Where to Stay in Lake Como (2025): Best Towns, MAP & Hotels for All Budgets
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, for qualifying purchases. More info: Disclosure.
Planning a Lake Como holiday or a short visit, but not sure where to stay in Lake Como area? To tell you the truth, there is not one straightforward answer. The best place to stay in Lake Como depends on several factors: what kind of experience you’re looking for, how you’ll get around, but also the season when you are traveling, etc. And once you’ve chosen a town, you still need to find the right hotel for your stay.
This guide to Lake Como hotels and accommodations will help you do just that – pick the best place to stay in Lake Como for your trip.
We’ve been to Italy countless times and have tons of articles to help you plan the most memorable vacations. In this guide, we highlight the best towns to stay in Lake Como (with a map), explaining what makes each place special and why it is (or isn’t) the right fit for you.
TIP: If you don’t have the time for extensive research and are simply looking for a good price/quality place to stay in Lake Como for sightseeing, here are our top picks:
- Albergo Firenze in Como.
- Hotel Du Lac in Bellagio.
- Hotel Olivedo in Varenna.
To give you a better idea of where all these places are located, I created a map, indicating all the best towns to stay in Lake Como – see below.
Good to know: You can jump straight to our list of the best towns to stay in Lake Como and our hand-picked hotel recommendations using the links below. However, there are a few important things to consider before booking, so we recommend giving this section a quick read first.
Where to Stay in Lake Como – OVERVIEW:
Things to Consider
Before you start looking for Lake Como hotels, here are some things to consider:
- WHEN are you visiting? In the high season (April–October), everything is open, and ferries run at full capacity, giving you plenty of options. In the low season (November–March), many hotels, restaurants, and shops close. If you’re visiting in winter, Como town is the best base.
- HOW LONG will you stay? For a short visit, it’s best to stay in a town with excellent transport connections, like Como, Varenna, or Bellagio. If you’re staying longer, you might prefer a quieter location near a beach or a hotel with a pool.
- WHAT do you plan to see & HOW will you get around? If you’ll be sightseeing by ferry, staying in the central part of the lake makes everything easier. If for some reason you’re driving around the entire lake, consider staying at different hotels along the lake (with parking!) to avoid backtracking.
- HOW are you getting to Lake Como? If you’re driving, you can stay almost anywhere – just check that your hotel has parking. If arriving by train, it’s best to stay in a town with a station or one that has an easy connection to one.
- DO YOU NEED A CAR? Lake Como’s narrow roads, summer traffic, and limited parking can make visiting by car a real hassle. In summer, ferries are a much easier way to get around. A car is only useful in the off-season when public transport is less frequent.
TIP: Once you figure out the best town to stay in Lake Como, consider hotel facilities. Does it have parking, a swimming pool, or lake views? Is there air conditioning? (Not all hotels in Europe have it, even though summers can get very hot.) If you’re staying outside the main towns, check if there’s a restaurant on-site or nearby – some hotels may be your only dining option.
READ ALSO: Tips & Practical Info for Visiting Lake Como
Best Towns to Stay in Lake Como:
Como
Located at the southern tip of Lake Como near the Italian-Swiss border, Como is a lively city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. It’s the only town on the lake’s western branch with a train station, offering quick connections to Milan (under an hour) and easy access to ferries and buses – making it a great base for exploring the region.
Como town truly offers something for everyone! Visit its historic landmarks, including the impressive Cathedral of Como (Duomo), take the Brunate funicular for panoramic views, or stroll along the scenic harbor. You can also book an amazing boat tour to explore charming lakeside villages and famous villas.
The city offers diverse dining, from cozy cafés to upscale Italian restaurants, plus a vibrant nightlife with stylish bars and boutique breweries. Como is also known for shopping, especially its world-famous silk, sought after by top fashion designers.
While Como is a destination in itself, it’s also a more budget-friendly option compared to smaller lake towns, with affordable dining and accommodation. However, since it’s at the far end of the lake, reaching some of the main sights of Lake Como can take an hour or even two.
Good to know: If visiting between November and March, Como is the best place to stay. Unlike smaller, tourist-driven towns, it remains lively year-round and even hosts a charming Christmas market.
Below, you can find our hand-picked hotel recommendations in Como.
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Como
Recommended Hotels in Como
Here are some of the best-rated hotels in Como for all budgets:
€€€€€€ VISTA Lago di Como. The most luxurious hotel in Como town. If you are looking for a great location, amazing views, excellent service, and luxury – this is it!
€€€€€ Hilton Lake Como. This is one of the most popular luxury hotels in Como. With the rooftop infinity pool, spa and health club, several restaurants, and spacious rooms, it’s a great option for those looking to spend some relaxing time at the hotel and not just sightseeing. Located a bit outside of the center, it’s still within short walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and the harbor for lake excursions.
