Where to Stay in Lake Como – Best Places to Stay in Lake Como for Every Traveller & Budget!

Looking for the best places to stay in Lake Como? You’ve come to the right place!

In this article we have listed all the best towns and areas to stay in Lake Como, outlining what type of traveller each area is best suited for, accommodation suggestions for each and some local insider tips.

Lake Como is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and rightly so. With its amazing mountain and lake views, charming towns, stunning historical villas and relaxed vibe, there’s nothing else quite like it.

That said, Lake Como covers a surface of almost 150km squared, and you can find countless towns dotted on its shores and perched on its mountains.

Given how big and how much choice there is, choosing where to stay in Lake Como, can be tricky. Which is why I wrote this Lake Como accommodation guide, to help you find the best place for you!

So what are you waiting for, read on and discover the best place to stay in Lake Como for you!

Understanding where to stay in Lake Como 

Lake Como is an absolutely beautiful destination to explore, which features on pretty much every Italy bucket list and Italy itinerary.

Shaped like an upside down Y, Lake Como is pretty big and there are towns dotted all along it. Working out the best areas to stay in Lake Como for your trip will depend on a few different factors.

Firstly, you will want to consider who you’re traveling with. If you are on vacation as a couple, you’re probably searching for a different vibe compared to a group of friends, or those traveling as a family.

You will also want to consider the logistics of your trip. If you’re getting around Lake Como by car then you will have the flexibility to get away from the more touristy locations, and stay in local villages instead.

If you’re relying on public transport to get around the area then it’s better to stick to the main towns like Como and Bellagio. That way you can easily get around Lake Como with the ferry system.

You could stay in a smaller town off the beaten track, but moving around with the buses can be a nightmare, especially in high season.

READ MORE: THE ULTIMATE LAKE COMO 3-DAY ITINERARY

The time of year that you visit the lake will also have an effect on where you decide to stay during your trip.

If you visit Italy in summer, which is high season, you will find that the main spots on Lake Como are really busy and prices for accommodation will be at their highest.

It’s a good time to get out of the main hubs and discover lesser known towns of Lake Como.

If you visit Italy in winter, which is low season, it’s better to stick to the main tourist towns, since some of the hotels and restaurants in the smaller towns may be closed.

These are just some of the things that you need to take into account when choosing where to stay in lake Como, now let’s dive in and discover more about each town.

Best areas to stay in Lake Como at a glance 

Before diving into the details of each town, who it’s best suited for and accommodation suggestions, I wanted to give you a brief overview of what each area in Lake Como is like, and which travellers will enjoy it most.

Como – best for nightlife & budget travellers: This is the largest city on the lake and one of the best areas to stay in Lake Como for those who want a good choice of affordable accommodation. 

Bellagio – best for sightseeing & luxury: This is the best town to stay in Lake Como if you want to enjoy eating in high-end eateries and staying in 5-star hotels, as well as experiencing that iconic Lake Como holiday.

Varenna – best for beautiful lake views and relaxing vibe: Great for kicking back and enjoying the beautiful views of the lake, Varenna also has a wide selection of holiday homes on Lake Como. 

Menaggio – best for short stays: It’s best to stay here if you’re on a short break, so that you don’t waste precious holiday time traveling around. 

Como – best place to stay in Lake Como for nightlife & budget travellers

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Lake Como without a car, then you should definitely consider staying here.

Considered the gateway to the lake, many travellers begin and end their Italy itinerary in Como, as it is connected to the rest of the country by a high-speed railway line.

Numerous long-distance buses, tour groups and day trips to Lake Como from Milan also begin and end in Como.

But, there’s more to the city than merely being a jumping off point to the lake. With a buzzing atmosphere, the city is the heart of the area. 

Head to the city’s main square to enjoy sights and sounds of the city. Here you’ll find Saint Mary Assunta Cathedral which incredibly took 400 years to build.

Then there’s the Como-Brunate funicular which takes visitors up to the town of Brunate with ease. From here you can see epic views over Como, the lake and the Italian Alps in the distance.

From Como you can easily hop on one of the ferries, which leave regularly throughout the day, and go on an adventure to different towns and villages around the lake something, without even have to do much planning. 

Here are some suggestions for places to stay in Como for every budget.

Budget: Spazio 77 – By House Of Travellers – This budget-friendly option in Como provides a choice of self-catering apartments.

Guests can opt for different size properties to suit their travel style, each coming with a good sized kitchen, lounge area, and large bedrooms.

Location-wise, you will be staying in the center of Como with bars, restaurants, and public transport in easy walking distance. 

