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The best Lake Como hotels for a chic getaway to Italy's lakes
Where to stay on elegant Lake Como, from lakeside guesthouses to a five-star resort with a floating pool
Italy’s gloriously elegant lakes are a dream holiday destination for many. Picture yourself wandering along the cobbled streets of the crystal clear Lake Garda, doing a spot of sightseeing on Lake Maggiore, or sipping prosecco on a deck overlooking the glittering Lake Orta.
For an Italian holiday with an extra special touch of dolce vita glamour, check into a Lake Como hotel to soak up the glamour of this beautiful region. Up there with Sorrento, Florence and Puglia, Lake Como is one of the most glamorous and stylish places for an Italian escape.
One of the most picturesque of Italy's lakes, Lake Como is home to chic restaurants and bars dotting its shores. It's been known as the stomping ground of aristocrats, artists and celebrities for centuries, and boasts an air of sophisticated glamour. So cinematic is the scenery that it has starred in many a blockbuster movie, including a Bond film or two, and it won't take long for it to feel as if you've strolled into a set yourself – especially if you're checking into a luxurious Lake Como hotel.
This swanky charm draws all types of tourists, and it's not all glitz and glamour here in the north of Italy. Keen walkers will feel especially at home among the scenic landscapes, with a brilliant range of mountain hikes that reward you with ever more stunning panoramas.
If you're looking for something of a slower-paced stay, there's no need to go to great heights to enjoy beautiful sights. The gentlest lakeside strolls will take you between romantic Italian villages with sloping streets and pretty plazas. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, it’s time to stop in one of the many local restaurants serving mouthwateringly flavoursome fish, caught straight from the lake and most often served with that Holy Grail of Italian cooking – confident simplicity.
And when it comes to where you're going to stay to soak up all this majesty and magic, suffice to say you'll be spoilt for choice with hotels in the area. There are a number of wonderful Lake Como hotels to choose from, many with gorgeous decks, terraces and balconies where you can sit back and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you.
Lake Como hotels are truly up there with the world's best – in fact, Passalacqua, a relative newcomer to the hotel scene and the younger sibling of the storied Grand Hotel Tremezzo, bagged the prize number one spot in the World's 50 Best Hotel Awards in 2023. As well as glittering grande dames and award winners, there are also some gorgeous undiscovered Lake Como Hotels, from boutique boltholes to family-run local legends.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite Lake Como hotels for your next Italian escape.
Mandarin Oriental, Blevio
For top-class sophistication and seclusion, you'll want to check out Mandarin Oriental's first Italian hotel in Blevio, on the shore of Lake Como.
Nestled in a verdant botanical park, it has nine separate buildings, including a 19th-century villa, where the exquisite décor shows a combination of Italian and Chinese influences.
You'll find top-class food in the beautiful setting of top-notch restaurant L˜ARIA, the CO.MO Bar & Bistrot and the Pool Bar next to the hotel’s pool, which floats on the surface of the lake.
Casa sull'Albero, Malgrate
Casa sull'Albero is a minimalist design hotel set on a hillside in its own peaceful grounds.
This is definitely the place to stay if your dream is a stylish hotel where you can truly appreciate the magnificence of the surrounding landscapes.
Many of the rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you to feel in harmony with the nature of Lake Como.
The grounds outside are equally impressive. The hotel is in the ancient town of Malgrate and is surrounded by a woodland park filled with centuries-old trees and with an open-air swimming pool.
Relax in the hotel's stunning gardens and appreciate the sounds of the birds chirping overhead while you enjoy views of the lake.
Casa Santo Stefano, Cernobbio
If you're looking for true lakeside tranquillity, Casa Santo Stefano in the hills near Cernobbio offers a retreat where you can avoid the tourist hordes.
With only five rooms at this adults-only boutique guesthouse, you'll largely have the whole villa to yourself.
There's an inviting swimming pool on the terrace, surrounded by lush greenery and offering unforgettable views of the town of Como, and you'll be within within walking distance of the shore.
The quiet Lake Como hotel is a sophisticated retreat for solos, couples or small groups of friends looking for privacy, peace and quiet, and jaw-dropping views.
Villa Làrio, Pognana Lario
Set in two acres of private gardens on Lake Como's shoreline, the exclusive Villa Làrio is a wonderfully grand hotel, with suites set in four different historical buildings.
Perhaps the most impressive is the 19th-century classical villa, which houses seven suites, a penthouse and an elegant terrace.
The hotel also has a heavenly infinity pool where you can sip a cocktail or two as you watch the sunset across the lake.
The restaurant is excellent too, serving delectable Italian dishes prepared with local seasonal produce. This is the ideal lake retreat for couples seeking a sophisticated spot with a feeling of seclusion.
Filario Hotel & Residences, Lezzeno
Filario was one of Lake Como's very first boutique design hotels, and remains one of the best destinations for modern, youthful luxury.