€€€€ Hotel Barchetta Excelsior is one of the highest-rated hotels in the center of Como. Located right on the main square in front of the harbor, it’s also just a few minutes walk from the railway station. This luxury hotel offers stunning panoramic views of the lake.
€€€ Hotel Metropole Suisse is one of the best places to stay in Como on a mid-range budget. With its beautiful, historic building and stunning lakeside position, this vintage hotel combines breathtaking views with the convenience of a super central location. Parking is available, but you have to reserve it in advance. We stayed here once and couldn’t fault anything.
€€ Albergo Firenze. This is our TOP PICK, offering the best price/quality/location ratio in Como. If you are looking for a great place to stay in Lake Como without breaking the bank, definitely consider this hotel.
€ Ostello Bello Lake Como is a super popular and highly-rated hostel/ hotel in an excellent location. In addition to dormitory facilities, it also has double-, triple-, and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms. If you are looking for a more affordable place to stay in Lake Como, this is a great option.
TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rental accommodations in Como. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. You can also zoom out for the other locations or read on for our hand-picked selection of the best hotels in other towns around Lake Como.
Bellagio
Lake Como’s most famous town, Bellagio is often referred to as the Pearl of Lake Como. With its charming alleys, scenic lakeside promenade, and excellent shopping – including artisan crafts and designer boutiques – it’s a favorite among visitors and locals alike. No trip to Lake Como would be imaginable without a visit to Bellagio!
While the town is not as easily accessible as Como or Varenna, once you get there, its central location is perfect for sightseeing. This makes Bellagio one of the very best places to stay in Lake Como for any kind of holiday.
Set right in the middle, at the point where Lake Como splits (the lake has a reversed Y shape), Bellagio is an ideal place from which to explore the entire area. A good network of passenger and car ferries provides easy access to all the other towns and villages of Lake Como. You will also find excellent boat tours that bring you to the most scenic locations that you see in all travel guides.
TIP: For more information and tips on what to see and do in town, please refer to our guide to Bellagio. For hotel recommendations, read on below!
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Bellagio
Recommended Hotels in Bellagio
Good to know: Bellagio is one of the most sought-after places to stay in Lake Como, and hotels here fill up fast. The town is quite large and hilly, so the best area to stay is near the harbor, where you’ll have easy access to ferries, shops, and restaurants. Keep in mind that many hotels in Bellagio require a minimum stay of 2–3 nights, making it a better option for those planning a longer visit. If you have your heart set on staying here, it’s best to book well in advance.
Here is our hand-picked selection of the best hotels in Bellagio:
€€€€€€ Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is the most luxurious 5-star hotel in Bellagio and Robert De Niro’s favorite. Featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a spa, this beautiful lakeside property boasts frescoed ceilings, beautiful sweeping staircases, and stunning Murano glass chandeliers.
€€€€€ Hotel Belvedere is an excellent choice for those looking for somewhat more affordable luxury. Just a short walk from the center, this hillside hotel offers panoramic lake views. With a wide range of rooms and apartments, this hotel is a great choice for couples or families alike.
€€€€ Hotel Du Lac. This is our TOP PICK in Bellagio. This highly-rated mid-budget hotel offers good value for your money in the most central location. It offers a complimentary buffet breakfast which you can enjoy on the rooftop terrace with magnificent lake views.
€€€ Borgo Le Terrazze is farther from the center but offers great value with stunning lake views, an outdoor pool, and lower rates. A free shuttle and garage parking make getting to town easy. This hotel is an excellent choice for a longer vacation in the area.
€€+ Hotel Centrale Bellagio is a traditional-style 3-star hotel located a bit up the hill, in the heart of Bellagio town. This highly-rated hotel offers excellent value for your money.
€€ Hotel Bellagio is an excellent lower-budget option. Customer reviews are amazing, and the hotel has beautiful views, with many rooms overlooking the Lake. Accessed by 38 cobblestone steps from Bellagio’s main square, its extra elevation gives a better view and a more tranquil atmosphere than some of the major lakeside hotels.
Varenna
Varenna is a beautiful, unpretentious village facing Bellagio, and is perfectly located for exploring Lake Como. It has excellent transport connections with direct trains to Milan, and you can also drive here by car (just be sure to reserve a hotel with parking!).
Varenna is one of the most romantic of all the Lake Como towns and villages, with stunning panoramas and picturesque traditional architecture. The buildings may not be as grand as those in other Lake Como towns, but the old fisherman’s houses and tiny stone beach offer an authentic charm that is somewhat lacking in some of the more tourist-driven villages.
