Lake Como might look like one dreamy destination, but where you stay makes a huge difference. Some towns are better for romance, others for budget trips or getting around without a car. This guide sorts it all out, so you’ll land exactly where you belong.
What Are The Best Areas Around Lake Como?
The best area to stay in Lake Como depends on the postcard you want to step into: Como’s bustling foot, Bellagio’s glittering hub, or the hush of mountain-hugged hamlets—whichever you choose, ferries keep the whole Y within reach.
Top Hotels in Como Town
Como is the biggest town on the lake when you are approaching from Milan or Malpensa Airport. It has a good, traffic-free old town, an interesting Gothic/Renaissance cathedral, and a pleasant lakefront with a promenade. It’s an easy 10-minute downhill walk from the train station to the boat dock.
Why Stay in Como Town?
Staying in Como Town is a great option because you can step off the train and straight into centuries-old sights, lakeside aperitivos, and effortless day trips—no car required.
- Perfect for first-timers: Como Town is ideal for travelers arriving by train from Milan or Malpensa Airport—no car needed to get around.
- Plenty to see without going far: Visit the striking Duomo, ride the historic funicular to Brunate for sweeping views, or relax at waterfront restaurants.
- Bustling hub, but not for everyone: If you’re after a sleepy lakeside village vibe or late-night peace and quiet, Como’s busier atmosphere might not be your style.
Hotels in Como Town
Vista Lago di Como ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lakefront • Rooftop Restaurant
Renovated lakeside boutique with 18 rooms and a Michelin-starred rooftop bar just steps from Piazza Cavour.
Palace Hotel Lake Como ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Central • Historic • Gardens
Classic waterfront retreat with old-world decor, airy suites, and a terrace bar facing the sunset.
Barchetta Excelsior ⭐⭐⭐
Business • Central • Great Value
Comfy, convenient, and right by the lake—plus Milan-bound trains just a short walk away.
Top Hotels in Tremezzo
Tremezzo is on the west side of Lake Como about a thirty-minute drive north of Como Town. It is almost the opposite of Bellagio, so you get stunning views of the lake. The small village is a transportation hub for ferries and boats and is known for the 18th century historic Villa Carlotta with its famed gardens and Canova sculpture.
Why Stay In Tremezzo?
Staying in Tremezzo is a great option because you can wake to mirror-still water, stroll leafy paths hand-in-hand, and never once worry about dodging nightclub crowds.
- Breathtaking west-facing lake views, meaning unforgettable sunsets and postcard-worthy vistas from your hotel balcony or garden terrace.
- Ideal base for relaxation and romance, with quiet walking paths, garden cafés, and spa experiences tailored to couples and honeymooners.
- Limited nightlife and shopping, so it’s not ideal if you want lively evenings or boutique-hopping.
Hotels in Tremezzo
Grand Hotel Tremezzo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pools • Wellness Center
Award-winning retreat with three pools, four restaurants, and a spa you’ll daydream about forever.
Albergo Rusall ⭐⭐⭐
Pool • Hillside Views
Tranquil hillside retreat with a heated pool, lake-view balconies, and tennis courts on-site.
Hotel Lario ⭐⭐⭐
Garden • Relaxed • Romantic
Low-key and lovely with lake or mountain views, regional dishes, and a pool framed by garden blooms.
Top Hotels in Menaggio
Menaggio charms visitors with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and a welcoming small-town feel. Wander the historic center filled with artisan boutiques and sidewalk cafés, then relax over Italian specialties at the elegant Grand Hotel Victoria. With a nearby ferry port, it’s a perfect base for exploring the rest of Lake Como.
Why Stay in Menaggio
Staying in Menaggio is an excellent choice if you want Lake Como’s postcard views without the crowds, plus hiking trails and bike paths right outside your door.
- Ideal for families and active travelers, with nearby hiking trails, bike rentals, and a mini-golf course.
- Less crowded than Bellagio, making it a great pick for travelers who want lakefront charm without the bustle.
- Fewer luxury dining options, meaning serious foodies might prefer towns like Bellagio or Como.
Hotels in Menaggio
Grand Hotel Victoria ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spa • Elegant
Awake to lake views, wander Menaggio, and unwind in the award-winning spa all in one glorious day.
Passer Relais Bistrot ⭐⭐⭐
Garden • Relaxing
Family-friendly base with a terrace, fitness area, and easy access to hiking and cycling.