Lovers of modern architecture will feel at home here, with sleek interiors featuring uncluttered glass and stone setting this hotel apart from the more opulent, traditional hotels on Como's shores.
It has an intimate feel, making it perfect for couples seeking a romantic break or friends looking to spend some quality time together, but there are also self-catering apartments that make a great base for families exploring the lake.
Borgo Le Terrazze, Bellagio
Borgo Le Terrazze is a slick aparthotel nestled on a hillside just south of Bellagio, known as the 'pearl of Lake Como'.
The hotel offers incredible vistas of deep blue waters hemmed in by snow-capped mountains. There are studios, suites and self-catering apartments here, with interiors decorated with delightful dusty pinks, yellows and soft shades of purple.
The location is excellent – as well being close to Bellagio, with its winding lanes of boutique shops and excellent restaurants, you're only a short boat ride away from Varen and Menaggio, two other hotspots you'll want to visit while on a trip here.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Tremezzina
If you're looking for a classic lakeside stay on Lake Como, where Italian glamour greets you around every corner, Grand Hotel Tremezzo might be just the place.
This gloriously luxurious palazzo hotel with plush interiors is one of the most fashionable places to stay on the lake. Here you'll find a floating swimming pool, five restaurants and bars, an outstanding spa, and a private beach where you can sip on Aperol spritz as the sunset paints the lake dusky pink.
While the building is steeped in history and tradition, this family-owned hotel is far from stuffy. You can enjoy ultimate Italian sophistication here, while also feeling totally relaxed in the laidback atmosphere. Little wonder it's famous around the world for representing archetypal lakeside glamour.
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Passalacqua, Moltrasio
A younger sibling to Grand Hotel Tremezzo, this 18th-century, sage-shuttered former private villa was voted the best hotel in the world in 2023 – and it's not hard to see why. It has 24 suites oozing classical elegance and Italian artisanship, all named after Bellini heroines (the opera maestro once composed here).
Inside Passalacqua, it’s all ornate stucco, original frescos, Carrara marble, Murano chandeliers and prestigious artworks, while outside there’s a gorgeous swimming terrace.
If there are a few of you, book out the four-suite Casa Al Lago, down by the lake. Guests congregate in the restaurant for unpretentious, wholly Italian cooking, while the partly subterranean spa is a fabulous retreat from the heat including an area for ice-bathing.
Il Sereno al Lago, Torno
In an area with historic villas at every turn of the head, the contemporary Il Sereno (younger sister to the iconic hotel of the same name in St Barths) stands out for its modern construction of local stone and walnut and its lake-facing living wall.
Fairly intimate, it has just 40 vast light-floored suites with full-on lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows, in understated aquatic colours. It's heaven to wake up here, perhaps enjoying breakfast al fresco on one of the lake-facing suite's balconies.
The freshwater infinity pool has been built out over the lake, while the terrace of the Michelin-starred restaurant also gives you the feeling over being suspended over the water. Come here for Italian classics, as well as more inventive tasting menus if you're in the mood to experiment.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio
Built around 1850 on a promontory jutting out into the lake, within its own Italianate gardens, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is a place to kick back and immerse yourself in the luxury of days gone by – including leisurely seven-course dinners with sommelier-selected wines on the dreamy lakeside terrace.
Rooms and suites feature the likes of carved and gilded headboards and floral chaises longues, while more casual dining includes poolside regional Italian specialities at La Goletta. Expect fresh tomatoes from the hotel's orchard, rich lake fish caught by local fishermen and, of course, heavenly homemade pasta.
MUSA, Sala Comacina
Facing Como’s only island, Isola Comacina, and with its own jetty for boat trips as well as complimentary paddleboards for guest use, MUSA is a 12-room boutique hotel run by two native chefs, making it ideal for foodies. There's also a to-die-for six-bedroom villa for rent, ideal if you're celebrating a milestone birthday or simply getting the gang back together.
Wherever you stay, expect modern Italian fine dining, innovative wine pairings and creative cocktails concocted with the likes of home-made herbal tinctures.
Rooms are calming cocoons of contemporary chic, while wellness beckons in the form of a small outdoor pool, a Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, steam room and treatment rooms.
Vista Palazzo, Como
One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio, the glamorous lake’s-edge retreat of the Vista Palazzo is an apricot-hued villa with romantic balustrades and pretty Juliet balconies.
It's set in the city at the lake’s southern tip and conceals an intimate collection of palatially sized rooms and suites mixing classic, Art Deco and contemporary touches to simply breathtaking effect. There are 18 of them to choose from – each more magnificent than the last and many with dreamy lake views.
Meanwhile, the waterfront Infinity Bar beckons with its globally inspired cocktails (classics like a negroni or martini are hard to beat here), while rooftop Sottovoce takes inspiration for its seasonal tasting menus in the surrounding terroir and the hotel’s own kitchen. Settle in for an indulgent tasting menu and you're guaranteed an unforgettable evening.
