Lake Como, located in the Lombardy region of Italy in the northern part of the country, is a picture-postcard Italian vacation destination. The shore of this huge lake, shaped like an upside-down Y, is dotted with charming little towns that you can spend many afternoons exploring — in between long swims in the lake’s turquoise water and sunbathing sessions under the lovely Italian sun, that is. And to make the most of your time around Lake Como, you need to find the right place to stay, whether that’s a five-star hotel on the water or a boutique hotel in one of the aforementioned little towns.
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These 7 Lake Como Hotels Are What Italian Dream Vacations Are Made Of
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- Where are the best hotels on and around Lake Como?
- The best hotels in Lake Como
- What to do in Lake Como
- How far is Lake Como from Milan?
Where are the best hotels on and around Lake Como?
The best hotels in Lake Como
We hope you love the hotels we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
The crème de la crème of Lake Como hotels, the Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como, is not your average accommodation — it’s as upscale and lavish as hotels get. Located in the town of Blevio, on the eastern shore of the western arm of the lake, the Mandarin Oriental is a five-star hotel, and as such, it has a long list of amenities, including a pool that floats on the lake, a full spa with a thermal area and many treatments available, a fitness center, and a restaurant, a bar, and a cafe (all of which have views on the lake). Because the hotel is a converted 19th-century villa, it looks phenomenal on the outside, but inside, there’s nothing to fault — the 75 rooms, suites, and villas available to guests are spacious, light-filled, and stunning in their quiet simplicity.
Where: Via E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $868 in low season
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
One of the most picturesque hotels in Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, is a five-star property located in the town of Tremezzina on the western shore of the western arm of the lake. Despite being a historic palace fully decked out in Art Nouveau, this luxury property has all the modern amenities you’d expect from a hotel of this quality: three pools (including one that floats on the lake), a lake-side beach equipped with brightly colored umbrellas and sun loungers, a tennis court, a spa with all the bells and whistles of wellness, a yoga studio, and a fitness center. Inside, the rooms and suites are as grand as you’d imagine — with astonishing views– and there are several dining venues, including a wine bar and a pizza restaurant. While the lake-front part of the property is impressive, the huge, eight-square mile park that surrounds the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is equally stunning. It is filled with all sorts of plants and trees, including rare magnolias, banana trees, 300 olive trees, palm trees, and thousands upon thousands of vivid tulips, geraniums, azaleas, and more.
Where: Via Regina, 8, 22016 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $842 in low season
Hotel Belvedere Lake Como
Located in Bellagio, the most famous town around these parts and one that sits where the lake splits into two arms, the Hotel Belvedere is a luxurious four-star property run by three generations of women. Although the hotel is not a lake-front property, it is incredibly close to the beautiful waters of Lago di Como; so close in fact that you get wonderful views of it from just about anywhere on the property. To remedy the lack of lake-front fun, the Hotel Belvedere provides its guests with a heated outdoor swimming pool, a large jacuzzi, and an immense, peaceful, and lush garden. The decor of the property is simple, elegant, and homely, wih Italian-made furnishings, making you feel at home instantly. As with any four-star hotel worth its weight in salt, there is a full spa with a Turkish bath, a sauna, etc., and dining venues with sublime views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Where: Via Valassina, 31, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $600 in low season
Hotel Lago
Built in 2019, Hotel Lago is a modern boutique hotel located in the town of Torno on the eastern shore of the western arm of Lake Como. The hotel does not sit on the lake, but rather above it, providing guests with beautiful views. The family-run hotel has only 12 rooms (making for a very intimate stay), and a restaurant-bar on site. There is a rooftop terrace, a garden, and a sauna for guests to enjoy.
Where: Via Cesare Poggi, 20, 22020 Torno CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $409 in low season
Sheraton Hotel Lake Como
The Sheraton Hotel Lake Como is located in the town of Como at the very south of the western arm of the lake. The town of Como is where the trains from the surrounding airports and the trains from Milan arrive, so it’s a great place to start your journey if you’re riding the rails during your Italian vacation. The Sheraton Hotel Lake Como is a four-star property with 137 rooms and suites, as well as three dining venues (including a Michelin-starred restaurant) and two bars. The property has a large swimming pool with loungers and umbrellas, as well as a jacuzzi and a solarium. There’s also a 4.2-square-mile park surrounding the hotel, allowing guests to relax in the outdoors and take in the beautiful Italian weather. The hotel rents electric mopeds to its guests who want to explore the area on two wheels.
Where: Via Per Cernobbio, 41A, 22100 Como CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $381 in low season
Hotel Royal Victoria — by R Collection Hotels
Located in the beautiful town of Varenna on the eastern shore of the main lake, the Hotel Royal Victoria is a four-star property that sits right on the lake. The hotel, a former 19th-century textile mill, may look ordinary from the streets, but its lake-front facade, beautiful interior decor, and large terrace with views are certainly extraordinary. Of course, there’s a gorgeous pool surrounded by comfortable loungers, a spa with a sauna and a steam room, and several drinking and dining venues from where you can take in the magnificent vistas.
Where: Piazza S. Giorgio, 2, 23829 Varenna LC, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $299 in low season
Grand Hotel Menaggio
Situated on the water in the town of Menaggio on the western shore of the main lake, the Grand Hotel Menaggio offers affordable luxury to those who wish to visit lake Como, but don’t have a bottomless bank account. This four-star hotel of 94 rooms has a pool that looks directly on the lake and the surrounding mountains, a well-equipped gym, a restaurant, and a bar. From reception you can rent motor boats, sail boats, and even organize a water skiing session. Fully renovated in 2008, the decor inside the property is classic and without frills.
Where: Via IV Novembre, 77, 22017 Menaggio CO, Italy
Price per night: Starting at $183 in low season
What to do in Lake Como
Start by exploring the small towns and villages around the lake, such as Bellagio, Varenna, and Menaggio, with their charming architecture, narrow streets, and stunning views. Take a leisurely boat ride on the lake to admire its beauty from the water and visit the historic villas, including Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the surrounding mountains or cycling along the lakeside.
How far is Lake Como from Milan?
Milan is around 30 miles from the city of Como (located south of the western arm of the lake). You can travel by train from Milano Centrale station to Como S. Giovanni station in the city of Como in less than 40 minutes and for less than $10.
Alternatively, you can opt to travel from Milan to the city of Lecco (located on the eastern arm of the lake). Lecco is about 36 miles from Milan and there are direct trains to Lecco from any train station in Milan. 