Lake Como’s days as a holiday retreat can be traced back to Roman times, and some of the best hotels in Lake Como are steeped in history. Pliny the Younger is said to have spent his summers unwinding lakeside – although it wasn’t until the 16th century that opulent villas began to spring up around the lake. Several were later converted into smart hotels to accommodate the increasing number of visitors who stopped off as part of their Grand Tour when European aristocracy would take extended trips throughout the continent to broaden their cultural horizons.
Lake Como has come a long way since. Of course, the grand dame hotels remain, arguably more glamorous now than ever, although a smattering of sleek contemporary openings over the last few years have firmly placed Lake Como on the map as a go-to destination for truly gorgeous, trendy stays – with jaw-dropping scenery (and plenty of people watching) to match. These are the best hotels in Lake Como to book for a slice of La Dolce Vita.
What area of Lake Como is the best to stay in? Lake Como is undoubtedly best visited by road, with many of the hotels on this list proving worthy stops on your itinerary, whether for a stay or for a long leisurely lunch. The top addresses tend to be gathered towards the south western end of the lake, near the town of Como itself. In terms of other towns to visit nearby , Bellagio in the middle and Varena on the eastern side, are beloved highlights.
From unassuming family-run stays to glos.
