The top 11 most luxurious hotels on Lake Como: a vacation in Italy for every taste

Italy's largest and most famous lake exudes a special magic that no traveler, even the most discerning, can resist. This is a truly unique place that has been attracting numerous visitors from all over the world for thousands of years. For example, according to history, Pliny the Younger had a villa here, where, as he said, "the porch always looked like spring." At one time, Lake Como was home to incredible palaces of bishops, princes, and prominent artists, and now it is a favorite destination of the rich and famous (no wonder George Clooney had an estate here for more than 20 years).

Along the coast, there are still numerous historic houses that remain in private ownership, while others have been converted into the best hotels in Lake Como, which are considered the most magnificent not only in Italy but also in the world. You can also find simpler options here, but they are also very worthy, offering an unforgettable experience for travelers. From new, shiny complexes of world-famous brands to unpretentious family-run establishments, the following list contains the top 10 hotels in Lake Como that deserve your attention.

Il Serano

Among the best hotels on Lake Como is Il Sereno, located in Torno. Its appearance a few years ago caused a real sensation, because it was the first complex in this area of Italy, designed by the world-famous architect Patricia Urquiola, who managed to realize an incredible idea.

The building is so organically "inscribed" in the surrounding landscapes that it merges with them thanks to the most successfully chosen light colors. The exterior provides for a large number of windows, thanks to which the rooms are flooded with natural light reflected through the surface of the lake. The pride of the complex is the magnificent garden, which includes more than 180 varieties of plants, creating a new floral landscape on the coast. Even the heated pool and the ash terrace next to it evoke the feeling of a single uninterrupted line with the majestic body of water. A full-service spa overlooking the lake is also available for guests, which was built in a former boathouse.

Inside, the lobby is welcoming and elegant, reflecting the best of Italian design, such as furniture from Cassina, Moroso and B&B Italia. The hotel has 40 rooms, each with incredible views. The apartments include spacious furnished terraces, and the room furniture was custom designed by Patricia Urquiola.

Il Serano offers gourmet food created by Michelin-starred Raffaele Lenzi. The menu is based on local freshwater fish and organic vegetables, all served with sensational signature cocktails. The hotel has a wooden motorboat, custom-made by Ernesto Riva, ready to take guests to Villa Plianina, a 16th-century palace, or take a pleasant walk around the fantastic lake.

Passalacqua

Passalacqua occupies a neoclassical villa dating back to 1787 and is the second favorite place for the De Santis family (after the famous Grand Hotel Tremezzo). The pale amber estate is surrounded by roses, jasmine, mimosas, magnolias, which fill the air with pleasant aromas, and olive groves - all near the sparkling waters of the lake.

The recently renovated hotel has 24 suites. The suites and villas available for booking include baroque details, such as carvings on the ceiling or original frescoes. You'll also find Bordoni leather ottomans and Barbini mirrored wardrobes, and amazing Como silk inside the rooms.

Among the amenities of this magnificent hotel on Lake Como is a small but very cozy spa with hand-painted wallpaper and high-quality products by Dr. Barbara Sturm. A simple Lombard lunch is served on the brightly colored terrace. Here you will also find a 200-year-old greenhouse and luxurious printed umbrellas as a bold response to the classic interior of the historic villa.

MUSA Lago di Como

The modern snow-white villa rises above the well-groomed western coast of Como, and its windows offer consistently beautiful views of the vast expanse of water, sparkling in the sun with millions of crystals. Guests arrive at the MUSA Lago Di Como by boat from a private marina or by taking a half-hour drive from the town of the same name.

The hotel's interiors are sophisticated, decorated with monochrome and neutral furniture. The bedrooms are classic and elegant, with white linen bedding, marble bathrooms, cozy seating areas, modern artwork, and, of course, balconies with panoramic lake views.

Particular attention is paid to food, and for good reason, because the restaurants are run by famous Italian chefs - Matteol Coridori and Robert Moretti. Be sure to visit the glass-fronted restaurant filled with light, or order lunch on the outdoor terrace. Amenities include a spa center that sets the mood for ultimate relaxation. There is also a lakeside pool where guests can enjoy creative cocktails at the makeshift boat bar.

Mandarin Oriental

Formerly the property of Italian opera singer Giuditta Pasta, since 2018 this estate has been transformed into one of the best hotels in Lake Como. The Mandarin Oriental offers 75 luxurious rooms, with Milanese designer Eric Egan meticulously working on filling and rethinking their heavy interiors (as well as on the gardens and pool). In addition, the hotel has been complemented by a lounge serving afternoon tea and a basement spa. There are also several excellent dining options on site, all under the watchful eye of Italian chef Massimiliano Blasone. The Mandarin Oriental offers a large number of amenities that will make your vacation a new experience:

• a fitness center, which offers a number of open-air classes (yoga, ta chi, etc.)
• thermal zone;
• spa treatments, including the two-day Harmony & Inner Balance package;
• a swimming pool that does not require a reservation, and much more.

This resort was the first Mandarin Oriental property on Lake Como and in Europe, and the brand has managed to fit into the hospitality scene and acquire numerous regular guests.

Villa Lario

In search of maximum privacy and seclusion, look no further than this nice hotel on Lake Como, which is accessed by only one road, making the place look like a separate kingdom. Villa Lario has 18 suites to offer, each with fantastic views.

