Lake Como is one of the most breathtaking areas in all of Italy, so if you’re planning a trip there, you’re in for a real treat. Whether you’re planning to spend a long weekend at Lake Como or you’re visiting as part of a bigger Northern Italy road trip, I’m sure you’ll have the most amazing time.
Lake Como is surrounded by many different villages and towns so it can be a daunting task to find the best places to stay in Lake Como at first sight. If you’re wondering where to stay in Lake Como, you’re in the right place!
This post will go over the seven best locations to stay in Lake Como so that you can easily find the town that’s perfect for your vacation. Plus, you will get advice on each of the towns’ top accommodations for different budgets to save yourself time researching.
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Table of Contents
Overview of the Where to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como is a beautiful destination nestled in the Italian Alps on Switzerland’s border that genuinely looks like something out of a fairytale. It’s filled with more than fifteen different villages, some of which are a lot more touristic and busy than others.
When choosing where to stay in Lake Como, you have to consider your own personal preferences. Do you want to be near the nightlife? Do you want a relaxing getaway? Maybe you want to have a vacation doused in luxury?
Regardless of your own interests with your Lake Como holiday, rest assured that there is a perfect village for you with accommodations within your budget.
Another thing to consider when choosing a town is the places you want to explore around Lake Como. The closer you stay to the destinations you want to visit during your vacation, the less time and money you’ll have to spend on transportation.
Below you can find an overview of the best towns to stay in Lake Como, ranging from destinations that are a bit more popular to lesser-known and tranquil villages.
| AREA | BEST FOR | RECOMMENDED HOTEL | MORE HOTELS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Como | Nightlife and shopping | Hilton Lake Como | More hotels in Como |
| Bellagio | Sightseeing and exploring other villages | Hotel Belvedere | More hotels in Bellagio |
| Varenna | Relaxing and close proximity to the waterfront | Hotel Royal Victoria | More hotels in Varenna |
| Lecco | Luxury and fine dining | NH Lecco Pontevecchio | More hotels in Lecco |
| Cernobbio | Tranquility and Italian charm | Hotel Asnigo | More hotels in Cernobbio |
| Bellano | Culture and history | Hotel Meridiana | More hotels in Bellano |
| Menaggio | Watersports and hiking | Grand Hotel Menaggio | More hotels in Menaggio |
Best Places to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como is filled with tons of different places to stay, but below you can find the best locations to stay in Lake Como. Hopefully, this guide will help you choose the perfect town for your vacation and you’ll be able to easily plan your trip to the Lombardy region of Italy.
1. Como – The best place to stay for nightlife and shopping
Como is the central transportation hub in Lake Como, meaning that this will most likely be your arrival town, no matter where you choose to stay. The main train and bus stations are located here, so Como is one of the bigger cities in the area.
Within Como, there are tons of historical places to visit, like the Como Cathedral, and it also has its own funicular that both visitors and locals alike love to ride up to Brunate.
There is a decent amount of nightlife in Como compared to the other villages, and you’d never run out of things to do. However, Como is a bit further away from the other villages, so if you plan to explore, you might spend a lot of time and money on transportation.
While Como is the largest city in Lake Como, it’s often seen as an underrated place to stay! Many people just see it as an arrival point to Lake Como, but it does have its own charm that can’t be beaten by the other villages in the area.
PROS
- Hub of transportation in Lake Como
- Lots of history
- Picturesque views
- Cheaper than many other villages
CONS
- Far from the other villages
- Tends to be busier because it’s so big
Best places to stay in Como
LUXURY – Vista Palazzo – Small Luxury Hotels of the World
If you’re looking for the most beautiful hotel in Como, look no further. This gorgeous property features elegant rooms with air-conditioning and provides an incredible view over the lake.
MID-RANGE – Hilton Lake Como
Located a 10-minute walk from the lake, Hilton Lake Como offers stylish rooms with lake-view terraces. Guests can enjoy the rooftop infinity pool at the Terrazza 241 rooftop restaurant and bar, as well as an elegant restaurant and a lobby bar.
BUDGET – Hotel Marco’s
This lovely family-run hotel is located in a historic building right by Lake Como and features air-conditioned rooms with balconies. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary breakfast and the pizzeria restaurant on the ground floor.
2. Bellagio – The best place to stay for sightseeing and exploring other villages
Another one of the best places to stay in Lake Como is Bellagio. This is one of the most popular villages to visit, and it’s centrally located in the middle of the lake so you can easily travel to pretty much anywhere. While the town is small, it’s filled with tons of sightseeing opportunities.
Bellagio is consistently said to be one of the most beautiful towns in all of Europe, so if you want to stay in an Instagram-worthy location, this place is for you. There are also lots of great gardens and viewpoints throughout Bellagio, making it a worthy place to set as your home base for your trip to Lake Como.
