Top 10: the best luxury Lake Como hotels
An expert guide to the best luxury hotels in Lake Como, including the top places to stay for floating swimming pools, sumptuous spas, fine dining, rooms with lake views, tennis courts and private jetties, near Villa Carlotta, Villa del Balbianello, Como Cathedral and Villa Monastero.
Leading designer Patricia Urquiola is the mastermind behind this elegant yet relaxed hotel. Interiors are made of local wood, stone and fibres, while floor-to-ceiling windows draw one’s attention to the beautiful panorama outside. One of the outstanding features is a vertical garden with almost 2,000 different plants that was inspired by the colours and movement of the water. At the centre of the main garden is an infinity pool with gazebos and sun loungers, and a small sandy beach can be found down by the lake shore. Guests can rent the hotel’s two all-wood Riva motorboats, with or without a driver, while the Vaporina del Lago water limousine shuttles guests around the lake.
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An exclusive all-suite property in a private and secluded location, perched on a cliffside overlooking the lake. Vivid white tones and monochromatic colours give the sophisticated interiors a clean look. With only six suites, guests feel as if they have most of the place to themselves. There’s an attractive terraced garden shaded by cedar trees with an infinity pool looking out over the lake. The villa has lake access and a private jetty, and boat hire and water taxis can be organised. Some rooms have small terraces with sun loungers.
• Top 10: the best Lake Como hotels
A stylish five-star property with Art Nouveau interiors a stone’s throw away from Villa Carlotta. The hotel is decorated in the Art Nouveau style with lavishly appointed fabrics, period furniture and antique paintings and prints.The hotel has a stylish floating pool on the lake. There’s a more secluded swimming pool at the back of the building, surrounded by private gardens. There’s also a floodlit clay tennis court, a fitness area and a panoramic path that winds up the hill. The spa features a heated indoor infinity pool with five hydro-massage areas and an attached outdoor whirlpool tub.
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This family-run hotel is set on a hillside among gorgeous tiered grounds shaded by olive trees, commanding wonderful views of the Lecco arm of the lake. The hotel prides itself on its excellent service. Friendly, professional staff have plenty of suggestions on the local area. Beautiful terraced gardens lead down to the lakefront, and there’s an inviting swimming pool with lovely views. Added little touches are what really make this place special, such as the wicker baskets with books placed by the poolside. The spa has a sauna, steam room and multisensory showers, and there’s a gym and open-air hot tub too.
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One of the great hotels of Italy: it was originally built as a summer palace in the 16th century, and later owned by Princess Caroline, estranged wife of the future George IV. There are wide hallways and a sweeping staircase, important sculptures, show-stopping flower arrangements and a huge terrace that extends along the lake, with a floating swimming pool below. Bedrooms are traditionally furnished with antiques, paintings, vintage prints, silks, brocades and marble bathrooms. The hotel’s bar, where live music is played most evenings, is a great gathering place. Buffet breakfasts are superb.
The hotel has a lakefront location in the small town of Blevio, a 10-minute drive north of Como town. It was once the home of 19th-century opera singer Giuditta Pasta, whose portrait hangs in the lakefront salon. Staff are friendly and welcoming. The floating swimming pool and spa are undoubtedly the most outstanding features of the hotel. There’s a free shuttle service to Como. The spa is designed to resemble the hull of an old steamboat - facilities include a relaxation pool with side jets, 'emotional' showers with chromotherapy, sauna, two steam rooms, ice cascade and salt room.
The Royal Victoria gives onto Varenna’s main square and is the only hotel in town with a swimming pool. This is one of the very few hotels possible to reach by car (most of the city centre, with steep narrow cobbled streets, is pedestrianised). What is particularly attractive is the outdoor area with swimming pool and bar looking out towards the lake. The pretty garden and patio area dripping with wisteria is one of the main draws. The hotel has a private jetty, making it convenient for guests wanting to reach the hotel by boat. There’s also a small public beach by the hotel.
This opulent villa is one of the lake’s grandest hotels, nestled among lush gardens with camellias and magnolias, in an enviable location on Bellagio’s waterfront. Interiors feature stucco work and intricate frescoed ceilings, while rooms have classic-style furnishings. Loads of facilities here too: a pavilion in the park houses a gym, a sauna, a steam room, and a squash court. There’s a spa, tennis court and two swimming pools (one outdoors, one indoors) and there’s a private stretch of beach. The hotel has its own private dock. A trampoline and diving platform on the lake complete the package.
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Most of the hotels that ring Lake Como are traditional albergo, whether grand or simple, plus a few privately owned bed and breakfast establishments. Villa Vittoria is an exception: with the feel of a lakeside villa, it’s more intimate, more boutique and more fashionable than most of the other choices. It is a fully-fledged hotel in miniature, with everything you could want, including a (small but attractive) infinity swimming pool overlooking the lake and (small but attractive) spa, atmospheric basement enoteca and conservatory restaurant, plus canoes and bikes at guests’ disposal.
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This four-star hotel occupies a 19th-century villa in private parkland, and is all original frescoes, well-preserved stucco work, and period furniture. A private dock allows guests to access the hotel and Raimondi restaurant via the lake. Private boat tours can be organised. There’s a small fitness area with Technogym equipment on the top floor, along with a sauna and steam room. The elegant rooms have lacquered furniture and modern bathrooms with complimentary Culti toiletries; most have balconies with lake views.