Despite its quaint charm, Varenna is really busy, being the only major tourist town on the eastern shore. In its center, you will find the pedestrian-only Piazza San Giorgio, home to the 14th-century Church of San Giorgio. If you plan to visit Varenna between March and November, don’t miss the botanical garden and museum Villa Monastero, a former monastery. This is one of the most impressive villas/gardens in Lake Como!
Good to know: Varenna’s town center is about a 10-minute walk away from the ferry or the train station. Keep this in mind when choosing your hotel!
LEARN MORE: Best Things to Do in Varenna
Recommended Hotels in Varenna
There are just a few hotels in Varenna. Here are the best options:
€€€€€€ Hotel Villa Cipressi is a luxury hotel right on the lake, surrounded by exceptionally beautiful botanic gardens (that you can also visit even if you’re not staying here). Within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and ferries, the hotel offers a range of stunning rooms and suites with amazing lake views.
€€€€€ Hotel Royal Victoria is our TOP PICK for a luxurious romantic stay in Varenna. Housed in a stunning 19th-century building with lush gardens, a lakeside setting, a pool, and an excellent restaurant, it has everything you need for a perfect getaway. You won’t want to leave!
€€€€ Casa Du Lac is one of the best affordable-luxury hotels in Varenna. Sitting right at the lake, it offers stunning views.
€€€ Hotel Olivedo is our TOP PICK for a sightseeing-focused trip. Just a 2-minute walk from the ferry and 5 minutes from the train station, this highly-rated, mid-budget hotel offers easy access to all the top sights, making it a good base for exploring Lake Como.
€€ Albergo Del Sole is one of the nicest lower-budget hotels in the heart of Varenna town center. It’s a typical Italian hotel, as you see it in the movies. Expect to wake up to the sound of the church bells and then settle down for an exceptional breakfast at one of the tables right on the town square.
€ Fiò & Giò is the best-rated budget accommodation in Varenna.
Menaggio
One of the largest towns on Lake Como, Menaggio sits on the western shore of the lake, overlooking Bellagio. With high-speed hydrofoil and ferry services, it’s a well-connected base for exploring the region, including but not limited to the most popular spots. Plus, staying here you have easy access to Switzerland and Lake Lugano by bus or car.
Menaggio is busier and less romantic than some other towns, but its upper part has charming medieval streets. The flatter center with a lakeside promenade is ideal for those with mobility concerns. Highlights include the scenic lakeside promenade and Villa Mylius Vigoni with its stunning English garden.
Good to know: Hotels here are more affordable than in Bellagio, and the central location in the middle part of Lake Como is great for sightseeing. However, just like in Bellagio, many accommodations require a 2-4 night stay in the high season, so this town is best suited for a longer vacation.
Recommended Hotels in Menaggio
Here is a selection of the best-rated hotels in Menaggio:
€€€€€ Grand Hotel Menaggio is a historic hotel situated directly on the shore of Lake Como, overlooking Bellagio in the distance. The hotel is close to the ferry terminal and also has parking available.
€€€€ Hotel Garni Corona is our TOP PICK in Menaggio. Located in the pedestrian area in the main square, this hotel is steps from shops, restaurants, the lakeside promenade, and ferry and bus stops.
€€€ Hotel Du Lac Menaggio is a simple, traditional hotel in the heart of the town. Given its prime location, this hotel offers good value for money in Lake Como.
€€+ Hotel Loveno is a highly-rated, lower-budget hotel in Menaggio. This is a small and intimate hotel, just 10 minutes walk from the center. It has beautiful gardens, nice views, and a more local atmosphere.
€€ Hotel Adler is the only Menaggio hotel with family rooms. This mid-range hotel has lovely views of the lake and mountains and a good-sized swimming pool. The town center is a 20-minute walk downhill. The hotel has parking available and is a good choice for those visiting Lake Como by car.
Tremezzina – Griante Area
The central-western part of Lake Como is one of the best areas to stay in Lake Como. Just across the water from the bustling Belaggio and Varenna, it’s a lot quieter and has a more authentic feel.
The coast here is dotted with small, romantic villages like Lenno, Tremezzo, and Cadenabbia. This area is also home to some of the most famous landmarks of Lake Como, such as Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina and Villa del Balbianello in Lenno. Considered one of the most dramatic locations in the Lake Como area, Villa Balbianello was used to film scenes from Star Wars Episode 2 and the 2006 James Bond remake of Casino Royale.
The area is also ideal for walkers, with easy access to the beautiful Greenway del Lago di Como. This 10.5km walkway from Colonno to Cadenabbia brings you across gorgeous villas, Roman findings, charming restaurants, and breathtaking views.
A car ferry connects Griante to both Bellagio and Varenna, while smaller towns like Lenno or Tremezzina are served by the Centre Lake shuttle ferry and the high-speed hydrofoil.
