The dreamy, mysterious Lake Como is one of Europe’s most coveted travel destinations. Set amidst the picturesque Alpine foothills of northern Italy, it is famed for its dazzling natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage.
Surrounded by verdant hills and dotted with charming medieval towns, visitors flock to Lake Como to absorb breathtaking views on a boat ride, explore enchanting hiking trails, and bask in the sun along its serene shores.
Besides its many Victorian gardens and lakeside restaurants, Como is also home to a soul-stirring hotel scene, with accommodations ranging from cosy boutique villas to grand architectural wonders. From my many years exploring beautiful Lake Como, I have handpicked my favourite cool and unusual hotels in the region (in no particular order)...
1. Il Sereno Lago di Como – sleek, contemporary and very Instagrammable accommodation with stunning views of Lake Como
With gorgeous interiors made of wood, stone, and glass, Il Serano was the perfect spot to revel in awe-inspiring vistas. Whether sitting poolside with a cocktail in hand, or unwinding at the spa, or tucking into Michelin-starred dishes, this luxury boutique expressed an atmosphere of serenity throughout my stay.
The colours of the lake are recalled through the gentle palettes of greens, blues and taupe, which paired gracefully with the Travertino marble and the bold and contemporary furnishings.
I thought the lakeside infinity pool was a standout feature, and a blissful ambiance was set by the underwater music and the mood lighting. I also thoroughly enjoyed zipping around the lake on the hotel’s all-wood Riva motorboat!
- To book, check prices or availability for Il Sereno Lago di Como
2 Le Stanze del Lago Suites & Pool – a cool and hip laid-back spacious boutique guesthouse perfect for Millenials and Gen Zs
Born in 2009 as the first aparthotel in the city, this eclectic property offers 5 apartments themed in a bespoke style and rooted in minimalism, functionality, and elegance.
They accompany quaint balconies where wicker chairs invite you to soothe the soul with the sounds of nature. The beautiful pool, the yoga sessions, and the e-bike rentals allowed me to combine fitness with leisure, all in the effervescent backdrop of the shimmering lake.
The breakfast was exceptional and consisted of homemade pastries, set on the outdoor plant-fringed patio. There are also many communal spaces both indoor and outdoor, encouraging you to relax to the rhythms of the region.
- To book, check prices or availability for Le Stanze del Lago Suites & Pool
3. Casa Sull’Albero – a cool, unique and ultra-modern ec0-friendly hotel surrounded by a lush green park with century-old trees and great views
Nestled within splendid greenery and decked out in natural materials, Casa Sull’Albero is a place where light floods in through all-glass walls, and wooden furnishings create a warm ambiance.
This eco-friendly hotel brings you away from the tourist crowds, and is the perfect spot for keen mountain climbers. Encased in two glass and timber buildings, the interiors blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, and the laid-back vibe immediately put me at ease upon arrival.
On-site there is a charming pool girdled by wooden floors, a state-of-the-art fitness space, and a spa area. You can also rent an e-bike and explore the surrounding terrain with ultimate ease.
- To book, check prices or availability for Casa Sull’Albero
4. MUSA Lago di Como – a chic and modern retreat that offers a mix of Italian culture, stunning lake views and a zen-like vibe
Set in an idyllic waterfront location opposite Isola Comacina, the lakes-only island, MUSA is a sophisticated boutique where food reigns supreme.
It is ran by two acclaimed chefs, and the dishes in the fine-dining Roteo are cooked to perfection. Throughout the hotel, earthy tones and natural textiles in fawn and taupe complement the latte-coloured oakwood floors, which blend seamlessly with the surrounding terrain.
My room boasted tripod floor lamps, black oak wardrobes, and expressive artworks, providing a calming tone for my stay. It also came with an iPad, a complimentary minibar, and an elegant bathroom with a monsoon shower.
- To book, check prices or availability for MUSA Lago di Como
5. Hotel Griso Collection – a trendy and stylish lakeside boutique hotel that provides guests with beautiful panoramic views
A simple glance at this hotel has the ability to regenerate your soul. Set amidst the spectacular scenery of the Lecco branch of Lake Como, in the backdrop of the Italian Alps, this eclectic hotel awaits you with enchanting panoramas in every corner.
This is especially evident in the guestrooms, which boast a private terrace where you can sunbathe in front of the sparkling lake. From breakfast to dinner, I was treated to the beautiful tastes and traditions of the region.