Keep in mind that Bellagio is Lake Como’s most famous town, so you’ll want to book your accommodations well in advance to avoid them being fully booked out for your planned trip.
PROS
- Filled with sightseeing opportunities
- Centrally located on Lake Como so you can easily explore other villages
CONS
- Not easily accessible
- It tends to be popular among tourists
Best places to stay in Bellagio
LUXURY – Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
This beautiful 5-star hotel features two gardens, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, and a beauty center. Offering spacious and elegant rooms with scenic views, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni oozes luxury in every corner.
MID-RANGE – Hotel Belvedere
Located a short walk from the center of Bellagio, Hotel Belvedere features rooms with incredible views, a private garden, and a swimming pool. The property also has a panoramic restaurant which is open for lunch and dinner.
BUDGET – Domus Bellagio
This 3-star hotel is a great budget option for staying in Bellagio. Featuring rooms with panoramic terraces, the hotel also has a garden and offers a complimentary Italian breakfast.
3. Varenna – The best place to stay for relaxing and close proximity to the waterfront
Varenna is a quaint village near Bellagio that is also easily connected to Milan via transportation, like Como. It’s said to be the number one place to stay in Lake Como for a couple so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a romantic weekend away with your significant other.
Varenna used to be a fishing village, so many of the buildings throughout Varenna resemble those in Cinque Terre. Plus, there’s a beautiful boardwalk along the waterfront which many of the other villages don’t have.
The village is extremely picturesque and is filled with historic architecture showcasing Italy’s history, making it one of the best places to stay in Lake Como.
The charming Varenna, however, is known to be a busy place to stay during the peak months in Lake Como, which might deter you from staying here in the summer months. However, there are tons of great things to do here that totally make up for the crowd.
PROS
- Perfect for a romantic getaway
- Very authentic feel
- Beautiful waterfront promenade
CONS
- Can be busy in peak seasons
- Long walk from the train station and ferry to downtown Varenna
Best places to stay in Varenna
LUXURY – Hotel Royal Victoria
Set in a beautiful 19th-century building, Hotel Royal Victoria features a lush garden and offers scenic rooms with panoramic views over Lake Como. The property is also equipped with a swimming pool, a wellness center, and a sauna.
MID-RANGE – Hotel Olivedo
Located only a 2-minute walk from the pier in Varenna, this lakefront hotel provides panoramic rooms with balconies. All rooms are air-conditioned and have free WiFi access and guests can also dine at the lake view restaurant.
BUDGET – Hotel Montecodeno
If you’re looking for a budget option to stay in Varenna, check out Hotel Montecodeno. The hotel offers rooms with garden and mountain views, as well as free toiletries, free beach towels, and bike rentals. Guests can also enjoy complimentary buffet breakfasts in the morning.
4. Lecco – The best place to stay for luxury and fine dining
Lecco is one of the best places to stay in Lake Como if you want to stay in a larger and more commercial location. Similar to Como, you won’t run out of things to do in Lecco. It’s located on the southeastern part of the lake and is a bit more isolated.
Because of its isolation, it can be a bit harder to get to Lecco, but if you don’t plan on exploring the other villages a whole lot, that shouldn’t be a problem. Transportation to and from Lecco also occurs a lot more often during the summer months, which is something to keep in mind.
The places to stay in Lecco are quite luxurious, and there are tons of great places to eat here. It’s also right next to the Italian Alps, so there are breathtaking views no matter where you look.
PROS
- Quieter than the other villages
- Affordable prices for high-end luxury stays
- Filled with some of Lake Como’s most popular restaurants
CONS
- More commercial village
- Located in a less popular part of Lake Como, so transportation can be a tad more difficult
Best places to stay in Lecco
LUXURY – NH Lecco Pontevecchio
Situated a 5-minute walk from the historic center of Lecco, NH Lecco Pontevecchio boasts neutral-colored rooms with private bathrooms. The hotel offers a buffet-style breakfast each morning and guests can also take advantage of the on-site restaurant.
MID-RANGE – Agriturismo Deviscio
If you’re looking to stay at a typical Italian farm in a quiet area, you have to check out Agriturismo Deviscio. The property offers simple but cozy rooms with mountain views and a continental breakfast is included in your stay.
BUDGET – Hotel Don Abbondio
Located on the shores of Lake Como, this 3-star hotel provides rooms with private bathrooms and a beautiful view of the lake. The staff can help you organize boat tours on the lake and guided tours of the nearby Villa Manzoni.
5. Cernobbio – The best place to stay for tranquility and Italian charm
Next up is Cernobbio, which is said to be somewhat of a hidden gem accommodation location while visiting Lake Como. It’s not that far from the city of Como but is nowhere near as busy and overrun by tourists as Como. Many wealthier people initially set up their homes here, which is evident in the architecture and buildings throughout.