The hotel occupies part of a 19th-century estate that used to belong to the famous Lombardi family, so it boasts something that none of the other establishments nearby can claim: a secluded pontoon is available for guests to dive directly into the waters of Como. After swimming and outdoor activities, you're sure to be hungry, so it's worth trying the freshly caught and perfectly cooked fish, complemented by vegetables picked from the on-site garden.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

It would be a crime not to include the Grand Hotel Tremezzo in the list of the top 10 best hotels in Lake Como, Italy, which retains an iconic family atmosphere that big business players can only dream of. The decadent-style establishment has been in the same hands since its opening in 1910, exuding Grand Tour charm.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo is located a little away from the lake itself, offering beautiful views of Ballagio. Once inside, you get the impression of staying in the famous Grand Budapest Hotel. This feeling is reinforced as soon as guests enter the luxurious lobby with a sweeping red carpeted staircase. The rooms offer spacious marble baths and large antique mirrors in gilded frames. The entire territory of the complex is abundantly covered with flowers, and a large number of amenities are available for guests, including

• an outdoor swimming pool surrounded by trees and fragrant flowers;
• a full-service spa center with Santa Maria Novella products;
• bars and restaurants (you should definitely order the signature risotto with gold leaf).

The hotel also owns a vintage wooden boat for lake excursions. However, the main highlight is a floating platform on the lake with chic lounge chairs and white and deep orange umbrellas that create the feeling of being in a movie, not in reality.

Villa d'Este

It was this place that became a refuge for Elizabeth Taylor, who hid here at the beginning of her affair with Richard Burton. As the famous director Mike Nichols used to say, while the actress was wearing a huge wide-brimmed hat, no one looked at her. Later, Villa d'Este attracted other international stars, from Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga and George Clooney. In 2010, it even hosted the grand wedding of Emily Blunt and John Krasinski.

The history of this hotel on Lake Como in Italy dates back to 1658 as a summer residence built for a wealthy cardinal, a great art lover. The complex includes 25-acre ornamental gardens surrounded by crystal-clear water and a 17th-century grotto. It is not surprising that most guests prefer to have breakfast in the open air, when you can watch the boats cut through the perfect surface of the water, and the sun begins its journey, stopping at a promontory covered with colorful flowers. A perfect start to the day, especially considering the accompaniment of Sicilian cannoli and perfect aromatic coffee. There are several dining options on site, and an experienced and friendly concierge team is ready to make your stay here truly unforgettable.

You can stay in one of the 152 rooms, each individually decorated with silk curtains, antique furniture and original oil paintings.

Villa Flori

Villa Flori is a magnificent hotel set in a 19th century estate in Como, showcasing old-world elegance and chic. The property originally belonged to the daughter of the Marquis Raimondi and her husband, General Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was involved in the unification of the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. The story of this couple, unfortunately, was not a happy one in reality, but the magnificent villa has been preserved to this day.

You can stay in one of the 53 rooms decorated in the nouveau-classic style, which offer beautiful views (some of the apartments have private balconies). One of the best hotels in Lake Como has preserved many original details, such as floral frescoes, stucco moldings, antique porters, or mosaic floors. The on-site garden features lush vegetation and marble statues hidden among green landscapes. Both indoors and out, you will definitely find cozy corners where you can relax, read a book, drink coffee, or just watch the romantic panoramic views.

Other not-to-be-missed amenities include a Turkish bath and sauna in the top-floor spa, and customized bike tours. To start the day as well as possible, we recommend that you first enjoy breakfast, which is served on the outdoor veranda of Sala da Musica, so you can enjoy both delicious food and beautiful views at the same time.

Palace Hotel

This stylish Lake Como hotel harmoniously combines the charm of the surrounding landscapes with modern decor and discreet luxury. The Palace Hotel is most often chosen by couples who want to spend their vacation in an intimate setting without sacrificing a convenient location in one of the most romantic places in the world. The hotel is just a few steps from the train station, offering convenient access to Milan in about an hour.

Each of the rooms has a distinctive, sophisticated style; many of the rooms feature patterned parquet floors, beds with high, upholstered headboards, sconces and lamps that add to the coziness and romance. Despite the fact that the hotel occupies an Art Nouveau palace, the apartments combine both modern and traditional elements. Another advantage is the extraordinary panoramic views of the lake and mountains from the windows.

Palace Hotel attracts not only travelers who want to spend a few days in Como, but also gourmets thanks to the famous Antica Darsena restaurant. Here you can order a tasting menu accompanied by local Italian wines of the highest quality. In summer, we recommend choosing a table on the outdoor terrace to increase the degree of romance.

Grand Hotel Menaggio

Located just a ten-minute walk from the beautiful Menaggio beach, one of the best hotels in Lake Como is the perfect place for a family vacation at an affordable price. The Grand Hotel Menaggio will be the starting point for all travelers who want to explore Northern Italy with all its advantages - fine restaurants, great wineries, nature trails and landscapes of incredible beauty. In addition, the four-star hotel welcomes guests with pets, so you won't have to leave your pet at home.

Grand Hotel Menaggio has almost one hundred rooms, including lakeside suites. Key amenities available to guests include:

• fitness center;
• outdoor swimming pool;
• two restaurants, bar, lounge;
• 18-hole golf course.

If you want to go for a walk outside the grounds, we recommend heading to the beautiful gardens of Villa Carlota and visiting the historic church of San Martino.

Relais Villa Vittoria

For those looking for peace and solitude in an intimate setting, the Relais Villa Vittoria is a great option for a stay. This hotel is located on the picturesque western shore of Lake Como, so it boasts amazing views. The small but cozy boutique hotel consists of only 12 rooms, including two suites. The apartments are elegantly decorated, with classic elements in the interior, such as marble fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and four-poster beds. To enjoy all the benefits of an Italian vacation, it is worth booking a room with a lake view (rooms with a private balcony are especially popular).

A variety of amenities are available for guests, such as a jacuzzi and massage treatments in the wellness center, an infinity pool. The hotel staff will be happy to help organize a short or long boat excursion to see historic villas and other beautiful sites from the water. Finish the day with a romantic candlelit dinner on the terrace at the excellent La Barrique restaurant, be sure to order prosecco.