Best Places to Stay in Lake Como – Hotels and Places for all Budgets
Are you planning a trip to Lake Como and wondering about where to stay in Lake Como? Well, picking the perfect accommodation (and area) can be overwhelming – so, this post helps you to pick the best places to stay in Lake Como.
Lake Como, located in Northern Italy (Lombardy) and close to the Swiss border, is a popular travel destination and its location makes it easy to do day trips to Milan, Switzerland, Austria, or even Germany, but, of course, there is a lot to see and do in the region itself, too.
TIPS: WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE COMO, ITALY
Lake Como surely is not the most budget-friendly place to stay. Regardless of where you stay, accommodation is quite expensive if you stay directly on the shores of Lake Como. However, there are towns and villages to stay in and around Lake Como that are a bit more affordable than others.
While Como’s town is nice, you should consider staying in one of the other towns and villages because they might be a better option (more on that later).
Also, if you have to watch your budget closely, you might want to plan the time of your trip carefully.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE COMO
The summer months – especially July and August – are costly (and it gets hot as crazy). So, you can consider visiting in the shoulder months like spring or fall. Lake Como, especially the main tourist spots can, as Lake Garda which is another lake area in Northern Italy – get really crowded. You might notice that many hotels are fully booked months in advance.
Thus, it is also nice to visit Lake Como when there are fewer people around and the accommodation prices drop.
HOW LONG TO STAY IN LAKE COMO
The length of time you should stay in Lake Como depends on your preferences and interests. Lake Como is a beautiful destination with stunning views, charming towns, and plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding how long to stay in Lake Como:
- What are your interests? If you are interested in hiking, water sports, or exploring the lake’s towns and villages, you may want to stay for at least a week to make the most of your trip. If you’re looking for a more relaxed vacation, a long weekend or a few days may be enough.
- How much do you want to see? Lake Como has many picturesque towns and villages to explore, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Como. If you want to visit several of these places, you’ll need more time.
- What is your budget? Staying in Lake Como can be expensive, especially in the high season. You may need to limit your stay based on your budget.
- How much time do you have? If you only have a limited amount of time for your trip, you may want to stay at least one night and two full days in Lake Como to get a taste of Lake Como’s beauty and charm.
In general, I would recommend staying at least 3-4 days in Lake Como to explore some of the towns and enjoy the lake’s scenery. However, if you have more time and are interested in outdoor activities or want to visit more places, you could easily spend a week or more.
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LAKE COMO
Find out where to stay in Lake Como – the best towns and hotels for all budgets.
Como
Como is the biggest and probably the most famous city in the region. It’s located on the southwest shore of the lake and is one of the best places to stay in Lake Como.
Como has a lovely, old medieval town, so stroll Piazza Vittoria, see the Basilica of San Fedele, and visit the Como Cathedral.
Of course, there is the lovely water promenade, which is perfect for a nice stroll. If you stay in Como for only a short time but would like to see more of the cute villages, you can do a boat tour to get an impression of the towns and villages on the lake’s shores.
Though there are several restaurants on the promenade, at times, it can be really quiet. In my opinion, Como is overpriced (as someone who spends a lot of time in pricey Switzerland, this says something). And though accommodation in Como is quite expensive, you do not find the most luxurious hotels in the city.
My favorite “place in Como” is actually Brunate which is an uphill village. You can get up there by cable car or hike there and enjoy a fantastic view of Lake Como.
WHERE TO STAY IN COMO
🛏️ VISTA PALAZZO – SMALL LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD
Located just steps away from the beautiful shores of Lake Como, Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World is situated in the heart of Como, only 100 meters from the Ferry Terminal. The property features elegant decor and air-conditioned units with a flat-screen TV offering satellite channels, an electric kettle, and a minibar. Guests can enjoy complimentary toiletries, a bathrobe and slippers, as well as a hairdryer.
The Cable Car Como-Brunate is only 850 meters away from VISTA Palazzo Lago di Como, while both the bus and train stations are within walking distance. Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached within a 40-minute drive from the hotel.
One of Como’s most luxurious hotels is this 4-star property with a beautiful location just at the shores of the lake.
This 19th-century villa has been lovingly restored to offer elegant rooms with parquet floors and marble bathrooms. The historic Hotel Villa Flori is surrounded by a private park with fragrant orange and lemon groves and features exquisite Venetian stucco work and frescos. It is even where Italian General Giuseppe Garibaldi tied the knot.
Each air-conditioned room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and minibar, while select rooms boast a balcony and scenic lake views. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast daily in the dining room, while the panoramic lake views at Restaurant Raimondi create the perfect backdrop for an eclectic mix of international and local cuisine available for both lunch and dinner.
Villa Flori is located 5 km from Como town and only a 6-minute drive from the Como Nord exit of the A9 motorway. Guests arriving by boat can dock at the hotel’s private dock.
This property offers good value for money and is located in the heart of Como.
Residence Diaz, a charming 15th-century building in Como’s historic center, is only a 10-minute walk from the shores of Lake Como. The property offers fully equipped apartments with kitchens and complimentary WiFi. Each apartment is air-conditioned and features a comfortable living area with a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette with a microwave and kettle, and a bathroom with a shower, bidet, and hairdryer.
Located just steps away from Como’s many historical and cultural attractions, Residence Diaz is an ideal base for exploring the city.
Como Borghi Train Station is a 10-minute walk away, while Como S. Giovanni Train Station is 1 km away. The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, which is located 52 km from the property.
Located at the top of a mountain in Brunate, Hotel Paradiso Como offers breathtaking views of Lake Como and the surrounding mountains. The small, eco-friendly hotel features a sun terrace with a swimming pool and free parking, as well as a complimentary glass of detox water upon arrival.