Hotel Royal Victoria, by R Collection Hotels, Varenna
A former textile mill turned hotel, the Royal Victoria is named for having hosted Queen Victoria in 1838, while composer Charles Gounod is said to have been inspired by the sunset views over the lake from his room here. Local and visitors alike flock to its restaurants: Visteria with its lake vista, Victoria Grill overlooking Varenna’s main square, and glamorous Giardino. Drinking in those gorgeous lake views with an aperitif is an extra special delight here.
Couples can book out the Spa Suite, a bijou wellness area at the edge of the botanical garden, on the terrace facing the lake. The best rooms – with the best lake views – are the airy Junior Suites. For something a little more active, there are plenty of scenic hikes that can be taken from the door – just ask for a recommendation and the lovely team will help you work out a route.
Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA, Moltrasio
The large, light-flooded rooms in pale hues and with herringbone wooden floors at the Grand Hotel Imperiale have an old-school romantic charm. As does the dining, which in warm weather takes place out on a lovely veranda in the gardens in Ulivo, or right at the water’s edge in Imperialino. Both make the most of local lake produce and the traditions of the region, while bringing modern technique and flair to the table for an elevated experience.
The spa has a more contemporary feel than the rest of this Art Nouveau property, and there’s also a yoga studio offering lessons by teachers from different disciplines, plus retreats.
La Corte del Governo, Lezzeno
A tiny gem of a boutique B&B near Bellagio, La Corte del Governo has just four individually decorated rooms within a listed former governor’s house, with original features including exposed stone walls and beams. One has lake views, and two have a terrace or balcony.
There’s also a romantic restaurant with tables outside in the arboured garden with lake views, which serves local dishes using lots of seasonal vegetables. Breakfast can be served in bed if you wish – and why wouldn't you want to linger a little longer in this tranquil haven, savouring an authentic sense of this unique part of the world.
Hilton Lake Como, Como
A rooftop infinity pool and sky bar with gorgeous lake and mountain views makes this familiar global name stand out in the area – as do its range of rooms and suites, including loft and rooftop options, all with clean lines and a contemporary feel. Hilton Lake Como also has a sleek spa and health club running fitness classes.
Dining here consists of comforting Italian classics; the best venue is poolside Terrazza 241 with its stellar signature cocktails, Italian wine list and evening menu including sharing platters, served against a soundtrack of live DJ sets. You’re also within easy strolling distance of the centre of the city of Como with its great restaurants, as well as its boat-trip departure points.
Hotel Villa Flori, Como
Steeped in history and intrigue (the building was expanded in 1859 by the Marquis Giorgio Raimondi as an wedding gift to the ill-fated match between his daughter and Garibaldi), Hotel Villa Flori has aged with grace and only increased in grandeur. All classic features are artfully restored – stuccoes, floral frescoes, wooden floors – while modern touches make for the most comfortable stays.
Rooms range from classic but comfortable 'Standard' to the Gran Lago Suite, a sprawling space set within its own garden. Wherever you stay here, things will be elegant and infinitely relaxing. You can also count on being well-fed – breakfast is as much a treat as elevated dinners in Ristorante Raimondi.
Hotel Villa Cipressi, Varenna
Set in a beautiful historic villa on Lake Como, Hotel Villa Cipressi has been described as 'like a fairytale' by former guests – and it's not difficult to see why. From its pretty ochre exterior to its comfortable suites and blooming botanic garden, it's enough to make any guest feel like a king or queen for a few days.
Guests are invited to dine at the two restaurants located in sister property Hotel Royal Victoria. Meanwhile, a spa beckons with sauna, steam bath, relaxing showers and a dedicated wellness area in which you can simply sit back and muse on the beauty of your surroundings.
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini, Como
If family-run boutique hotels that stand out in the interior style stakes are your thing, you might find a lifelong Lake Como home in Palazzo Albricci Peregrini. The 10 elegant rooms set around an oasis-like courtyard create a serene ambience, marrying Italian classicism with artful minimalism.
It's located in the heart of Como's Old Town, making this an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city itself, with its Gothic cathedral and other splendid sights. A generous homemade breakfast will set you up for a day of exploring, while delicious cocktails are mixed up in the evening. Anyone looking to test their culinary skill will also love the cooking classes on offer here.
Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio
When it comes to Lake Como hotels, sometimes it's hard to beat a charming family-run four-star – and Hotel Belvedere is exactly that. It's run by the fifth generation of women owners who (along with their excellent team) have taken wonderful care of its panoramic gardens, lovely outdoor pool, sublime spa and top-notch restaurant.
It's only a short walk away from the centre of Bellagio, but you might find it hard to leave this haven, which is run with the care and love of a family home. The gardens will delight green-fingered guests, while the food and drinks at the restaurant and bar make the most of the abundant produce sourced from the surrounding lake and mountains.
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