All products and services featured are independently selected by Forbes Vetted contributors and editors. When you make a purchase through links on this page, we may earn a commission. Learn more Astrid Taran, Forbes Staff Forbes Vetted Generations of Italians have vacationed in Lake Como, home to a bevy of charming towns that overlook a sapphire blue sea. These days, however, the whole world flocks to its shores. The best hotels in Lake Como provide front row seats to take in its beauty in person, with tasteful design, thoughtful amenities and jaw-dropping views. To help choose the best accommodations, I spoke to Mary McCormack, an Italy specialist at Audley Travel. My top overall pick is the world-famous Grand Hotel Tremezzo, the first hotel ever built on Lake Como. An unrivaled private villa experience can be found at Hotel Villa Flori, while Grand Hotel Menaggio is ideal for families. Below, the best hotels in Lake Como in 2025. Editor’s Picks: Best Hotel In Lake Como Overall: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Best High-End Hotel In Lake Como: Passalacqua Best Boutique Hotel In Lake Como: Il Sereno Best Hotel For Couples In Lake Como: Palace Hotel Best Hotel For Families In Lake Como: Grand Hotel Menaggio Best Castle Hotel In Lake Como: Villa D’Este Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Lake Como: Mandarin Oriental, Lago Di Como Best Hotel In Lake Como Overall: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Interiors of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Grand Hotel Tremezzo Grand Hotel Tremezzo Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking picture-perfect views with a side of history All-Star Amenities: Private boat marina and excursions on vintage vessels; products made by local artisans specifically for the hotel; painting classes with a local artist; photography outings with a professional guide photographer What Not To Miss: The handsome, intimate hotel bar is often filled with live music and classic cocktails that do not disappoint Location: Tremezzo Celebrated for its attentive, personable service and lavish Italian breakfast spreads, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is more than just a celebrity hot spot (George and Amal Clooney are often seen dining here)—it’s also a slice of Lake Como’s history. The first hotel ever built on the lake, guests who check in here can appreciate beautifully preserved architecture and take in some of the area’s most incredible views. “Guests will enjoy the lush gardens and unparalleled views of the lake,” says McCormack, who lists it as one of her top recommendations. The property has five distinct restaurants, including the unforgettable La Terrazza, as well as three gorgeous pools, one of which is submerged directly into the lake. At the T Spa, a sauna with a picture window looking out to the lake is a highlight, as is a private infinity pool underneath a private loggia. Coupons By Forbes VettedThe Best Booking.com Promo Codes | Online Promo Codes, Offers & Discounts Best High-End Hotel In Lake Como: Passalacqua Views of Lake Como from Passalacqua. Passalacqua Passalacqua Who Will Love It: Travelers seeking a bygone era of luxury and refinement All-Star Amenities: Pasta-making class; gelato-making class; cinema under the stars during the summer months; boat tours on private vintage houseboats named Didi and Giumello; Dyson Airwraps for guest use What Not To Miss: The hotel’s al fresco gym, which makes workouts that much more pleasant Location: Moltrasio As close as you can get to a real-life painting, the historic Passalacqua hotel features exquisite gardens that cascade down five acres of terraces to Lake Como’s shores. Originally constructed in 1767 by Count Andrea Lucini-Passalacqua, every element has been painstakingly restored, with Italian tradition mixed with contemporary accents. The guest rooms are individual in décor, categorized by different moods, and contain a variety of views spread out across three historic buildings (the original villa, stables and the Casa al Lago) that are as distinct as they are alluring. The 24 total rooms exquisitely integrate color that’s either muted or moody and include floral and ornately gilded headboards and antique furniture. The property’s gardens are also a highlight, featuring azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, ancient trees, an olive grove and peaceful water fountains scattered throughout. Best Boutique Hotel In Lake Como: Il Sereno Views from a guest room at Il Sereno in Lake Como, Italy. Who Will Love It: Design mavens who crave ultra-modern luxury All-Star Amenities: Picnic prep by a Michelin-starred chef; Maserati airport pick up; cruising Lake Como via custom-made wooden Ernesto Riva boats What Not To Miss: Spa treatments overlooking the lake; daring takes on Italian cuisine at the hotel’s Il Sereno al