Our experience: We stayed in this area and absolutely loved it (at Grand Hotel Cadenabbia which is being renovated at the moment of the last update). With two different ferry stations just a short walk from the hotel, the location is excellent for sightseeing. Furthermore, the views from the hotel rooftop terrace are among the best in the entire Lake Como area. We also liked that this side of the lake is much quieter which meant that we could just walk to a restaurant without a reservation or take a ferry without having to get to the harbor half an hour in advance and still find a seat.
READ ALSO: Best Villas to Visit in Lake Como
Best Hotels in Tremezzo, Lenno, and Griante – Cadennabia
Here are the nicest hotels in this area (most very affordable, except for the first one):
€€€€€€€ Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a luxury 5-star hotel just near Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina. This is a big luxurious lakefront hotel featuring several restaurants, a wellness center, three swimming pools, and a private beach. Lake views are amazing, and if you can afford a room with a view, you’ll never want to leave.
€€€€€ Grand Hotel Cadenabbia. This is/was our TOP PICK in the area, and we loved staying here. The views from the rooftop restaurant are out of this world! Please note that at the moment of the last update, this hotel is closed. We can only hope that it reopens soon and remains somewhat affordable.
€€€ La Darsena is a very nice 3-star hotel in Tremezzo. With superb reviews and a great location close to a ferry stop, this mid-range hotel offers great value for money in this area. They also have an excellent upscale restaurant. We had dinner here and loved it.
€€+ Hotel Lenno is a 4-star hotel in Lenno town with a beautiful location, directly on the shore of the lake. The ferry stop is directly outside, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas.
€+ Hotel Riviera in Griante Cadennabia is a budget-friendly 3-star hotel with an excellent location for exploring Lake Como. Buffet breakfast is included and customer ratings are very good.
Cernobbio
Cernobbio offers the perfect combo of proximity to Como town with the unique charm of a smaller village. It boasts a beautiful lakeside promenade, stunning private villas, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Accommodation prices are typically lower here than in Como, and the town is well-connected by boat and taxis. There are many paths from the town leading up into the hills, providing unparalleled views of the surroundings. A 4-mile lakeside walk connecting Cernobbio to Como city is popular with runners and a great cycle route for the whole family.
The town square, with its charming cafes and restaurants, hosts a lively market every Wednesday. And while you’re in town, don’t forget that George Clooney’s villa is nearby, and rumor has it he often dines at his favorite restaurant here.
We stayed in Cernobbio once when passing by the area on our way to Cinque Terre and loved this little town. It was also easy enough to find a hotel with parking.
Cernobbio Hotels
Here is our selection of some of the best-rated hotels in Cernobbio for all budgets:
€€€€€€€ Villa d’Este is the most luxurious hotel in Cernobbio. It’s so exclusive that you can’t book it or even see the prices on any popular internet booking sites; only directly with the hotel itself. If budget is not an issue and you’re looking for the most luxurious 5-star hotel at Lake Como, check it out.
€€€ Hotel Asnigo is our TOP PICK. The best hotel in Cernobbio, it offers excellent value for money in the area. The only hotel in this selection with a swimming pool, it also boasts stunning lake views from its elevated position. While it’s a bit far from the lakeshore and ferry, its proximity to a bus stop makes it accessible, though it’s ideal for those traveling by car. The hotel offers private parking, and breakfast is included in all room rates.
€€+ Hotel Centrale is a mid-budget 4-star hotel conveniently located in Cernobbio town center. Recently renovated, it offers very good value.
€€ Trattoria Laghee con alloggio is a highly-rated B&B with an excellent location in Cernobbio town center. It’s a very highly-rated and affordable option.
Lecco
Lecco is a somewhat bigger and more commercial town on the southeastern fork of Lake Como. Its isolated position in the less-visited corner of the lake can make exploring the area a little more difficult. Also, there is less to do within the town itself, which is focused more on trade than tourism. Therefore, Lecco is less popular as a tourist resort than most other Lake Como towns.
Nevertheless, it is worth considering staying here, especially if you are visiting Lake Como on a lower budget. Hotel prices are considerably cheaper than in the more popular towns such as Bellagio and Varenna, yet those towns and many others are accessible from Lecco by ferry.
If you visit outside of peak season, however, you may need to take a train to Varenna and catch the ferry from there, because ferry services to and from Lecco are somewhat limited compared to the more popular towns.
Lecco Hotels
If you decide to stay in Lecco, here are the best accommodation options:
€€€€ Hotel Griso Collection is the best hotel in the area and our TOP PICK. This 4-star hotel is located in Malgrate on the shores of Lake Como, a 10-15 minute walk to Lecco town center and a 20-minute walk to the ferry. Many rooms offer stunning views of the lake, with the best view of all being from the rooftop jacuzzi! There is free parking available, so this hotel is also a great choice is you are visiting Lake Como by car.
