Lake Como has always whispered to those with a taste for the extraordinary. Cradled by the Italian Alps and fringed with centuries-old villas, its deep, glacial waters have long drawn poets, aristocrats, and modern-day jet-setters in equal measure. It’s a destination where beauty doesn’t shout—it lingers in the quiet elegance of a lakeside terrace, the soft clink of crystal at sunset, the effortless charm of a town square untouched by time.
But to truly experience the soul of this storied region, where you stay matters. The best hotels in Lake Como are far more than a place to sleep—they are an extension of the landscape, reflecting the lake’s quiet opulence and timeless appeal. Some are grand dames with a legacy of hosting royalty; others, discreet hideaways with a modern point of view.
In this guide to the best hotels in Lake Como, we reveal the addresses that capture its essence—hotels where impeccable service, cinematic views, and authentic character converge in unforgettable ways.
Hotel Villa Cipressi
Hotel Villa Cipressi is one of Lake Como’s most enchanting spots, located in the charming village of Varenna. Surrounded by tiered botanical gardens that slope gently toward the water, the villa offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Originally built between the 14th and 19th centuries, it blends historic architecture with elegant charm. Today, Villa Cipressi operates as a luxury hotel and wedding venue, welcoming guests from around the world. Strolling through its lush gardens, filled with cypress trees and exotic plants, is a peaceful and romantic experience. Whether you're visiting for the views, a special occasion, or a relaxing stay, Villa Cipressi captures the timeless beauty of Lake Como.
Mandarin Oriental, Lake Como
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como is a stylish lakeside retreat tucked into the quiet village of Blevio, just minutes from Como. Set in a beautifully restored 19th-century villa once owned by opera singer Giuditta Pasta, this luxury resort blends historic charm with sleek modern design. Rooms and suites are elegant and serene, many with private terraces overlooking the lake.
Guests can unwind at the floating infinity pool, relax in the lush gardens, or book a treatment at the award-winning spa. Dining is a highlight—L˜ARIA offers inventive Italian-Japanese fusion, while CO.MO Bar & Bistrot serves casual meals with beautiful views.
The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic, perfect for couples or anyone looking to slow down and soak in the beauty of Lake Como. With impeccable service, dreamy views, and a unique setting, Mandarin Oriental feels like a secret hideaway made for indulgent escapes.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of Lake Como’s most iconic luxury stays, perfectly positioned on the water’s edge with sweeping views of Bellagio and the Grigne mountains. This glamorous Art Nouveau palace, opened in 1910, combines historic elegance with modern indulgence.
The hotel features 90 beautifully styled rooms and suites—some with private balconies, outdoor hot tubs, or views over the lake and gardens. Guests can relax by three pools, including the famous floating pool on the lake, or unwind at the award-winning T Spa, which offers treatments using Santa Maria Novella products.
Dining is a highlight, from fine Italian cuisine at La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi to casual lakeside bites at T Beach. The property also offers a private park, clay tennis court, and vintage boats for exploring the lake in style.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is a timeless and romantic retreat—full of charm, views, and five-star comfort.
Il Sereno
Il Sereno is a modern luxury hotel situated on the eastern shore of Lake Como in the village of Torno. Designed by renowned architect Patricia Urquiola, the hotel offers a contemporary aesthetic that contrasts with the traditional architecture of the region. The property features 40 spacious lakefront suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, providing panoramic views of the lake.
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a 60-foot freshwater infinity pool suspended over the lake, a full-service spa, and a private beach. The hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, Il Sereno Al Lago, offers Italian cuisine with a modern twist.
With its sleek design, personalized service, and stunning location, Il Sereno provides a unique and luxurious experience on Lake Como.
Relais Villa Vittoria
Overlooking the tranquil waters of Lake Como, Relais Villa Vittoria captures the essence of discreet luxury. Located in the picturesque village of Laglio, this former 19th-century villa has been thoughtfully transformed into one of the best hotels in Lake Como. With just a few elegantly appointed rooms and suites—some with private terraces—the atmosphere is quiet, romantic, and deeply personal. An infinity pool appears to merge with the lake, while candlelit dinners unfold beneath fragrant wisteria. Interiors balance heritage charm with modern touches, creating spaces that feel both refined and inviting. Ideal for couples or those seeking a slower, more intimate experience of the lake, Relais Villa Vittoria stands out for its beauty, warmth, and impeccable attention to detail. A true gem among the best hotels in Lake Como.
Villa d’Este
Villa d’Este is Lake Como’s most iconic grand hotel, set on 25 acres of lush gardens in the elegant town of Cernobbio. Once a 16th-century private villa, it became a luxury hotel in 1873 and has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and world leaders ever since.
The hotel has 152 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with antique furnishings, silk drapes, and marble bathrooms. Many offer views of the lake or gardens. Guests can enjoy fine Italian cuisine at the Veranda restaurant, relax by the famous floating swimming pool, or explore the estate’s peaceful parkland.
Other highlights include tennis courts, a wellness center, and private boat access. Villa d’Este also hosts the renowned Concorso d’Eleganza car show each spring. With its old-world charm and five-star service, this historic hotel remains one of the most exclusive stays on Lake Como.
Passalacqua
Passalacqua is a breathtaking 18th-century villa turned boutique hotel, perched above Lake Como in the charming village of Moltrasio. Once the summer residence of Count Andrea Lucini Passalacqua, the estate has been meticulously restored by the De Santis family, also owners of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, to embody the Italian tradition of villeggiatura—a leisurely, luxurious retreat.
The hotel offers 24 uniquely designed suites spread across three buildings: the grand Villa, the romantic Palazz, and the lakeside Casa al Lago. Each room showcases classical Italian elegance, featuring hand-painted silk wallpapers, Murano glass chandeliers, and antique furnishings.
