Where to Stay in Lake Como: Best Towns and Areas
Wondering where to stay in Lake Como? Discover the best towns, areas and hotels for every type of traveler - whether it’s your first time or a romantic escape.
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Wondering where to stay in Lake Como? You’re not the only one: with so many stunning towns dotted around the lake, choosing the right place can be tricky. Whether it’s your first visit, you’re on a romantic getaway or you’re traveling without a car, this guide will help you figure out where to stay based on your travel style, budget and plans.
| Area | Best For | Vibe | Public Transport | Top Hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Como | First-timers | Urban & cultural | Train | Palace Hotel |
| Bellagio | Romance & views | Elegant | Ferry only | Hotel Excelsior Splendide |
| Varenna | Peace & charm | Relaxed | Train & ferry | Hotel Montecodeno |
| Tremezzo | Luxury & villas | Glamorous | Ferry only | Hotel La Perla |
| Lecco | Nature & locals | Authentic | Train | NH Lecco Pontevecchio |
| Colico | Sports & budget | Laid-back | Train | Seven Park Hotel Lake Como - Adults Only |
Best Areas to Stay in Lake Como
Lake Como may not be huge, but each town has a unique personality and choosing the right one can really shape your experience. Below, we’ve rounded up the best areas to stay, highlighting what makes each one special and who it’s best suited for. Plus, we’ve included some top hotels to make planning even easier.
Como - Best for first-timers & convenience
If it’s your first time visiting Lake Como, staying in Como town is a smart choice. It’s the lake’s main city and also the easiest place to reach from Milan or Malpensa Airport, whether by train or car.
Como offers a perfect mix of culture, shopping and dining, with a lot of places that can be explored on foot: from the beautiful Duomo to the lakeside promenade. It’s also a great base if you plan to take day trips around the lake, thanks to frequent ferries and trains.
Planning to visit Lake Como from Milan? Check out our guide to the best day trips from Milan by train or car for more travel ideas within 2 hours.
Top Hotels in Como:
- Como Hills Hotel - A cozy boutique hotel with panoramic views over the lake and hills.
- Palace Hotel - Elegant and central, just a few steps from the waterfront and perfect for exploring the city.
Bellagio - Best for romance and luxury
Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como”, Bellagio is one of the most iconic and romantic spots on the lake. Its central position makes it easy to reach nearby towns by ferry, while the town itself charms visitors with cobbled streets, elegant villas and stunning lake views – the perfect setting for a relaxing stay.
If you enjoy boat tours, scenic gardens and sipping wine with a view, Bellagio is hard to beat. Just keep in mind that some streets are steep, but the charm is well worth the climb!
Top Hotels in Bellagio:
- Hotel Excelsior Splendide - A charming lakeside hotel with a classic feel and a great location right on the promenade.
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni - Bellagio’s crown jewel: an historic five-star hotel with stunning lake views, fine dining and timeless elegance.
Varenna - Best for peace and charm
If you're dreaming of a slower pace and postcard-worthy views, Varenna might be your perfect match. This charming lakeside village is a peaceful alternative to Bellagio, with the same romantic atmosphere, but far fewer crowds.
It’s ideal for relaxing strolls along the promenade, enjoying a gelato by the water or simply soaking in the beauty of the lake. Plus, it’s one of the easiest towns to reach by train from Milan, making it a great choice if you’re traveling without a car.
Top Hotels in Varenna:
- Hotel Montecodeno - A cozy and convenient stay, just a short walk from the ferry and train station.
- Hotel Royal Victoria - A stunning lakeside property with elegant rooms, a pool and unbeatable views.
Tremezzo - Best for luxury & villa life
Located on the western shore of Lake Como, Tremezzo offers breathtaking views of Bellagio and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s the ideal place if you’re looking to stay in style, visit historic villas like Villa Carlotta and enjoy the beauty of the lake without the crowds.