An added touch is the rooftop solarium and pool, which invites you to recline comfortably on a sun chair and sip a crafted beverage whilst you gaze over the majestic scenery.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Griso Collection
6. Filario Hotel & Residences – a chic and prestigious design hotel that offers great facilities including an infinity pool
Situated five miles south of Bellagio, this lakefront design hotel is comprised mainly of glass and stone, and the stylish interiors are decorated in warm earthy tones of grey and brown.
I thought this Filario made for a welcome change from the lake’s classically styled hotels, and the large floor-to-ceiling windows allowed me to make the most of the astonishing lake views.
Black and white photos of silk threads on the walls reminded me of Como’s long history of silk making, and the communal lounge area was decked out in luxury décor exuding warmth and intimacy.
The lakefront location gleams ever more majestic in the open-fronted kitchen, where the dishes span northern to southern contemporary Italian cuisine.
- To book, check prices or availability for Filario Hotel & Residences
7. Hotel Belvedere – a chic elegant 19th-century hotel that provides a unique and relaxing holiday experience for visitors
Here we have an attractive 19th-century house set on a hill above Bellagio, commanding wonderful views amid tiered gardens that spread up from the lakefront. A peaceful, family vibe was ever-present throughout my stay, and bolstered by a majestic swimming pool, a spa, and a cosy library.
The wicker baskets with books by the pool was a graceful touch, and homemade pastries were served in the library every afternoon. At Hotel Belvedere, I rented a bike for the entirety of my stay, and took part in a vineyard tour.
My room was classically furnished with oak wood floors, walnut headboards, and tailor-made wooden inland pieces, beautifully complementing the modern bathroom and panoramic balcony.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Belvedere
8. Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA – a beautiful upscale spa resort spa where guests can relax their minds and bodies
With an enchanting lakefront swimming pool and an eclectic restaurant with breathtaking vistas and gourmet dishes, Grand Hotel Imperiale offers a paradisiacal setting at the foot of the pretty town of Moltrasio.
The main building retains a sprinkling of original Art Nouveau features, which include tiled floors, handcrafted lamps, and floral motifs on the ceilings. The lounge beautifully complements its traditional roots with white marble floors, cosy rugs, and paintings in mellow hues.
The rooms boast classic-style furnishings, and an intimate ambiance is set by the dim wall lighting. My room gave way to the peaceful garden, however the most esteemed accommodations are without a doubt the newly renovated lakefront villas.
- To book, check prices or availability for Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & SPA
9. Hilton Lake Como – a trendy, modern and wow-inducing upscale Lake Como hotel where pets are also welcome
Occupying a former textile mill on the western fringes of Lake Como, this bright and stylish hotel is dressed in warm tones of brown, grey, and blue, echoing the colours of the surrounding landscape.
The historical centre is reached by a peaceful stroll along a beautiful lakefront promenade, yet the hotel is nestled in the heart of nature.
The entrance opens onto the Glass Cube, an all-glass lounge filled with leafy plants that exude the essence of the outdoors. The rooms and common areas are set around a charming interior courtyard, and there is also a rooftop terrace with an open-air swimming pool making for an enchanting afternoon relaxation.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hilton Lake Como
10. Villa Lario Resort Mandello – an intimate oasis of style where guests can benefit from a private beach area and views of the Lake Como
Perched on a cliffside, with an infinity pool and stunning garden terrace affording scintillating lake views, this graceful Como hideaway is flooded with natural light, and offers one of the most majestic sunsets I have ever witnessed.
A lift carved into the rockface connects the hotel’s two levels. Down on the lake level, you will find a bar and lounge area which blends traditional and contemporary, with a glass extension that brings the outside in.
Secluded and stylish, this enchanting hotel is a discreet reminder of the slow pace of life in the region, and nowhere is this more evident than in the cedar tree-shaded terraced garden.
- To book, check prices or availability for Villa Lario Resort Mandello
11. Aurum – Como Luxury Suites – a cool, funky and eclectic boutique guesthouse perfect for design-loving Millennials and Gen Zs
Set in the central square of the city, Aurum occupies a building with an ancient history and a contemporary design. My suite was furnished in a unique and opulent style, which integrated original sixteenth-century details.
It was equipped with a Turkish bath, a waterfall shower, and a private balcony with a unique view of the Cathedral. The stone and glass concoction exudes modern elegance, gorgeously contrasted by traditional décor brimming with vivid colours.