Set within seven acres of terraced gardens that descend to a private jetty, Passalacqua provides guests with serene lake views and access. Amenities include a lakeside pool, a subterranean spa with saunas and steam rooms, a red clay tennis court, and a vintage open-top Fiat 500 for exploring the property.
With its blend of historic charm, luxurious amenities, and impeccable service, Passalacqua offers an intimate and unforgettable Lake Como experience.
Villa Pliniana
Villa Pliniana is a secluded 16th-century estate nestled in a wooded cove near Torno, offering an exclusive and luxurious retreat on Lake Como. Set on 18 acres of lakefront gardens, this historic palazzo features 17 bedrooms, accommodating up to 33 guests, and is accessible by private boat.
The villa seamlessly blends Renaissance architecture with modern amenities, including a spa with a sauna, steam bath, emotional showers, and an indoor pool. Guests can enjoy the estate's private boat dock, helicopter landing pad, and vast gardens.
Managed by Sereno Hotels, Villa Pliniana offers five-star services, ensuring a memorable stay. Its rich history and stunning setting make it an ideal location for weddings and special events.
MUSA Lago di Como
MUSA Lago di Como offers a bold, contemporary take on lakeside luxury. Set on the western shore in charming Sala Comacina, this design-forward boutique hotel brings modern elegance to one of Italy’s most historic destinations. Sleek architecture, minimalist interiors, and panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows create a seamless connection to the landscape. With just 12 rooms and suites, each space feels exclusive and thoughtfully curated. Guests can unwind at the rooftop lounge, indulge in inventive cuisine at the lakeside restaurant, or relax by the stylish infinity pool. Service is attentive yet understated, allowing the serene surroundings to take center stage. For those who appreciate clean lines, curated design, and intimate atmosphere, MUSA is a standout. A fresh, sophisticated entry among the best hotels in Lake Como.
Villa La Cassinella
Villa La Cassinella is one of the most exclusive and luxurious retreats on Lake Como. Accessible only by boat and nestled near Lenno, this private estate offers complete seclusion and exceptional service. With just nine elegant suites, the villa feels intimate yet undeniably grand. Interiors feature fine antiques, Italian artwork, and bespoke furnishings, while the grounds include a lakeside infinity pool, private cinema, and lush formal gardens. A full staff—including a private chef—ensures a tailored, five-star experience. Combining historic charm with modern luxury, Villa La Cassinella sets a new standard for privacy and elegance. It’s a rare gem among the best hotels in Lake Como, perfect for those seeking total escape in extraordinary surroundings.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is one of Lake Como’s most historic and prestigious hotels, located at the tip of Bellagio where the lake splits into two branches. Originally a private villa built in 1850, it became a luxury hotel in 1873 and has hosted royalty, artists, and celebrities ever since. The interiors are rich with 19th-century opulence—frescoed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and antique furnishings—while the service remains impeccable and old-world. Guests can enjoy a private lakeside beach, a large outdoor pool, a lush park, and a world-class spa. Dining is a highlight here, with the Michelin-starred Mistral Restaurant offering refined cuisine on a panoramic terrace. Most rooms and suites boast lake or garden views, with traditional décor and spacious layouts. Just steps from Bellagio’s charming cobbled streets, Villa Serbelloni offers timeless elegance in one of Italy’s most enchanting destinations. It's a grand retreat made for indulgent, scenic escapes.
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini
Palazzo Albricci Peregrini is a discreet boutique hotel set in a 15th-century noble residence in the heart of Como. With just six individually designed rooms, the property blends historic architecture with minimalist, contemporary style. Interiors feature exposed stone, antique touches, and natural materials, creating a serene, sophisticated atmosphere. Each room feels like a private retreat, with carefully curated art and luxurious, understated finishes. Guests can unwind in peaceful courtyards or relax in elegant common spaces filled with books and soft light. Breakfast is lovingly prepared each morning, often served in the garden or under vaulted ceilings indoors. Just steps from Como’s cathedral and lakefront promenade, the hotel offers a rare mix of urban convenience and quiet charm. Warm, personalized service from the owners enhances the intimate feel, making it an ideal hideaway for design lovers and those seeking a slower, more soulful Lake Como experience.
Albergo Terminus Hotel
Albergo Terminus Hotel is a refined four-star property housed in a restored early 20th-century Art Nouveau palazzo, ideally located on the lakefront promenade in the heart of Como. Just steps from Piazza Cavour and the ferry terminal, it offers an elegant base for exploring the city and the lake.
The hotel features 50 individually styled rooms and suites, blending classic Italian charm with modern comforts. Many rooms offer views of Lake Como or the hotel's peaceful garden. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and marble bathrooms with designer toiletries.
Guests can dine at the on-site Bar delle Terme, which serves Italian cuisine and offers outdoor seating with lake views. The hotel also provides a sauna, fitness center, and bicycle rentals. Its central location places it within walking distance of Como Cathedral, Teatro Sociale, and various shops and restaurants
Grand Hotel Menaggio
Grand Hotel Menaggio is a classic lakeside retreat located directly on the shores of Lake Como, just a short walk from the center of Menaggio. This elegant four-star hotel offers panoramic views across the water toward Bellagio and Varenna, with ferry access just steps away. Rooms are traditionally styled, many with private balconies overlooking the lake or gardens. The hotel features a beautiful lakeside swimming pool, a private dock, and manicured grounds for relaxing outdoors. Dining takes place at La Veranda, where Italian cuisine is served with sweeping lake views. The atmosphere is peaceful and timeless, ideal for travelers seeking a quiet escape in a picturesque setting. With its direct lake access, warm service, and old-world charm, Grand Hotel Menaggio is a great base for exploring the central lake region by boat or on foot. Perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking for relaxed, scenic luxury.
