Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, shaped like an inverted "Y" located between Milan and the Southern border of Switzerland and the Alps. This exclusive destination has become a residence for Hollywood movie stars such as George Clooney and Sylvester Stallone.
There is a wide range of accommodation in the area of Lake Como from luxury five-star Art Nouveau villas to budget hotels with the majority found by the stunning lakeside or rolling mountains. Some hotels even have their own private beach or golf course and most come with their own outdoor swimming pool. Lake Como is also not too far from the main airports in Milan which are Linate and Malpensa, located just over an hour away.
Budget
There's plenty of low cost accommodation in Lake Como dotted around the mountains or by the lakeside.
Hotel Il Nibbio is a small and charming hotel located on the slopes of the mountains just ten minutes away from the resort of Bellagio. This is the perfect place for lovers of hiking and cyclists, plus there is an authentic restaurant on site which offers traditional Italian cuisine. However, if you would rather stay in the town of Menaggio you can stay at Albergo II Vapore, which offers a lake-fish restaurant and a Mediterranean terrace.
In the commune of Veleso you will find Hotel Bellavista, which is around a ten minute drive from Lake Como. If you book early you may be lucky enough to get a room with a balcony and hot tub. Whilst near the northern tip of the lake is the two-star Hotel Europa, which offers panoramic views over the mountains and lake. If you would like to stay in a family run hotel try Hotel du Lac situated in the small village of Gargnano by the lakeside.
Self-catering
There are a few self catering possibilities in Lake Como depending on your price range and preferred location but there's also the option to rent out an apartment for the duration of your stay.
Located in Vercana is Il Giardino Di Lory, these modern apartments have balconies and apartments which overlook the lake and rolling mountains. There is also a tempting outdoor pool on the site which is worth a try. Or there's Appartamenti Villa Annamaria which come fully equipped with a kitchenette and separate living area.
Villa Vinicia is a 17th century villa, but don't be fooled by the outside as on the inside there are modern and stylish self-catering apartments which come with an outdoor pool. Or if you want somewhere with plenty of facilities stay at Residence Domaso which features two swimming pools, a gym, a hot tub and table football. Whilst in the quieter part of town is Borgo del Belanasc which offers individually decorated rooms, an outdoor pool and sun terrace.
All inclusive
Strangely there's only one all inclusive hotel in the whole of Lake Como and that's the three-star Grand Hotel Britannia Excelsior, located in the historic village of Cadenabbia. In early 2013 the hotel unveiled its new floating pool, but if that isn't enough to take your fancy there's also a traditional Italian style restaurant and large sun terrace. By staying at this hotel you can sit back and relax knowing everything is paid for.
Top end
Lake Como has no shortage of luxury five-star hotels along its shores. Many of which are beautiful old villas owned by aristocracies in the past which have now been updated with lakeside pools and tennis courts.
Stay in the charming 16th century Villa d'Este located in Cernobbio on the shores of Lake Como. Here you will find six tennis clay courts, a putting green and even an 18-hole golf course. Just along the river you will find Grand Hotel Tremezzo at the backdrop of the Grigne Mountains. This luxury five-star hotel is one of the oldest in Lake Como but with modern facilities such as a T-Spa and infinity pool.
If you fancy a romantic weekend in your own private villa look no further than the Casta Diva Resort. The rooms here all have their own unique design offering each guest a different experience. There is also a floating pool on the lake and a heated Jacuzzi area.
Head to the end of Bellagio to stay at Grand Hotel Villa Serballoni. This magnificent hotel has stayed in the same family for three generations, perhaps because of its stunning views over the Alps and Lake Como. The Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & Spa is a 1920's Art Nouveau grand villa set on the shores of Moltrasio, complete with a wellness centre, outdoor pool and fine dining restaurant.
With a spa
Lake Como has a variety of spa hotels from luxury five-star grand villas to more affordable accommodation.
For the ultimate spa experience stay at the four-star Grand Hotel Imperiale Resort & Spa situated in the small region of Moltrasio. Enjoy a hydro massage in the indoor pool or relax in the authentic Turkish bath. At the five-star Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni you can take part in Pilate sessions at the fitness centre or enjoy a regenerative massage.
There's a wide range of spa treatments at Grand Hotel Tremezzo including facial and body massages or take a dip in the outdoor floating pool on the lake. Another five-star hotel is Villa d'Este which features an award winning spa and accredited golf course.
A bit less expensive is the three-star Hotel Belvedere which offers stunning panoramic views over Lake Como. There's also a private garden and outdoor pool joined with a hot tub. Or if that's not enough, you can also choose from a Turkish bath, therapeutic showers and sauna.
Family friendly
Lake Como may not be known as a top family destination but there are still quite a lot of hotels which offer facilities for young children.
For a less expensive option stay at the three-star Hotel La Perla, this tranquil villa has an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the breathtaking mountains and lake, complete with a poolside garden. You're kids will never get bored at Hotel Villa Aurora which has its own floating trampoline and water sports such as wakeboarding, waterskiing and banana boats supplied by JCR Wakeboard.
If you're in search of a family run hotel stay at Hotel Europa found in Sorico. Enjoy delicious homemade fresh pasta or try some of the local fish. Or if you would rather stay in a five-star hotel the Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers atmospheric outdoor swimming pools and five types of Jacuzzi for adults.
Hotel La Darsena is located on the Western side of Lake Como in Tremezzina. A lot of the tourist attractions are situated in this town such as Villa Carlotta and the Menaggio Golf Club is not far away. Whilst on the pricier end is the five-star Villa d'Este which offers eight tennis courts, sailing, windsurfing and a squash court.
Romantic retreats
Lake Como is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway with your partner or a luxurious honeymoon. Most of these hotels tend to be at the higher end but there are still some cheaper options.
If you are looking for a memorable holiday with your partner, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is ideal. This early 20th century hotel offers beautiful views over Lake Como and Bellagio complete with a wellness centre and three swimming pools. However, if you want a less expensive option the three-star Hotel Meridiana is located near the Swiss border, surrounded by Cyprus trees and Weeping Willows with a secluded beach.
Hotel Florence is located in the heart of Bellagio on the lakeshore. If you are lucky you can get a room with an open terrace overlooking the beautiful lake. Also in the same town is Hotel du Lac which offers an atmospheric rooftop garden and terrace restaurant, perfect for a romantic meal.
If you would rather live a life of luxury whilst on holiday stay at the impressive five-star Villa d'Este. This magical hotel is surrounded by a 25 acre park full of exotic plants and Roman sculptures. Or if you are more on a budget stay at Hotel La Darsena situated on the Western shore of Lake Como and enjoy a romantic dinner on the open terrace whilst watching the sunset. In the middle of botanic gardens is the three-star Hotel Villa Cipressi which offers a gourmet restaurant in a classical decor.
B&Bs
If you would rather live the simple life there's a good choice of B&Bs in Lake Como.
The recently renovated B&B Convento Sant Antonio situated in the city of Como offers spacious and luxurious rooms with whirlpools and white marble bathrooms. Or you could stay at the cosy B&B La Felice, surrounded by pine forests and chestnut trees, which has access to its very own private beach.
If you want a more central location Villa Torretta is just a couple minutes walk from Varenna town centre. Most rooms here have a private balcony overlooking the lake and you are not far from the main pier. Whilst located in the small village of San Giovanni is Locanda della Maria which overlooks the stunning lake from the church square. You can also catch a ferry not far from here which will take you to the popular resort of Bellagio. Or there's B&B Motorando which offers colourful rooms and breakfast served on the outdoor terrace.