If you’re wondering about where to stay in Lake Como for a classic Italian charm, then you have to check out Cernobbio. Accommodation prices here are incredibly affordable, and you’ll find a decent amount of shops and restaurants throughout. Even George Clooney has a villa near Cernobbio!
One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t as much to do in Cernobbio as there is in some of the other villages. However, the great prices and breathtaking views more than makeup for it!
PROS
- Very tranquil
- Easy to get to from other Lake Como villages
- Reasonable prices
CONS
- Not much to do in the village
Best places to stay in Cernobbio
LUXURY – Hotel Miralago
Situated in the center of Cernobbio, this beautiful 4-star hotel provides accommodation with private bathrooms. Some units feature views of the lake or the main square and selected rooms even have a private balcony.
MID-RANGE – Hotel Asnigo
If you’re looking for insane views and a gorgeous swimming pool, Hotel Asnigo is the perfect place for you. Housed in an Art Nouveau building, rooms at this lovely hotel come with air-conditioning and balconies and guests can enjoy the romantic on-site restaurant as well.
BUDGET – Albergo Della Torre
Featuring a lovely restaurant with a glass-covered terrace overlooking the lake, this family-run property is a total steal. Rooms come with private bathrooms and a classic Italian breakfast is served each morning.
6. Bellano – The best place to stay for culture and history
To truly experience Italy’s culture, you should stay in Bellano. It’s known for its amazing beaches and swimming areas as well as its top-notch hotels. Plus, there are tons of great places to eat and shop that have excellent views of Lake Como that you won’t be able to witness elsewhere.
Throughout Bellano, you’ll find bits and pieces of historic buildings. This village also holds an annual opera festival, so it comes alive at least once every year. Keep in mind that this village does get quite busy during its peak season, and it tends to be a bit pricier than its other village counterparts.
Bellano is near Varenna, so if you plan on visiting that village, it will be effortless to get to. It’s also a lot easier to get a lake-facing hotel room in Bellano compared to some of the other villages, despite being busy in peak seasons.
PROS
- Holds the annual opera festival
- Filled with history
- Lots of opportunities for outdoor activities
CONS
- Can be a bit pricier than other villages during peak season
Best places to stay in Bellano
LUXURY – Villa Marina
Situated in an Art Nouveau building from the 20th century, this beautiful lakeside villa offers a private beach, a garden, and two lake-view terraces. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the outside terrace during the summer months and the villa also offers countless activities.
MID-RANGE – Hotel Meridiana
This lovely family-run hotel has direct access to the lake and features rooms with furnished balconies overlooking Lake Como. The property also has a lake-view terrace, a wine cellar, and a hot tub.
BUDGET – B&B Valle dei Mulini
Located a 2-minute walk from the beach, B&B Valle dei Mulini boasts air-conditioned rooms with lake views and private bathrooms. Complimentary parking is available on-site, as well as complimentary bike rentals and a shared terrace.
7. Menaggio – The best place to stay for watersports and hiking
Last but not least on the list of the best places to stay in Lake Como is Menaggio. This village is located near the middle of the lake, so it’s well connected to the other villages when it comes to transportation.
You won’t have to worry about it being difficult to go out and visit other places around the lake. Plus, if you want to take a day trip to Switzerland, you can easily do it from Menaggio by taking a direct bus.
Unfortunately, many people say that Menaggio isn’t as romantic as the other villages, but that’s because it tends to be busy year-round. Despite that, you can find authentic Italian charm hidden throughout the tiny alleyways and buildings in Menaggio, so it’s still an excellent place to stay.
It’s also a lot cheaper than its counterpart Bellagio which it is closely located to. Menaggio is well-known for being a great spot to stay if you want to partake in any outdoor activities, including watersports or hiking.
PROS
- Large town so there’s a lot to do
- Close to Lake Lugano in Switzerland
- Well connected with transportation
CONS
- Is always very busy no matter the time of year
- Not as romantic as other villages
Best places to stay in Menaggio
LUXURY – Grand Hotel Victoria concept & spa
Offering luxury accommodation overlooking Lake Como, this 5-star property is a perfect choice if you’re looking to splurge. Boasting a beautiful garden, a huge swimming pool, and a relaxing spa, you won’t find a better hotel in Menaggio than Grand Hotel Victoria.
MID-RANGE – Grand Hotel Menaggio
Set on the shores of Lake Como, Grand Hotel Menaggio is only a 10-minute walk from the beach. The property has a heated pool overlooking the lake, spacious rooms and two restaurants.
BUDGET – Hotel Garni Corona
Offering air-conditioned rooms and a complimentary breakfast, Hotel Garni Corona is a great budget option if you’re looking to save some money. The property has rooms with lake or city views and has a great location for exploring the area.
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