€€€ NH Lecco Pontevecchio is the most popular hotel in Lecco. This 4-star modern hotel is located just a short walk from the town center or the train station. This is a great value choice on Lake Como.
€+ Hotel Alberi offers great value in Lecco town center. This highly-rated 3* hotel is within walking distance of both the train and ferry stations. Some rooms offer panoramic lake views, whereas others face the mountains. Complimentary breakfast is included.
Argegno
Somewhat less popular with tourists than its grander neighbors – and therefore quieter and more authentically Italian – Argegno sits just as the point where the Lake curves. While it may not be as popular as Como or Bellagio, there are many good reasons to visit Argegno (and affordable accommodation is just one of them).
Argegno is the starting point for the beautiful D’Intelvi Valley, which is popular with cyclists and offers unrivaled views of the Alps and Switzerland. It also has a cable car that takes you up to Pigna, a hillside town that’s great for hiking. Non-hikers can simply enjoy the spectacular views on the ascent and then stop to enjoy a meal at the cafe at the top. The main part of Argegno also has cafes and restaurants, mostly lakeside.
Argegno is relatively well connected to the other towns and villages surrounding Lake Como. The high-speed hydrofoils and long-haul ferries stop here, although it is not a stop for the summer shuttle ferry for the southern basin of Central Lake.
Something to consider is that Argegno’s north-facing position can make it quite cold in winter and also means that it doesn’t receive much afternoon sunshine in summer.
Argegno Hotels
If you choose to make Argegno your base during your visit to Lake Como, here is a selection of the best hotels:
€€€ Locanda Sant’ Anna is located outside the town center, and is best for those who are visiting Lake Como with a car (parking is available too). This 3-star family-friendly inn is situated in the Valle D’Intelvi, with quaint rooms decorated in a vintage country style and idyllic gardens offering outstanding views. It has a popular restaurant serving national cuisine and local specialties, plus an impressive wine list.
€€ Hotel Argegno is our TOP PICK. This is the most popular hotel in Argegno located in a lovely location, with the lake and the ferry terminal just across the road. Many rooms have balconies with exceptional lake views.
€€ Villa Belvedere Como Lake Relais offers a great location directly by the lake and good value for the money.
Moltrasio
Moltrasio is a small lakeside village, located just a bit further up north from Cernobbio. It’s a small quiet Lake Como town that is well-connected to the other places along the lake by ferry.
Because it’s not as widely known among tourists, accommodation prices here are very reasonable. Moltrasio is a more local village and it’s a perfect choice for those who want to stay outside of the hustle and bustle of the most popular Lake Como towns.
There is just one Moltrasio hotel worth mentioning, but there are also quite a few nice villas and lakeview apartments. Hotel Posta is a simple, traditional 3-star hotel with double rooms. Located in the center of the village, right in front of the ferry stop, it’s a great base for exploring Lake Como. The rates here are very affordable, offering excellent value in a more authentic Lake Como village.
So, this is our guide to the best towns to stay in Lake Como and the very best Lake Como hotels. I hope that this will help you choose the best place to stay for your trip.
Remember that you don’t have to pick just one town, but can easily hop around the different towns of Lake Como, staying at a different place every couple of nights.
If you do this, I’d probably start with the Como – Cernobbio area, then move on to the Tremezzina – Menaggio or Bellagio – Varenna areas, and potentially end in Lecco.
MORE INFO & TRAVEL INSPIRATION FOR LAKE COMO:
â‘ Lake Como Travel Tips
â‘ What to See & Do in Bellagio
â‘ Lake Como Best Towns
â‘ Best Gardens & Villas to Visit in Lake Como
â‘ Best Things to Do in Lake Como
READ ALSO: 1 Day in Milan
If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!
More tips for your trip to Northern Italy:
- Milan:
- Venice:
- Lake Garda:
- Verona:
- Dolomites:
- Trentino:
- All over Italy:
- For many more destinations all over the country, see our Italy travel page.
READ ALSO:
Hi, I’ve just come across this as trying to decide on my postponed 50th birthday trip.
We can’t decide between Lake Garda or Como, or similar, we have 4/5 days, in end of May/June. Me and my husband like castles/gardens/site seeing but also want to relax and people watch 🤣
Any help on deciding would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Dawn
Hi Dawn, you can’t really go wrong with either – Lake Garda and Lake Como are both beautiful. Just one thing – Lake Como is located somewhat higher up in the mountains, and Lake Garda will probably be a bit warmer at that time of the year. But you never really know. We have had rain and sunshine in both places (also in the same period as when you are going, but also in summer) and it was always nice anyway.
