Where to Stay in Lake Como, Italy: Best Hotels in Varenna, Bellagio, Como & More
Whether you're planning an extended luxury vacation or a quick overnight escape from Milan, Lake Como is Italy's premier lakeside getaway. As seasoned travelers, we've discovered that your experience largely depends on the town you choose—though every option delivers stunning scenery and charm.
Lake Como's villages boast breathtaking vistas, world-class activities—from hiking and watersports to villa tours and historic strolls—and accommodations for every taste. Drawing from our firsthand explorations, here are our top recommendations for the best places to stay and standout hotels in each town.
Varenna
Nestled peacefully on the eastern shore, Varenna offers serene lake views toward Bellagio. Despite peak-season crowds along the waterfront, its scenic walkways, vibrant piazza, and Villa Monastero—home to lush botanical gardens and a museum—make it unforgettable.
Where to Stay in Varenna
For mid-range comfort near the water with panoramic views and an excellent restaurant, book Hotel Montecodeno.
Luxury seekers will love Hotel Royal Victoria, featuring a pool, wellness center, and sweeping Lake Como vistas.
Bellano
This quiet eastern-shore village shines with the dramatic Orrido di Bellano gorge, complete with rock-bridged paths, waterfalls, and caves. Far less crowded than Varenna or Como, it's ideal for a tranquil retreat.
Where to Stay in Bellano
Budget travelers should try Albergo Del Lago, a cozy spot with colorful rooms and lake proximity.
Hotel Meridiana, a family-run mid-range gem, offers a wine cellar and lake-view terrace.
Bellagio
Dubbed the "Pearl of the Lake," Bellagio dazzles with upscale boutiques, Villa Melzi gardens, wine bars, and nearby Pescallo for kayaking and waterskiing. It's conveniently close to Bellano for varied experiences.
Where to Stay in Bellagio
Budget-friendly Hotel Suisse sits lakeside with a renowned restaurant and historic literary legacy.
Mid-range Hotel Du Lac earns rave reviews for its central location, modern amenities, and dining.
Family-owned since 1880, 4-star Hotel Belvedere boasts a pool, hot tub, and epic lake panoramas.
Como
For urban energy, base yourself in Como city. Visit the Gothic cathedral, explore the Archaeological Museum, and ride the funicular to Brunate for elevated lake views.
Where to Stay in Como
Near the train station, mid-range Hotel Borgovico offers modern rooms and a hearty breakfast buffet.
Upscale Hotel Como provides city-center access, a fitness center, rooftop pool, and garden.
Griante
30km from Como, Griante captivates with villas, gardens, and a steep but rewarding hike to San Martino Church. It's a prime launchpad for Monte Legnone treks amid jaw-dropping scenery.
Where to Stay in Griante
Value-packed mid-range Hotel Riviera overlooks the lake and Bellagio, with authentic Italian dining.
Luxurious Grand Hotel Cadenabbia, near Villa Carlotta gardens and ferry, features a terrace and full amenities.
Lecco
Against an Alpine backdrop on the eastern arm, low-key Lecco offers beaches, watersports, cycling, hiking, and winter skiing—without Como's bustle.
Where to Stay in Lecco
Mid-range Hotel Don Abbondio in Piazza Era arranges tours, boat trips, and private concerts.
Luxury NH Lecco Pontevecchio, steps from the historic center, includes e-bike rentals.
Tremezzo
Elegant Tremezzo near Bellagio features Villa Carlotta, an art museum, medieval ruins, and classic hotels. Summit Mount Crocione for unrivaled views (7-8 hour hike).
Where to Stay in Tremezzo
Mid-range Hotel Bazzoni near the bus stop serves exceptional Italian-international buffets.
World-class Grand Hotel Tremezzo indulges with pools, gym, tennis, sauna, boats, and wine bars.
Brunate
The "balcony of the Alps," Brunate overlooks the lake via funicular from Como. Enjoy hilly hikes, elegant villas, and Volta Lighthouse.
Where to Stay in Brunate
Art Nouveau Bellavista Boutique Hotel near the funicular includes sauna and hot tub.
Charming Locanda Milano delivers mid-range comfort and lake views.
Cernobbio
Just 2km northwest of Como, Cernobbio blends quaint charm with palaces like Villa Erba and Bernasconi. Catch concerts along Riva di Cernobbio promenade.
Where to Stay in Cernobbio
Mid-range Hotel Terzo Crotto, a stylish converted farmhouse, boasts a park and wine list.
4-star Hotel Asnigo in a lovely park offers pool, modern rooms, and terrace dining.
Menaggio
On the western shore, lively Menaggio features a harbor, alleys, old town, shops, eateries, churches, golf, castle ruins, and watersports.
Where to Stay in Menaggio
Budget Albergo Il Vapore is lakeside with terrace dining and bus access.
Mid-range Hotel Du Lac Menaggio overlooks a café, near marina and golf.
Luxury Grand Hotel Menaggio on the shore offers pools, sports gear, dining, and piano evenings.
Plan Your Trip to Lake Como
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