Lago Location: Torno When it opened in 2016, Il Sereno managed to redefine modern luxury in a destination more accustomed to faux-Renaissance villas and neoclassical resorts. Today, the property is considered one of the world’s foremost boutique hotels, with sublime amenities that begin with its full-service spa (built in a former boathouse), private beach and dock, and 60-foot freshwater infinity pool suspended over Lake Como. All 40 of the property’s suites—and its giant penthouse—face the lake and mountains, each with private furnished terraces and custom-designed furnishings by Spanish designer and architect Patricia Urquiola. Urquiola designed Il Sereno to complement and celebrate Lake Como’s natural surroundings; she also curated the interiors for the Vaporina del Lago Riva boat, Il Sereno’s own “water limousine” that is one of three hotel vessels custom-built by Italian boat builder Ernesto Riva. Best Hotel For Couples In Lake Como: Palace Hotel Exterior of the Palace Hotel Lake Como. Courtesy of Palace Hotel Lake Como Palace Hotel Who Will Love It: Couples looking for good value in an intimate setting with a convenient location All-Star Amenities: Excellent buffet breakfast spread, handsome gym What Not To Miss: The adorable and romantic garden bar, where well-equipped bartenders can create surprise cocktails for guests. Location: Como This stylish hotel blends the charms of Lake Como with contemporary décor and little luxuries ideal for canoodling couples. It’s also a great pick for travelers who might continue to other parts of Italy: The hotel is mere steps from Lake Como’s train station, which can take you to Milan in just about an hour. With an intimate sense of privacy and tranquility, the hotel offers couples unforgettable panoramic views of the lake and mountains. Many rooms have elegant lamps and sconces, patterned hardwood floors and high, tufted headboards. The property can also be visited and admired by guests and non-guests alike for its celebrated restaurant, Antica Darsena, which serves crowd-pleasers like risotto and veal cutlet and a well-priced tasting menu. Best Hotel For Families In Lake Como: Grand Hotel Menaggio Views at the Grand Hotel Menaggio. Courtesy of Grand Hotel Menaggio Grand Hotel Menaggio Who Will Love It: Families and on-the-go travelers seeking a beautiful launching point for exploring Northern Italy All-Star Amenities: Outdoor pool; fitness center; golf courses What Not To Miss: Half-day excursions and boat trips along the juncture of two wings of Lake Como Location: Menaggio Only a 10-minute walk from gorgeous Menaggio Beach on Lake Como, the Grand Hotel Menaggio is a family-friendly slice of luxury at a reasonable price. For those looking to dig into all that the Northern Italian countryside has to offer—including delectable wineries, fine dining and nature trails packed with stunning views—this 4-star hotel is an exceptional place to start. Pets are also welcome here, making this an ideal spot for four-legged friends to join. And Wi-Fi, housekeeping and parking are all offered free of charge. The hotel’s 94 standard and lakeside rooms come with access to an outdoor pool, a bar and lounge, a fitness center, two in-house restaurants, and 18 holes of golf. Guests are invited to start their adventure through the region with a three-minute drive to the historic San Martino Church and a six-minute drive to the Villa Carlotta Gardens. Hotel With The Best Views In Lake Como: Relais Villa Vittoria Lake Como Terrace at the Relais Villa Vittoria in Lake Como, Italy. Relais Villa Vittoria Relais Villa Vittoria Lake Como Who Will Love It: Intimate travel mates seeking serenity All-Star Amenities: Jacuzzi and massage treatments in the hotel’s Wellness Corner; short or long boat tours to view lovely Lake Como towns and villas What Not To Miss: Kayaking direct from the hotel; lake-view suite balcony lounging; Aperol spritzes under the gazebo Location: Laglio From its scenic perch on the western shore of Lake Como, the Relais Villa Vittoria serves as the ultimate intimate hotel with a view. The tranquil setting suits the small boutique property of just 12 elegant rooms—two of them suites—with classic touches like crystal chandeliers, marble fireplaces and canopy beds. But it’s all about the view here, and guests should be sure to book lakeview accommodations—even if it’s only partial, and especially if a balcony room is available—to take in the splendor of mountain and lake vistas. Soak up more of the scene by sipping prosecco on the infinity pool deck or in the gardens, or dining by candlelight at the hotel’s La Barrique terrace restaurant. Best Castle Hotel In Lake Como: Villa D’Este Exteriors of Villa d'Este in Lake Como, Italy. Villa d'Este Villa D’Este Who Will Love It: Travelers searching for a truly regal experience All-Star Amenities: Self-drive Vespa outings; Riccardo