Click here to see prices and availability at Spazio 77 in Como!

Mid-range: The Kitchen Gallery – Opt for this apartment in Como and you will feel like you’ve found a home away from home.

With enough room to sleep up to 2 people, it’s the perfect choice for a couple or a solo traveler who wants to unwind during their trip. Amenities include a well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge, and a romantic balcony. 

Check out prices and availability at The Kitchen Gallery in Como here!

Luxury: Sweet Cannoli – Spend your time in Como in sophisticated luxury at this central Como apartment.

Located in the historic city centre, the property has been designed with the utmost style using a mixture of modern designer furnishes and traditional architectural details. 

Click here to book your stay at Sweet Cannoli in Como!

Bellagio – best town to stay in Lake Como for sightseeing & luxury

For many, Bellagio is the best town to stay in Lake Como. It’s one of the most famous locations on the lake and is well-known to be a luxury location.

This is the place to stay if you really want to splash out during your trip. Bellagio has a good choice of high-end accommodation options as well as fine-dining restaurants. 

But, it’s not all about the finer things in life. Bellagio’s location puts it within striking distance of multiple top sights around the lake. It’s so central that most sights can be reached easily from here.

The town’s location on the lake also means that it is drenched in glorious sunshine all afternoon. Bellagio’s sunsets are particularly special.

There’s nothing better than enjoying an Italian aperitivo alongside the water as the sun drops below the horizon. 

Discover some of the best places to stay in Bellagio for every budget!

Budget: Bellagio Holiday Home – Bellagio doesn’t have to break the bank! This vacation apartment is the ideal place to stay in Lake Como if you’re looking for a budget friendly option.

Located just three minutes walk from the beach (one of the most popular beaches near Milan!), the apartments come in varying sizes to suit different groups of travellers. 

Check out the prices and availability at Bellagio Holiday Home here!

Mid-range: Hotel Florence – Sit back and relax in style at this beautiful Bellagio hotel. Located steps from the shores of Lake Como, the ferry dock for transport around the lake is merely moments away.

The hotel boasts a chic restaurant and polished wellness centre, while rooms are designed in classic style and are spotlessly clean. 

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Florence in Bellagio!

Luxury – Fade into You: If you’re wondering how much a trip to Italy costs, expenses like this villa will increase your budget. But treating yourself at this high-end villa in Bellagio are well worth it!

Perched on a hill above the lake, the house is surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and comes complete with modern interiors and a private pool.

You’re not too far away from the action here however, as the restaurants and shops of Bellago are just a short stroll away. 

Don’t miss out, book your stay at Fade into You here!

Varenna – best area to stay in Lake Como for beautiful lake views and relaxing vibe

One of my favourite places to stay in Lake Como, Varenna is where you can see the two branches of the lake split into a Y shape. 

The views from Varenna are some of the best on offer in the area and there’s a much more laid back vibe than other towns. If you’re looking for where to stay in Lake Como for a less touristy atmosphere, then this is the place for you.

But you won’t be completely cut off from sights, the town is well connected with ferry services and there’s some great local eateries and bars to enjoy in the evening once day-trippers have left for the day. 

Varenna also has a lovely lakeside walks, called the Walk of Lovers, as well as being the starting point for the famous Sentiero del Viandante hiking trail.

Here are some awesome places to stay in Varenna for every budget.

Budget: Hotel Beretta – This budget-friendly accommodation in Varenna is conveniently located between the town’s main ferry terminal and the train station.

The hotel features a range of clean and contemporary rooms, some of which have balconies with views of the lake. Breakfast is also served up daily. 

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Beretta in Varenna!

Mid-range: Hotel Olivedo – Packed full of ambience and style, this hotel is located inside a historic 19th century building. Situated overlooking the lake, from here it’s just a 5 minute walk to the train station.

Rooms are cozy and traditional, some include balconies with views of the lake.

Check out prices and availability at Hotel Olivedo here!

Luxury: Hotel Royal Victoria – Providing a high-end place to stay in Varenna, this luxury hotel is situated in a charming 19th century building.

Featuring manicured gardens, a swimming pool, and a wellness center, and rooms boasting wide-sweeping lake views.

Click here to book your stay at Hotel Royal Victoria in Varenna!

Menaggio – best place to stay in Lake Como for short stays

Menaggio is where to stay in Lake Como Italy if you only have a few days to explore the area because it’s well connected to transport.

Located on the western shore of the lake, the ancient town is close to the famous Villa Carlotta. Menaggio is also a great place to stay for travelers who are interested in history, outdoors activities, and soaking up local culture. 

