Where to Stay in Lake Como 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Lake Como is Italy's most glamorous lake - George Clooney's villa, Belle Époque palaces, and dramatic mountain scenery. The inverted-Y shaped lake means location matters: Bellagio sits at the central junction, Varenna offers train access, Como town connects to Milan, and the west shore has the grandest villas. A ferry pass opens the lake for exploration.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Bellagio or Varenna
Both villages offer the quintessential Lake Como experience. Bellagio is more central with more restaurants but crowded by day. Varenna is quieter with train access from Milan and beautiful Villa Monastero. Choose Bellagio for centrality, Varenna for romance and practicality.
Bellagio
Varenna
Como Town
Menaggio
Tremezzo
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Como town feels urban - better for day trip than overnight
- • Some villages have very limited accommodation - book early
- • Day-tripper crowds flood Bellagio 10am-5pm - stay to enjoy evenings
- • Lakeside road traffic can be bad - ferry often faster and more scenic
Understanding Lake Como Geography
Lake Como forms an inverted Y. Como town sits at the southwest tip (train from Milan). Lecco is at the southeast. Bellagio perches at the junction of the three arms. Varenna faces Bellagio on the east shore. The west shore (Tremezzo, Menaggio) has the grandest villas.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Lake Como
Bellagio
Best for: Pearl of the Lake, gardens, central location, ferries to everywhere
"Iconic lakeside village at the junction of Como's three arms"
Pros
- Most central location
- Ferry hub
- Classic Como beauty
Cons
- Crowded day-trippers
- Expensive
- Very touristy
Varenna
Best for: Authentic charm, train access, Villa Monastero, quieter alternative
"Romantic lakeside village with train access and gardens"
Pros
- Train connection
- Less crowded
- Beautiful villas
Cons
- Smaller than Bellagio
- Limited restaurants
- Quiet evenings
Como Town
Best for: Cathedral, funicular, transport hub, historic center
"Historic city at the lake's southwest tip with funicular to Brunate"
Pros
- Train to Milan
- Historic sights
- More services
Cons
- City not village feel
- Less scenic stays
- Far from mid-lake
Menaggio
Best for: West shore base, ferry hub, hiking, practical alternative
"Practical west-shore town with excellent ferry connections"
Pros
- Good ferry access
- More affordable
- Hiking base
Cons
- Less romantic
- Not as pretty
- Fewer attractions
Tremezzo / Cadenabbia
Best for: Villa Carlotta, Grand Hotel Tremezzo, belle époque luxury
"Belle époque elegance with legendary villa and gardens"
Pros
- Villa Carlotta
- Iconic hotels
- Beautiful views
Cons
- Limited dining options
- Very expensive
- Need ferry to explore
Accommodation Budget in Lake Como
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Ostello Bello Lake Como
Como Town
Design hostel with rooftop terrace, social atmosphere, and easy Milan train access.
Albergo Milano
Varenna
Family-run lakefront hotel with terrace restaurant and unbeatable Varenna location.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Bellagio
Bellagio
Classic lakefront hotel with panoramic terrace and central Bellagio location.
Hotel Royal Victoria
Varenna
Historic hotel with stunning lake terrace, gardens, and Belle Époque character.
Hotel Villa Cipressi
Varenna
Boutique hotel in historic villa with famous terraced gardens descending to the lake.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Tremezzo
Legendary 1910 palace hotel with floating pool, spa, and Lake Como's most iconic address.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Bellagio
Belle Époque grand hotel in Bellagio with gardens, pool, and classic Italian elegance.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Il Sereno Lago di Como
Torno
Contemporary design hotel by Patricia Urquiola with lake-view suites and Michelin restaurant.
Smart Booking Tips for Lake Como
- 1 Book 3-4 months ahead for May-September, especially luxury properties
- 2 Villa Carlotta and grand hotels book up for weddings - verify availability
- 3 Spring (April-May) offers gardens in bloom and fewer crowds
- 4 Ferry pass (biglietto giornaliero) essential for exploring
- 5 Many hotels include breakfast with lake views - worth the upgrade
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More Lake Como Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-month weather and seasonal tips
Things to Do
Top attractions and hidden gems
Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Lake Como: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.