Ambient tones and dazzling wall-sized art set a blissful boutique theme which radiates throughout the property, enhanced with soft wooden hues and bespoke natural elements.
- To book, check prices or availability for Aurum – Como Luxury Suites
12. Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel – a trendy Mediterranean-style boutique gem that boasts the best garden and lake views in the area
Set in a quiet position only 700 metres from the historic centre of Bellagio, this stunning boutique hotel offers a serene garden, a turquoise pool, and a blissful spa.
The spa provided my partner and me with moments of total relaxation and harmony, and was adorned with a cosy blend of lights, colours, and sounds.
We stayed in a spacious apartment, which felt like a home away from home. It was fully equipped with trendsetting amenities and boutique decor, but by far the best feature was the beautiful balcony, where we began each day with a stunning sunrise.
- To book, check prices or availability for Charming Bellagio Boutique Hotel
13. Borgo Le Terrazze – a gorgeous, intimate and romantic boutique place to stay in beautiful Lake Como
The architecture of Borgo Le Terrazze emanates tradition, yet the interiors are unequivocally modern. I thought the location was incredible, perched on a hillside south of Bellagio
As I drove across the brow of the hill and descended into the property’s grounds, I was left in awe at the surrounding landscape, with snow-capped mountains and blue waters spread endlessly across my vision. Gentle shades of blue, brown, and green pair elegantly with the colours of the lake, and the garden areas are shaded by azaleas and olive trees.
The complimentary shuttle connecting guests to the centre of Bellagio offered convenience, and the stunning swimming pool provided me with everlasting memories of serenity.
- To book, check prices or availability for Borgo Le Terrazze
14. B&B Villa Costanza – a cool and unique boutique B&B that is the perfect home away from home
Nestled in a corner of paradise on the shores of the lake, B&B Villa Costanza welcomes you to a green oasis that integrates perfectly into the bucolic scenery.
Invigorating the senses with their surrounding majesty, the rooms come with a unique character, and are clad head to toe in elegance and glamour.
They are named after precious stones, and are decorated with frescoes and chic décor. My favourite spot was the opulent living room complete with a lovely veranda, and its grand French doors directly opened onto the park. This was the perfect spot to relish a jaw-dropping sunset over the lake.
- To book, check prices or availability for B&B Villa Costanza
15. Hotel Lago – a cute, charming and relaxed boutique hotel set right on the lake
Fronted by an innovative façade and graced by bountiful outdoor space, Hotel Lago enjoys a supreme position overlooking the lake.
Its outdoor majesty is matched by elegance and sophistication inside, where thoughtful design work emphasizes the panoramic views. The suites feature finishes in harmony with the elements of nature, and are bright, spacious, and totally relaxing.
The restaurant invites you to indulge in luxury and surrender to the slow rhythms of the region, with a menu of carefully selected ingredients according to their seasonality. The hotel is surrounded by hiking trails, and you can also arrange boat tours and rentals on-site.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Lago
16. DBH – Boutique Hotel Lake Como – an ultra-chic and modern boutique hotel ideal for a family holiday, a couple’s escape or a short break with friends
Facing the Como cathedral, a complete renovation has seen these clerical buildings capture the creativity of local artisans in a modern style.
This has allowed you to feel at home amid quality furnishings and fabrics, with high levels of comfort suffusing the 14 rooms and 5 suites. Teeming with boutique flair and eclectic charm, yet topped with luxury marble finishes, DBH allures the discerning traveller to a holiday rooted in opulence and refinement.
The breakfast was a lavish affair, and allowed me to sample some of the finest local produce in a brightly quaint environment, before exploring the winding streets that surround the hotel.
- To book, check prices or availability for DBH – Boutique Hotel Lake Como
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Scott started his travelling life back in 1999, when he headed off on a solo jaunt to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia with just a backpack, a camera and a spirit for adventure. After that, the travel bug bit hard and now he is always seeking to head off somewhere new. Over the years he has lived in Italy, Qatar, Ireland, UK and the US but his spiritual home will always be Rome as this is the city which most satisfies his unrelenting craving for culture, good food and great football. Scott loves nothing better than to be behind the camera and also runs his own blog and Instagram page. He also counts Melbourne, Cape Town and Tel Aviv among his favourite places. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @scottbalaam