Hotel Du Lac Menaggio ⭐⭐⭐
Lake View • Central
High-end, family-run classic with romantic terraces, lake-view rooms, and a brand-new rooftop hot tub.
Top Hotels in Bellagio
Bellagio is the pearl of the region and is geographically located in the middle of the upside-down Y-shaped lake. It oozes old-world elegance and a great place for shopping, strolling the lakeside arcades, or having a gelato. Bring your walking shoes if you decide to head up the steep lanes from the waterfront.
Why Stay in Bellagio?
Staying in Bellagio is a great option for those happy to trade a few extra euros for walk-everywhere convenience, chic shops, and sunset aperitivo spots.
- Upscale but walkable, with plenty of high-end dining, artisan gelato shops, and panoramic viewpoints.
- Perfect for romance and first-timers, with postcard views, boutique hotels, and easy access to ferries connecting the lake’s most charming towns.
- Crowds and prices spike in summer, so if you’re craving a quiet escape or traveling on a tighter budget, consider a nearby village instead.
Hotels in Bellagio
Hotel du Lac ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Terrace • Lake View
Family-run favorite with unbeatable Bellagio views and the best terrace for lakeside cocktails.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classically Elegant • Garden • Pools
Lakeside grandeur and timeless service meet Michelin-star meals and a pool made for lingering.
Domus Bellagio ⭐⭐⭐
Boutique • Quiet • Great Value
Stylish hillside stay with just 15 rooms, garden views, and fresh pastries steps from your door.
Top Hotels in Lezzeno
Lezzeno is the last village on the east side of the lake as you are headed to Bellagio. If Bellagio is not your style, then chill Lezzeno might be the answer. It has all of the amenities you need, transportation options, and is just a fifteen-minute drive from Bellagio.
Why Stay in Lezzeno?
Staying in Lezzeno is a great choice because it pairs genuine lakeside charm with easy parking and secret swimming coves.
- Peaceful and authentic village vibe, perfect for travelers who want to experience Lake Como without the tourist crowds.
- Great for drivers and independent travelers, with easy parking and access to hidden spots along the lakeshore.
- Limited dining and nightlife options, so it’s not the place for those craving a buzzy evening scene.
Hotels in Lezzeno
Filario Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pool • Beach • Apartments
Chic and contemporary with a private beach, infinity pool, and freshly made breakfast with a lake view.
Crotto del Misto ⭐⭐⭐
Rustic • Relaxed • Sun Terrace
Simple lakeside hotel with a pool, private dock, and home cooking under wood-beamed ceilings.
Hotel Villa Aurora ⭐⭐⭐
Beach Access • Views • Pet Friendly
Early 1900s charm meets modern comforts with lake-view dining and free access to canoes and kayaks.
Top Hotels in Varenna
If you really want to do the whole “Il Dolce Far Niente” thing (The Sweetness of Doing Nothing), then home base in Varenna. The town has about 1,000 residents and it’s like a mini-Bellagio but without the hype or crowds. It has a waterfront, romantic promenade, and quiet lanes. Also, some killer gelato!
Why Stay in Varenna
Staying in Varenna is a perfect choice if you’ve got a rental car and a thirst for the secret coves and sleepy hamlets.
- Peaceful and authentic village vibe, perfect for travelers who want to experience Lake Como without the tourist crowds.
- Great for drivers and independent travelers, with easy parking and access to hidden spots along the lakeshore.
- Limited dining and nightlife options, so it’s not the place for those craving a buzzy evening scene.
Hotels in Varenna
Albergo Milano ⭐⭐⭐
Budget Friendly • Self-Catering
Charming hilltop hotel offering front-row lake views without the luxury price tag.
Villa Monti ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Apartments • Historic • Gardens
Stylish lakeside suites in a restored 1910 villa, just steps from Varenna’s main square.
Casa Du Lac ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Intimate • Scenic • Modern
Romantic hideaway in Varenna with lake-view balconies, fresh seafood, and modern comforts.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Lake Como
Match the town to your travel style.
- First-time visitors: Stay in Como Town for easy train access, walkability, and sightseeing without a car.
- Romantic couples: Choose Bellagio or Varenna for sunset views, lakeside strolls, and candlelit dinners.
- Families: Head to Menaggio for space to roam, mini-golf, easy ferry access, and a quieter pace.