If you have a car, you can always escape the rain and drive to some nearby places or visit bigger towns. For that, Lake Garda has more ‘safe’ options because it’s further from the mountains (e.g. you can visit Verona, Venice, or even Bologna). You can easily visit Milan from both.
However, if you are particularly more interested in gardens, then Lake Como is a better option, with various villas that you can visit. It’s beautiful in the spring!
I know I’m probably not helping much. 🙂 Both areas have charming towns, good food, and plenty of people watching to do.
Why don’t you let it depend on the rest of your plans – the airport where you’d fly, or other places that you want to visit. Or – spend 2-3 days in each and get a taste of two different areas.
PS Happy postponed 50th birthday! 😉
@Jurga, Thanks so much, such a difficult choice, now my husband has made it harder by adding another one he said looks really nice and quieter, Lake Maggiore!
We will look at airports and into hiring a car maybe and then pull one out of the hat!
Great site, thanks for all the information, Dawn
Ha ha, he didn’t make it easy on you adding one more choice to the mix indeed. Lake Maggiore is also great, and much less touristy than the other two, definitely in May. I’m sure you will enjoy it either way – Italy is always amazing!
Hi Jurga!
I am back from Como! What a wonderful 10 days we had there. It brought back so many memories of our summers there! We ended up staying at Villa Flori for 4 days and walked to Como through villa Olmo where we spent our summer days at the pool. Then we moved into an airbnb in Como which was great because I know the center like the back of my hand since I would rent an apartment for a month there. I was able to go see my favorite shop owners who remembered me! We visited Bellagio again for the 4th or 5th time, but I have to say, I went to Varenna for the first time and I fell in love!! So beautiful! One of my favorites. We went to market day in Cernobbio because that too was a favorite thing for us to do in the past. We would swim at the pool there too! Took my daughter up to Brunate and we retook the same photos from when they were little. We went over to Venice, which I was a little disappointed. Haven’t been in 21 years and it’s changed. Spent a shopping day in Milano which was fun. Como though has our heart. Having my brother and his family live there for 9 years, and me visiting a few times a year every year, became very emotional for me. When you visit Italy to see family, it’s totally different. This trip I was able to really enjoy the full beauty of Como. I was able to eat in restaurants and have an apertif when I wanted and being with my 24 year old daughter was fun!!! Como has changed for the better too. No more graffiti or tagging as they say!!! It has become a very pretty upscale centro. Oh, and the mercato centrale!! How I use to shop there all the time. It’s such a great place for fruit and vegetables. Testing was easy too. I had made an appointment before I left at a clinic in Como. Everything was so smooth. It took all the stress away. Thank you so much for everything!! Can’t wait to go back!! XO
Glad to hear that you had a great time in Italy, Kathryn. You see – all the worrying was for nothing :).
Hi Jurga! , I made some headway. I’ve never been so indecisive in my life! I booked the first 3 days at Villa Flori, then an overnight in Venice. Mon-Saturday the following week I have Hotel Terminus. I think it’s too long and too expensive to stay an entire week there. I’ve been looking at airbnb or a lesser expensive hotel in Como. Too many hotels changes in a short period of time. Don’t you think? If I don’t hear from you again, thank you so much for having such a lovely website and for responding to my nervousness! You have been a huge help!
Hi Kathryn, whatever you decide, I’m sure it will be just fine. Stop worrying too much and enjoy your vacation. 😉
@Jurga, Thank you so much. I think I will be fine once I get there. I will reference your website while I’m there. So many good suggestions on places to see. I love your website and I think you are great!
Ugh! Jurga! I am agonizing over this. If you had a choice which would you pick for a few days? Hotel Villa Flori or Hotel Miralago. It’s more about location for me. I just don’t know which one to choose.
Hi Kathryn, purely for the hotel, I’d go with Hotel Villa Flori. However, if you don’t have a car and because I’m not sure if boats actually stop at the nearby boat stop (Tavernola) in the low season, I guess Hotel Miralago would be easier. There are definitely boats stopping in the center of Cernobbio, also in the quiet months. Maybe check that first before deciding.
It’s always a tough choice with hotels :). When we travel, we always consider the location above everything else. But what requirements we have for the location depends so much on the way we travel – by car or public transport, with or without kids, sightseeing or more a relaxing vacation, or a combination of both, etc. So consider what you’ll do when you are in Cernobbio and then you’ll see which hotel best fits your needs.
Good luck!
@Jurga, Villa Flori said the ferry stop is in Tavernola and a 5 minute walk. I was thinking Hotel Miralago for easy access to boat because my first day I want to go to Bellagio before everything closes. I just read reviews that Villa Flori is a bit out of the way from everything, but a 30 minute walk to Como isn’t horrible. I guess restaurant options are easier at hotel Miralago. You have Harry’s Bar right there. I don’t know. Villa Flori looks gorgeous! It’s such a struggle for me! And my daughter can care less! Then I thought just stay in Como the entire time as our base.