The town also has pretty beaches for relaxing on, some great hiking opportunities and an array of local eateries.

From the towns’ dock, ferries can easily whisk you to Bellagio and Varenna in less than 30 minutes. Accomodation is also a little cheaper here when compared to the nearby town of Bellagio 

Here are some of the coolest places to stay in Menaggio for every budget!

Budget: Hotel Adler – Run by a friendly team of staff, this budget-friendly hotel is located just a 15 minute walk from the shores of the lake.

The hotel’s large gardens are home to a heated swimming pool and boast views overlooking the lake. Guest rooms are classically designed with natural tones, and some come with their own private balconies. 

Click here to see prices and availability at Hotel Adler!

Mid-range: Vista Menaggio Centro – This two bedroom apartment in the centre of Menaggio has enough room to sleep up to five guests.

Providing the ideal base by the lake for a family or a group of friends, the apartment has a well-equipped kitchen making it easy to whip up meals. 

Click here to book your stay at Vista Menaggio Centro!

Luxury: Villa Senagra Holidays Lake Como – This chic and stylish option offers you the chance to stay in your very own villa in Lake Como.

Situated just a few moments walk from the beach, the villa comes complete with its own outdoor pool and hot tub.

There’s enough room to sleep up to 15 guests which is perfect for a family looking for a special place to stay. Villa Carlotta is only 4 km away from here. 

Check out prices and availability at Villa Senagra Holidays Lake Como here!

Where to stay in Lake Como with a car & Lake Como holiday homes outside the classic towns

For those of you who are going to explore the Lake Como area with a car, you don’t have to limit yourself to the main tourist towns.

You have the luxury of staying in more local areas which can often offer up a quieter, more picturesque side of the area.  

The best places to stay in Lake Como for those who want to get off the beaten track range from charming villages with small restaurants and local bars, all the way to old remote places with private pools.

There’s plenty of holiday homes on Lake Como that are scattered around the sides of the lake and tucked away up in the hills. I have listed below some of the best ones.

Essentia Guest House

I stayed at Essentia Guest House on my last Lake Como trip and I have to say I loved it. Featuring simply amazing views over Lake Como, this guest house has a stunning outdoors area.

There’s also a hot tub for when you want to really unwind. The location is in an adorable medieval town called Faggeto Lario with cobbled streets to explore.

Rooms come in a range of different sizes and the price per night makes it a really affordable place to stay in Lake Como.

Click here to see prices and availability at Essentia Guest House!

Gentle Waves

With enough room to sleep 6 guests across 2 bedrooms, Gentle Waves is where to stay in Lake Como Italy if you’re looking for a special place.

Situated right on the banks of the lake in the town of Lezzeno, this relaxing apartment features its own balcony and private beach. 

Click here to book your stay at Gentle Waves!

Vita Romantica

Situated between Como and Bellagio in the town of Nesso, this home boasts perfectly curated interiors which allow the views of the lake to take center stage.

Spend days here simply kicking back on the swing in front of the window. There’s room to sleep two guests making it a great place to stay in Lake Como for couples. 

Check out prices and availability at Vita Romantica!

Secret Window

Once a quarryman’s cottage, this house is packed full of history and charming design detail.

You can only access it by boat (imagine doing a Lake Como boat tour starting directly at your accommodation!) and there’s room for five people to sleep across three rooms, so get your family together for the best vacation ever!

Click here to book your stay at Secret Window in Lake Como!

Tower of Power

Tucked away in the village of Palanzo, in what is possibly the best part of Lake Como to stay for views, you will find the aptly named; Tower of Power.

From the home’s terrace six hundred meters above the banks of the lake, the panoramic views of the water and the mountains are sensational.

The property itself is part of an 18th century tower and comes with a long swimming pool and enough room to sleep up to ten guests. 

Check out prices and availability at Tower of Power here!

Final thoughts on the best towns to stay in Lake Como

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the best places to stay in Lake Como! Have you been to Lake Como before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Lake Como is one of the most beautiful destinations in Italy, and choosing where to stay in such a touristy place often comes with complications. How do you ensure you pick the best place to stay and not a tourist trap?

I was born and raised in Milan, just a short train away from Lake Como, so you can trust me when it comes to accommodation suggestions in Lake Como and Italy more generally.

If you’re planning a longer trip to Italy, check out also my guides on where to stay in Rome, Florence, Milan, Cinque Terre and Venice. 

I hope you will find this article useful, and that it will help you decide where to stay in Lake Como for your trip! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!

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