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Best hotels in Lake Como for 2025
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 glossy recent arrivals, this is our edit of the best hotels in Lake Como, all reviewed by an expert on the Condé Nast Traveller team. For a private stay, see our pick of the best villas in Lake Como.
What airport do you fly into for Lake Como?
The closest airport to Lake Como is Milan Malpensa, which is located about an hour and a half drive away, or one to two hours by train depending, on the service. Other alternative airports include Milan Linate and Lugano in Switzerland.
Can you swim in Lake Como?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Como, but it’s advised to only swim in the designated areas. It’s also important to be mindful of the temperature too – the chilly undercurrents render it one of Italy’s coldest lakes, even on the most scorching days. If you’re sweltering, enter the water slowly to avoid thermal shock from a rapid immersion. Water shoes are advised to avoid slipping on the rocks when standing in shallow water and onshore. For tips on where to swim, see our guide to the best beaches on Lake Como.
Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.