Thank you Jurga for all your tips! I love your website. It has been most helpful. I think the hardest part is where to stay. I want to stay at all of the hotels. They all look so nice, but I have to pick just one! Thanks again for everything! You’ve been so good in replying to me!
Also, Jurga….My thought process was Thurs-Sun we would stay at Hotel Miralago or Hotel Villa Flori and travel up and down the lake. Then Sunday to Monday go to Venice for an overnight. Then Monday-Friday stay in Como at Albergo Terminus a couple days and Posta Design hotel a couple days. Or one of them the whole time. There is a couple clinics I read that can give us our test. Wednesday is market day in Cernobbio. We love the food truck they have there and looking forward to that. Restaurants were always as struggle since I ate at my brother’s house. If you have suggestions on where to go, that would be great too! Thank you again.
Hi Kathryn, it all sounds great and I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time no matter what you decide. All the websites I tried here show no rain for Como for your travel dates, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed that it all works out great for you!
For the restaurants, I recommend asking the locals (hotel) for suggestions – they always know just the best places. I don’t remember anymore where we ate, but everywhere the restaurants were very good – Cernobbio, Como, Bellagio. Check the reviews on Google Maps before you decide – it always gives you a good idea of which places to avoid.
As for Venice, I think one night is nice, but you’ll also spend time in transit, so keep that in mind. Another really nice town is Verona – great for a day. And, as already mentioned, I really would consider Milan, unless you’ve been many times before. Take a look at our guide to the best of Milan in one day – you might find some places you didn’t see before. Also for Venice, take a look at this article – best of Venice in one day.
Good luck with the planning!
Hi Jurga,
I am planning on leaving for Lake Como on October 20th. 2021 with my daughter. I am so torn on where to stay. My brother and his family lived there for 9 years so I never had to stay in hotels before. We spent all our summers here and my daughter who is now 24 would like to go back and relive her childhood. We love Cernobbio. It seems like Regina Olga hotel may be closed for good? However, I am so torn between Hotel Miralago or Villa Flori hotel. I’m just not sure how far Hotel Villa Flori is to everything. The Miralago looks a little dated to me, but I love piazza risorgimento. Also, when it comes to staying in Como. I’m torn between Posta design Hotel, Albergo Tiraminus, and Albergo Firenze. Money is not the issue at all. Just want convenience in centro and a very nice place. We are heading right to Bellagio for a day trip as soon as we get there because I’m afraid everything will be closed. Ugh, Please help. Hotel decisions are driving me nuts! Thank you so much!!
Hi Kathryn, it’s really difficult to advise much – it seems that you already did extensive research and only you know exactly what you are looking for. 🙂 I’m just not sure why you’d stay in Como ADN in Cernobbio – they are just so close to each other. And taking the fact that it’s a lower season, I think I’d go with Como. There’s much more to see/do and more places will be open in Como town than in the smaller towns (and also boat connections will be easier). I was once in Como/ Bellagio in November and while Como was nice and lively, Bellagio was really deserted. And we were in Cernobbio once at the very end of October and it was also very quiet already.
About the hotels – Regina Olga hotel in Cernobbio is not closed for good, but – according to their website – is only planned to reopen in 2023.
As for the ones in Como, Albergo Terminus looks amazing (I assume you meant this one – I can’t find hotel Tiraminus), also for the location, you can get a room with lake views, etc. The other two look really nice too – it’s all about your preference, really. Posta Design is much more modern inside, so totally different style and Albergo Firenze seems to be a bit in between the two – style-wise, but also location and price.
Hope this helps a bit. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the hotels, but I’d seriously consider staying in Como this time of the year.
Have a great trip!
@Jurga, thank you so much for commenting. I may bag the trip altogether. Looks like rain the entire time. I’m so sad right now. Been to Como so many times and not much to do in the rain. Thanks again!
That’s really strange, Kathryn. I checked a few websites like BBC weather and they all show sun/clouds for next week and sunny this week (I checked Como). But yes, it’s possible that it’s going to change – it’s fall after all, and you never know if the mountains. And indeed, if it’s raining, it’s not that fun, but you can always take a train to Milan as well… Plenty to do in the city even if it rains.
Anyway, no idea where you are coming from and what exactly you were planning to do, but if you are flexible with your plans, you can always have an enjoyable trip in Italy, no matter the place or the weather.
Hope you can make it happen – now or another time.