- Luxury lovers: Tremezzo is your base for 5-star spas, poolside aperitivo, and serene lakeside views.
- Budget travelers: Try Varenna, where you get gorgeous views and charming hotels for less.
- Peace and quiet: Lezzeno offers a slower pace and more privacy—just you, the lake, and the mountains.
- No car, no problem: Como Town and Varenna are the easiest places to base yourself without wheels.
Best Tours and Experiences in Lake Como
Lake Como isn’t just about sitting back and admiring the views—though we highly recommend that, too. If you want to dive a little deeper into the culture, scenery, and flavors of this region, these small-group experiences are the perfect way to do it.
Semi-Private Boat Tour with Prosecco
1 Hour | €€
Sail across Lake Como, enjoying beautiful villas and landscapes, while enjoing an intimate aperitif.
Book Now!
Pizza & Tiramisu Cooking Class
3 Hours | €€€€
Enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine in a small group, authentic setting with this dining experience.
Book Now!
Lake Como E-Bike Tour
3 Hours | €€€€
Discover elegant villas, picturesque lakeshores, and Swiss Merlot vineyards on a captivating journey.
Book Now!
Small Group Food Walking Tour
3.5 Hours | €€€
Enjoy a mouthwatering adventure through 5 delicious food tastings while exploring Como’s streets.
Book Now!
Italian Alps Picnic Tour
4 Hours | €€€
Hike to a breathtaking viewpoint over Lake Como and savor a gourmet picnic with regional delicacies.
Book Now!Where NOT to stay in Lake Como
Don’t stay too far off the lake unless you’re okay with driving everywhere. Inland towns or lesser-known villages like Nesso or Pognana Lario have limited restaurants, no nightlife, and spotty public transit. Lecco might sound appealing, but it’s a city, not a lakeside escape. For short trips, location and ferry access matter more than saving a few euros.
Where To Stay in Lake Como FAQs
Lake Como can be pricey, especially in peak summer months, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Towns like Varenna and Lezzeno offer more affordable hotels and local guesthouses, while luxury travelers will find 5-star stays in Bellagio and Tremezzo.
Most travelers find that 3 to 5 nights in Lake Como is the perfect amount of time to relax, explore a few lakefront towns, and take a boat tour or two. If you’re combining it with Milan or the Alps, even a long weekend works well.
Yes, Lake Como is very doable without a car. Base yourself in Como Town or Varenna for easy access to ferries, trains, and walking paths. Just avoid remote hillside villages unless you plan to drive.
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are the best times to visit Lake Como for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and lower hotel rates than the July–August high season.
The west side of Lake Como (including Tremezzo, Menaggio, and Lenno) gets the best sunset views. Hotels and villas in these towns often have west-facing terraces perfect for golden hour aperitivo.
Como Town and Varenna are the best places to stay in Lake Como without a car. Both have direct train and ferry access, walkable town centers, and plenty of restaurants and activities nearby.
For a romantic Lake Como getaway, stay in Bellagio or Varenna. These postcard-perfect towns have lakeside promenades, intimate hotels, and candlelit dining with waterfront views.
The cheapest time to visit Lake Como is during the shoulder season—especially April and late October. Hotel prices drop, crowds thin out, and the lake is still stunning (just bring a jacket).
Final Thoughts
Where you stay on Lake Como shapes every sunrise ferry, mountain stroll, and late-night limoncello. Choose location first, amenities second, and remember you can day-trip anywhere by boat in under an hour. With the right base, the lake becomes your ultimate playground.
Keep planning your perfect escape:
Top Italy Tours by City and Region
Things to do in Lake Como
Lake Como tours
Best restaurants in Lake Como
Hello Angel! We are staying at Nest on the Lake in Lezzeno. I see that you enjoy staying in Lezzeno when you are Como. My question is this – if we stay there, and we want to have dinner in Varenno, how would we ensure that we get back to Lezzeno via ferry? It doesn’t look like there are many ferries that go back to Lezzeno at dinner time. We could rent a car, but I’d hate to do that just for these types of instances. Thank you!
Other than Bellagio, it’s hard to go get around from Lezzeno without a car, past dinner. Ferries are great for the daytime but I’ve had a car the last couple of times I was there in 2021.
Hi we are going in may for 2 nights and it seems more to do if we stay at como your thoughts
Thanks
Hi Angel, what are your
Thoughts on an airbnb vs. hotel?
It depends on the destination or city.