Best Hotels on Lake Como: Where to Stay by Town and Budget

Lake Como accommodation ranges from world-famous grand villa hotels charging €1,000+ a night to modest guesthouses in ferry-linked villages at under €100. The choice of town matters more than the choice of hotel — each part of the lake has a different character.

Which Town to Stay In

Bellagio — the most famous village, on the central promontory where the two southern arms of the lake meet. Beautiful, photogenic, and crowded in summer. Best base for exploring the full lake. Hotels here range from budget guesthouses to the legendary Villa Serbelloni.

Varenna — quieter than Bellagio, on the eastern shore, with excellent ferry connections. Better value, fewer tour groups, and a more authentic atmosphere. The gardens of Villa Monastero and Villa Cipressi are here. Our favourite base on the lake.

Como town — the southern city at the lake’s foot. Practical for arrivals (train from Milan in 30–40 minutes) but lacking the scenery of the upper lake. Best as a first/last night rather than a base.

Menaggio — on the western shore, mid-lake. Quieter than Bellagio, good ferry connections, and an authentic town feel. Better walking access to the hills above.

Tremezzo / Lenno — mid-western shore, near Villa del Balbianello (the Bond/Star Wars villa) and Villa Carlotta. Excellent position but fewer services.

Budget Guide

€60–120/night — guesthouses and small hotels in Como town or Menaggio. Varenna has a few well-priced options. Avoid budget accommodation in Bellagio — the gap in quality versus cost is poor.

€120–250/night — mid-range boutique hotels and lake-view rooms in Varenna, Bellagio, and Tremezzo. This range gives genuine lake views and good service.

€250–600/night — villa hotels and historic properties. Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Hotel du Lac in Varenna, and Hotel Bellagio are in this range. Worth it for a special occasion.

€600+ — Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Bellagio) and Villa d’Este (Cernobbio). Among the finest hotels in Italy.

Practical Notes

• Ferries connect all lake towns; schedules thin out in the evening — check return times if day-tripping
• June–August is peak season: higher prices, more crowds, essential to book weeks or months ahead
• April, May, September, and October are the best months — good weather, fewer crowds, lower rates
• Driving around the lake is slow and parking is scarce; the ferry is faster for most cross-lake trips
• Milan Malpensa and Bergamo airports are the closest; Milan Centrale is the main train hub. An airport transfer from Malpensa direct to your lakeside hotel is the most convenient option with luggage

Named hotel recommendations

Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Via Regina 8, Tremezzo) — The lake’s most famous luxury hotel. Art Nouveau building with a floating pool on the lake, spa, and three restaurants. Doubles from approximately €400/night as of 2026. The pool terrace view is one of the most photographed in Italy.

Hotel Royal Victoria (Piazza San Giorgio 2, Varenna) — A lakeside three-star with a garden terrace over the water. Doubles from approximately €130/night. Excellent position in our preferred lake town. Book well ahead for summer.

Albergo Milano (Via XX Settembre 35, Varenna) — A family-run hotel in the centre of Varenna with lake-view rooms. Doubles from approximately €100/night. The restaurant terrace is one of the best dining spots on the lake.

Avenue Hotel (Piazzolo Terragni 6, Como) — A modern four-star in Como city, 5 minutes from the lakefront and funicular. Doubles from approximately €110/night. Good base for those arriving by train from Milan.

Albergo Silvio (Via Carcano 12, Bellagio) — A family-run hotel with its own fishing boat. Doubles from approximately €100/night. The restaurant serves lake fish caught that morning. Slightly outside the centre of Bellagio, which means quieter and better value.

Planning excursions between towns? Our day trips from Lake Como guide covers the ferry network, Milan, Lugano, and Bergamo with transport costs. For a direct comparison of the two northern lakes: Lake Como vs Lake Garda sets out the differences in character, access, and what each suits best.