@Jurga, Hi Again, well my daughter and I will be arriving in Como on October 21, and staying until the 30th. It shows rain the whole time but I’m sure you are correct. We are traveling from the United States. My brother use to live in Como, so we are going to reminisce her childhood. We spent many summers in Como. A week is a long time to be in Como. I think we may take a train to Venice for an overnight. I’m more nervous about going to a clinic in Como to get tested to be able to come home. I really can’t bag the trip. I have airline tickets already bought. I think I made my decision. I will book Albergo Terminus in Como. I thought we would stay in the piazza in Cernobbio for a couple of days and travel to Tremezzo, Bellagio and Varenna just to break the trip up. I wanted to head straight away to Bellagio because I know it closes soon. But with the rain when we get in doesn’t look that great. Any other suggestions, please tell me. I love the fact you can respond to me. Thank you so much for all your advice.
Kathryn
Hi Jurga,
Great info across the site. Thanks for that. We are planning a cruise from Venice to Rome next May 22, and planning to arrive early to spend more time in Italy. We are tentatively thinking to arrive in Milan and stay in either Lake Como (Bellagio/Varenna/Menaggio) for three/four days and visit Milan and Switzerland or Lake Garda for the same time and visit the Dolomites, then head to Venice for two days prior to the cruise. Our interests are great small towns to visit with special views and relaxation, but the option to see great landmarks. We really would like to avoid a needing a car, so wondering if you might have any recommendations on which would be the better option, Lake Como or Lake Garda. We also found a cool boat from Padua to Venice opposed to the train but still determining if that’s the best route to go as well. I noticed you believe 2 days in Venice is probably enough. Thanks so much for your recommendations.
Hi Barbara, taking into account that you’ll be traveling in May (a bit too early for the mountains) and don’t want to rent a car, I think I’d go for Milan & Lake Como rather than Lake Garda and the Dolomites. Or – Lake Garda should still be doable by public transport, so you could potentially do this kind of itinerary for 4 days (just a suggestion):
Day 1. 1 day in Milan.
Day 2. Day tour to Lake Como (and back in Milan – this will save you some packing/ hassle with bags). Or stay at Lake Como instead of Milan. In that case, Varenna is probably a good place to stay because of the easy train connection, or Lecco (see suggestions in the article above).
Day 3. Take a train to Lake Garda (Sirmione is a good place to stay, but you may have to take a train+bus combo to get there), explore Sirmione, and stay for 2 nights. Or you take a train to Peschiera del Garda and just stay there instead of Sirmione.
Day 4. Take a boat trip on Lake Garda, potentially all the way to Riva del Garda (definitely don’t miss Malcesine).
After that, you could potentially visit Verona (half a day to a day is enough) and then head to Venice. Indeed, two days is perfect for Venice. You could follow these recommendations for one day in Venice, and then take a tour to Murano/Burano on the other day.
Hope this helps. Good luck with the planning!
Thanks so much. I did intend to stay in Como and travel to other areas from there like you suggested. I do not want to rent a car and was told this is a good location to stay in and then fo day trips to other areas. I greatly appreciate your quick response and will check out the places you mentioned. Happy Holidays.
Patrice
Hi Patrice, the only disadvantage of staying in Como and using it as your base for a couple of days is that it’s quite far from the places in the center of the lake. So you’ll spend more time on the boat every day. On the other hand, it’s a very picturesque ride. 🙂
It’s such a beautiful area and I was told that April is one of the best times to visit the amazing gardens of the villas because everything is in bloom. You’ll love it!
Happy holidays to you too and have a great trip!
Hi Jurga,
Loved reading your article on Lake Como hotels. My daughter (21) and I will be traveling by train from Zurich to Lake Como on April 26, 2020 and plan on staying for 3 nights before heading back to Zurich to stay with friends. I will not have a car and will rely on public transportation. We are trying to watch our budget and would like to stay somewhere easy for us to get to after the train but also definitely want to be able to take in views of the lake from our hotel. I heard it was better to stay in Lake Como and do day trips to travel to the other cities like Bellagio. I would prefer a hotel which includes breakfast and offers free Wi-Fi. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated and if there are particular places we MUST see that would be so helpful. Thanks and happy holidays.
Hi Patrice, do you mean that you want to stay in the town of Como? In that case, please check our selection of the Como hotels above. If you are on the budget, but still want lake views, then maybe try Hotel Marco’s.
An alternative town to stay that has a train station is Varenna, but I think it will be more expensive. Above, you can find some hotel suggestions for Varenna.
As for what to see, if you stay in Como, make sure to visit the town and take the funicular up the mountain. Then take a boat on the lake and visit Bellagio, Varenna, and some of the famous Lake Como villas. In our guide to visiting Bellagio, you can find more ideas on the best places to see in that part of Lake Como (including the best villas that are must-see).
Hope this helps.