The recently renovated rooms at Paradiso Sul Lago are equipped with free WiFi, a flat-screen satellite TV, and a minibar. Guests can enjoy lake or park views from their rooms.
The hotel is situated in an area full of restaurants and is within walking distance from a bus stop. For a fee, the hotel offers a shuttle service to/from Brunate’s cable car, which provides links to Como.
Guests can enjoy the wellness area, which includes a hot tub and an outdoor swimming pool, available free of charge from 8 am to 8 pm.
A generous breakfast is served in a large dining hall or on the spacious terrace, both of which offer stunning views of the lake. The restaurant serves local pasta dishes and other typical local cuisine, along with a selection of local wines and beers.
Bellagio
Como is a good place to stay but Bellagio is an even better place to stay around Lake Como. Bellagio is a smaller town on Lake Como’s shores. It is lovelier, nicer, and prettier.
The cobblestone staircase has made it onto many Instagram pictures, and the colorful houses and little alleys are extremely picturesque. Strolling the village gives you a nice Italian feeling.
If you would like to see Bellagio from above, head to the mountains – the views from there are fantastic.
You can also visit Villa Serbolloni and its fantastic garden, though it is only open to hotel guests. Villa Melzi Gardens is a place to visit and stroll and do not forget to visit the villa built at the beginning of the 19th century.
You have the option to stay close to the water promenade or book a room and get more value for your money. Check out my Bellagio guide for tips on what to do and see.
WHERE TO STAY IN BELLAGIO
🛏️ GRAND HOTEL VILLA SERBELLONI
One of the most luxurious hotels in the area is this 5-star property: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.
Villa Serbelloni is located at the end of the Bellagio promontory, offering stunning views of Lake Como and the Alps. The property boasts two gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a spa with a beauty center.
Originally built in 1850, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni was transformed into a luxurious 5-star hotel in 1873. The property features impressive staircases and frescoed ceilings, with the grand hall, the Salone Reale, showcasing beautiful chandeliers made of Murano glass.
The spacious and elegant rooms are equipped with air conditioning, an LCD TV with satellite channels, and a minibar. The classic décor includes soft carpeted floors, wooden furniture, and unique details, while some rooms offer breathtaking lake views.
The Mistral Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star in 2005, offers the opportunity to dine on a refined terrace with spectacular views. La Goletta serves regional specialties in a more informal setting, while a full international breakfast buffet is served daily.
The spa offers wellness and beauty treatments, and guests can also enjoy sports facilities such as tennis and squash courts, and a gym with cardio-fitness equipment.
Nestled in the heart of Bellagio, just 60 meters from the shores of Lake Como, the Centrale Bellagio is a charming hotel accessed by a beautiful cobblestone staircase of 63 steps. The intimate hotel boasts a sun terrace and peaceful garden and offers free Wi-Fi and traditionally furnished rooms with parquet floors.
Guests can enjoy air conditioning and a private bathroom in all rooms, with some offering an attic space, balcony, or patio.
A daily buffet breakfast is served, while several restaurants in town offer Lombard cuisine and pizza.
The hotel’s proximity to the jetty, just 400 meters away, allows easy access to ferries departing for Varenna and Griante. Lecco can be reached within a 30-minute drive.
Varenna
A bit cheaper than the above-mentioned areas, but no less charming and pretty, is Varenna. It is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como – this village is extremely picturesque and still very traditional and a top place to stay in Lake Como.
Visit the Piazza San Giorgio, the town center, and the Church of San Giorgio.
Head to Villa Monastero, which used to be a monastery and is now an international conference center and a magnet for tourists who enjoy the botanical garden and an amazing view of Lake Como.
Another place to visit in Varenna is Villa Cypress, which is also a hotel. So, if you stay there overnight, you can enjoy the place extensively; but even as a non-guest, you can visit.
Varenna is also a great place to stay if you plan to go hiking and enjoy more outdoor sports.
WHERE TO STAY IN VARENNA
As mentioned above, the Villa Cypressi is a luxurious hotel that comes with a lot of perks.
Hotel Villa Cipressi, by R Collection Hotels, sits on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, surrounded by botanic gardens. The hotel features a gourmet restaurant, spacious en-suite rooms, and an extensive breakfast. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.
The rooms are generously sized and boast classic decor, each equipped with a cooling fan, parquet floors, and a satellite TV. Some rooms offer spectacular lake views.
The hotel’s dining room serves a daily breakfast buffet, featuring both sweet and savory options, along with a selection of hot drinks.
The nearest beaches are approximately 500 meters from Hotel Villa Cipressi, with Como and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport both a one-hour drive away.
Centrally located in Varenna on the eastern shores of Lake Como, Villa Varenna is a historic property dating back to 1895. The villa offers a charming garden and a furnished sun terrace, while complimentary WiFi is available throughout the property. Varenna Esino Train Station is conveniently located just 200 meters away.
A continental breakfast is provided daily, featuring croissants, jams, and coffee.
The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a satellite TV and a private bathroom, complete with a shower, free toiletries, and a hairdryer.
The property is situated just steps away from Varenna Train Station and Castello di Vezio castle, while the nearby town of Menaggio is easily accessible by a short boat ride. A bus service to/from Lecco, Como, and Milan stops just 200 meters away from the villa.
This B&B is not the cheapest option but a good choice if you appreciate great views.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LAKE COMO – BEST PLACE TO STAY
There are so many beautiful places and towns to visit around Lake Como, and thus it might not be easy to find the best places to stay in Lake Como. A trip often depends on where you stay – the area and the hotel can make your trip!
Have you found the best places to stay in Lake Como? Hopefully, this post has helped you find the perfect hotel and the best area to stay in Lake Como!
- For more Italy travel tips, click here.
- Here are more beautiful places in Italy to visit
- Check out my 2-week Italy itinerary