Piatti masterclass tennis clinics; guest-only orchestral concerts What Not To Miss: Wine-centric curated dining at on-site Platano restaurant; a Ferrari or Lamborghini driving lesson Location: Cernobbio Considered one of Italy’s iconic properties, Villa d’Este has served as an elite residence for luminaries as far back as the 16th-century cardinal for whom it was built, followed by a count, a marquis, a Napoleonic general, a baron and even a Princess of Wales. In modern times, Villa d’Este has drawn stars from Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to Lady Gaga and George Clooney; in 2010, actors Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were married here. The property’s location on the edge of Lake Como is perhaps this property’s greatest legacy, along with its 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped gardens. Inside, each of its 152 rooms is uniquely decorated with silk brocade drapes, period furniture and original oil paintings. Best Spa And Wellness Hotel In Lake Como: Mandarin Oriental, Lago Di Como Luxury spa pool at the Mandarin Oriental, Lago Di Como. Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Mandarin Oriental, Lago Di Como Who Will Love It: Business professionals looking to catch a luxurious breather All-Star Amenities: Intelligent Movement spa treatments; outdoor yoga and tai chi classes; aperitivo and after-dinner drinks at CO.MO Bar & Bistrot What Not To Miss: Dinner at Japanese-fusion restaurant Laria Location: Lombardy Housed in a restored Neoclassical estate dating back to the 18th century, the Mandarin Oriental on Lake Como is a must-visit for guests seeking a rejuvenating retreat in the valleys of the Alpine foothills. Fitness activities and spa treatments are designed to help guests reach their fullest potential, even while enjoying a world-class vacation. Spa accommodations include the Inner Balance Chakra Treatment, the Harmony & Inner Balance Two-Day Retreat and a number of outdoor wellness activities that take advantage of the area’s surrounding nature. The resort also offers a fitness center, thermal area and floating pool for relaxation without a reservation. Bedding and spa products are available for purchase so guests may bring their treatment home. Best Private Villa Hotel In Lake Como: Hotel Villa Flori Exteriors of the Hotel Villa Flori. Courtesy of Hotel Villa Flori Hotel Villa Flori Who Will Love It: Lovers of old-world elegance All-Star Amenities: Customized bike tours and racing bike rentals; locally made in-room silk items and indoor fragrances; lakeside breakfasts on the Sala da Musica’s veranda What Not To Miss: Moonlit evenings and local/seasonal dining at Ristorante Raimondi; sauna or Turkish bath retreats in the top-floor spa Location: Como Princely accommodations are the theme of Como’s breathtaking 19th-century Villa Flori. The property began as a wedding gift from Marquis Raimondi to his daughter and her groom, Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who helped unify the Kingdom of Italy in 1861. The real-life story didn’t wind up rosy, but the gorgeous villa that played a central role endures. Today, guests can choose from 53 nouveau-classic rooms with grand views, some of which boast private balconies. Many original details remain, like the villa’s lovely stucco work, floral frescoes, mosaic floors and antique portraits. Outside in the private garden, guests can gaze upon marble statues and lush landscaping. Both inside and outdoors, you’ll find cozy spots to sit back and enjoy one of Europe’s most romantic panoramas. Why Trust Forbes Vetted The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of hotel guides featuring cities across the globe. This story was written by Forbes Vetted’s senior travel editor, Astrid Taran, an 8-year industry veteran who has visited over 40 countries. She has published multiple Italy hotel guides for Forbes Vetted, including the Best Hotels In Rome. This story was edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the travel, beauty and fashion verticals at Forbes Vetted. She has traveled extensively through Europe, with several visits to Italy including Lake Como. For this story, Taran spoke to Mary McCormack, an Italy specialist at Audley Travel, who shared tips on the best areas to stay in Lake Como as well as her own personal hotel recommendations. How We Chose The Best Hotels In Lake Como We selected the top contenders based on personal stays as well as extensive research. For this story, Taran spent hours combing through reviews on TripAdvisor, Booking.com, hotel websites and more. We included options for a wide variety of travel styles, including family-friendly properties and more intimate, adult-oriented boutiques. We also included properties across a wide variety of different areas and price ranges. 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