Well-connected by ferry, Tremezzo is perfect for day trips across the lake and offers a great mix of nature, elegance and charm.
Top Hotels in Tremezzo:
- La Darsena Boutique Hotel & Restaurant - A lakeside gem with modern comfort and a fantastic on-site restaurant.
- Hotel La Perla - Family-run and perched above the lake, this hotel offers panoramic views and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Lecco - Best for nature lovers
If you love the outdoors and want to experience Lake Como like a local, Lecco is a fantastic choice. Surrounded by wonderful mountain peaks and scenic trails, it’s a great base for hiking, walking and exploring lesser-known spots.
Lecco is less touristy than other towns and offers a more authentic atmosphere, with charming piazzas and lakefront cafés. It’s also well-connected by train to Milan, Varenna and even Bergamo.
Top Hotels in Lecco:
- NH Lecco Pontevecchio - A modern hotel right on the lake, perfect for both comfort and convenience.
- Hotel Promessi Sposi - A newly renovated boutique hotel with stylish rooms and incredible lake views.
Northern Towns: Colico, Dervio, Dongo – Best for active trips
Looking for adventure on the lake? The northern towns of Lake Como - especially Colico, Dervio and Dongo - are perfect for those who love an active lifestyle. This part of the lake is known for its wide beaches, steady winds and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect hotspot for kitesurfing, windsurfing, biking and hiking.
It’s also a great option if you’re traveling on a budget, with more affordable hotels and fewer crowds compared to the central areas.
Top Hotels in the North:
- Seven Park Hotel Lake Como - Adults Only - A stylish, modern resort with pools and a wellness area, right by the beach in Colico.
- Hotel Lago di Como - A comfortable and budget-friendly stay with easy access to outdoor activities and local dining.
Where to Stay in Lake Como Without a Car
Don’t have a car? No problem: Lake Como is surprisingly easy to explore using trains and ferries, especially if you stay in the right towns.
The best car-free bases are Como, Lecco, Varenna and Colico - all of which are well-connected to Milan and other major cities by train. From there, you can hop on ferries to visit the central lake towns like Bellagio, Menaggio and Tremezzo.
You really don’t need a car to enjoy Lake Como. In many areas, also, parking is limited and roads can be narrow, so public transport is often the more relaxing choice.
Where to Stay in Lake Como on a Budget
Lake Como has a reputation for luxury, but that doesn’t mean you need a five-star budget to enjoy it. If you're traveling on a budget, there are several towns where you can find affordable, charming accommodation without sacrificing location or views.
The best options for budget-conscious travelers are Lecco, Colico, Dervio and even parts of Varenna. These towns offer family-run guesthouses, 2-3 star hotels and small B&Bs with a warm, local feel.
Tip: Look for hotels just outside the town centers or apartments with kitchens to save even more by cooking your own meals.
Luxury Hotels in Lake Como
If you're dreaming of belle époque villas, infinity pools with lake views and spa treatments that melt the stress away, Lake Como won’t disappoint you. The lake is the home of some of the most luxurious hotels in Italy, perfect for honeymoons, special occasions or simply treating yourself with something unforgettable.
Whether you want historic charm or modern design, these hotels deliver world-class service, breathtaking locations and the kind of details you’ll remember forever.
Here are some standout advices:
- Grand Hotel Tremezzo - A true icon of Lake Como luxury, with elegant interiors, three pools, a spa and postcard views across to Bellagio.
- Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni - Classic, regal and full of charm, this five-star gem is perfect for couples who want to relax in style.
- Filario Hotel – Modern, minimalist and serene, with a private beach and infinity pool just minutes from Bellagio.
Conclusion
No matter where you stay in Lake Como, you're in for a breathtaking experience. Each town has its own unique charm, whether you're looking for luxury, adventure, romance or just a peaceful escape. Use this guide to pick the spot that fits your travel style and don’t forget to book early, especially during peak season!
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