and impressive, with rows of Juliet balconies and great walls of windows marking out the restaurants and bars. All in it has 89 rooms and suites, decorated with five-stars worth of luxury. Plus there are generous sun terraces, an excellent restaurant and spa, lush gardens, and a pool that floats on the lake.
- The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is another ‘properly’ grand Grand Hotel, complete with frescoes, murals, heavy gilt, vast fireplaces, marble pillars and huge chandeliers. It also boasts a ballroom, and a pool right above the water. In fact, it has two pools, tennis courts and a spa. Don't miss the incredible glass-walled restaurant, which also has a Michelin star. There’s a terrace too, but the lake views from the restaurant allow guests to soak in the beauty almost constantly.
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Il Sereno could be considered the contemporary version of a grand hotel. But here, there’s a focus on individual space and pleasures rather than grand communal ones. Il Sereno has just 30 rooms and suites, all with huge glass fronts that open out onto the lake, and all with incredible private balcony views. The restaurant is fantastic and there's a pool for lounging. Perfect for contemporary honeymooners.
For Waterside Charm
- The Villa Flori is right on the water’s edge at Cernobbio, cleverly designed in a broad horseshoe shape, so that all of its 53 rooms and suites have water views from private balconies (some of the suites have spacious terraces). The Italian restaurant has a classic menu, brought to life by a great chef, a prime lake-view, and tables that spill out in front of it, all the way to the water’s edge.
- The Hotel Florence offers affordable elegance in sophisticated Bellagio. The name is mirrored by the interiors, which echo the colours and details of Renaissance Florence. All rooms are comfortable and stylish, but our favourites have private balconies too. The restaurant serves gourmet cuisine, and there's a personalised touch which comes from being in the same family for more than a hundred years.
For Italian Charm
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Ronco Dell’Abate is a wonderfully authentic pick: a four-room B&B converted from a villa in a quiet part of Como. Though understated on the outside, the interiors recall a magically opulent heyday of design, with ornate parquet, wood panelling, gorgeous tiles and the furniture to match. It is crammed with charm and history.
- Also in Como, but on a larger scale, the Vista Palazzo showcases more contemporary Italian charm and design, with some seriously magazine-worthy interiors. Everything is bespoke, from the parquet to the velvet armchairs, and the service is just as personalised. The location, close to the water and Como’s historic centre, is difficult to top, and the restaurant is memorable.
For Families
- The Albergo Milano is a great value choice for families. It’s small and very charming, with just 14 rooms, suites and apartments sleeping up to five, all simply and comfortably decorated, but with a configuration to suit most families. There's also a charming restaurant and gorgeous sun terrace with incredible lake views.
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La Locanda del Cantiere started off as a boathouse, which explains its unusual exterior, private jetty, and proximity to the lake, but now this terrace of six peaked ‘sheds’ has become a row of six contemporary rooms and suites, plus a fabulous Italian restaurant. The reimagining of the space includes plenty of glass, exposed stone and skylights. Some of the suites are family-sized.
- Bellagio’s Hotel Belvedere is wonderfully positioned, on a slight hill overlooking one of Bellagio’s marinas. The heated infinity pool and garden terraces all have wonderful lake views, as do some of the 64 rooms, suites and apartments. Decor is simple and contemporary, with parquet floors and neutral colours, and there's a selection of apartments which can work particularly well if you're travelling with kids in tow.
For an Intimate Escape
- The Villa Lario is an elegant villa turned all-suite hotel overlooking the shore of Lake Como. Just five suites make up the property, two corner suites boast wrap-around balconies, and are our favourites. The decor is simple and elegant, with lots of light from large windows, and a show of some of the villa’s original features. The restaurant serves modern Italian cuisine, and there’s a small private jetty.
- The Palazzo Albricci Peregrini in Como offers an opportunity to see some of Lake Como’s graceful architecture up close. The palazzo is elegant, complete with gorgeous tiles, high ceilings, ornate fireplaces and the remnants of frescoes, but it’s been imaginatively converted into a contemporary collection of six rooms and suites. There’s no restaurant, but the homemade breakfast is a highlight.
For Couples
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Laglio’s Relais Villa Vittoria is a small and wonderfully romantic hotel right on the water’s edge, with an infinity pool that almost appears to cascade into the lake. The views are spectacular, from the pool and terraced gardens, from the restaurant terrace, and from most of the 11 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony. The decor oozes contemporary luxury, though some of the rooms have wonderful original features, and some also have four-poster beds.
- The Filario Hotel is just the right size for a couples' escape, and with just the right facilities. It offers incredible views, especially from the infinity pool, and the 13 contemporary rooms and suites boast large, comfortable furniture, spacious bathrooms and huge windows. Just below the infinity pool there’s a private pebble beach, and beside it is the restaurant terrace serving delicious, traditional Italian fare.
For Great Value
- The Albergo Olivedo is a gorgeous little townhouse hotel in Varenna. It has been owned by the same family for four generations, and its ten rooms have a charming, authentic feel. You can expect stone or parquet floors, a cheerful colour scheme, big windows and private balconies, and an authentic restaurant too.
- Varenna also has the Hotel du Lac, which is also right on the lake, and family-owned and run. Its 16 rooms are simply and comfortably decorated with antiques, and most have a private balcony or terrace, with lake views. There’s also a large dining terrace and an airy restaurant that juts out over the lake. The location is perfect for exploring.
- Also in Varenna, the Casa Contrada Bella is a small and chic option, with just three stylish rooms that make the most of the property's original charms. Two of the rooms have small kitchenettes, and the third has a balcony. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the charming streets around the Casa, and there’s a great beach close by too.
Best B&Bs
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La Canarina B&B is a charming option in the centre of Como, with just two simple, airy bedrooms overlooking a beautiful private garden, only 200 metres from the lake. The decor is classical, with wooden floorboards and antique wrought iron beds. Very affordable and peaceful.
- The B&B Vista Lago is another small, quiet, child-free B&B just up the hill from Como. As the name suggests, the lake views are beautiful, and each of the three rooms has its own private sun terrace for enjoying them from. The decor is simple and contemporary, and the atmosphere romantic.
Prefer a Self-catering Apartment or villa?
- Sometimes a villa or apartment is the best option if you're travelling in a larger group, so if you decide that you'd prefer a self-catering option, check out our online booking partner, booking.com for some inspiration.
Travel Information
- Lake Como is between international airports: Milan’s Linate and Malpensa are just under an hour and a half away by car — depending on which part of the lake you’re staying on, of course — or about two and a half hours away by public transport (train to Como station and then a bus onwards). Verona-Villafranca, is about two and a half hours away by road, or four and a half by public transport via Milan and Brescia-Montichiari is about the same, also via Milan — these options are definitely better if you’re staying on the eastern shore.
- If you want to hire a car — which we strongly advise if you’re staying on Lake Como and want to explore further afield — we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- Lake Como has a milder climate than its surroundings, its great body of water helps regulate the temperature, and allows for sub-tropical plants like grapevines and olive trees to grow throughout the year. Winter does get chilly, and in summer it can be humid, but broadly speaking, it has some of the best weather conditions in Europe. April through to October are the busiest months for visitors — warm and sunny, perfect for a lake break. The water of the lake even heats up during summer, and can get to 20°C come July! So if you are visiting at this time, it’s worth booking as far as you can in advance.
Still not sure where to stay?
