Lake Como — Traveler Guide
There's something transformative about waking up to water. These waterfront hotels in Lake Como offer front-row seats to the city's most beautiful waterscapes — from river promenades and harbour panoramas to lakeside serenity.
Quick Answer
There's something transformative about waking up to water. These waterfront hotels in Lake Como offer front-row seats to the city's most beautiful waterscapes — from river promenades and harbour panoramas to lakeside serenity.
6 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$, $$$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
Lake Como offers exceptional options for travellers seeking waterfront hotels, and we've curated the very best. Each property has been selected for its outstanding facilities, prime location, and the quality of experience it delivers. Leading our list, Hotel du Lac Varenna excels with its exceptional attention to detail and commitment to the waterfront experience. Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni offers a compelling alternative with its unique approach and distinctive character. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Lake Como or returning for another stay, these hotels represent the gold standard for waterfront accommodation in the city. Each has been independently evaluated for quality, location, and value.
Insider Tips
Book directly with the hotel for the best rate guarantee and potential upgrades.
Read recent guest reviews for the most up-to-date assessment of facilities.
Consider visiting during shoulder season for better rates and fewer crowds.
Ask the concierge for local recommendations — they know Lake Como better than any guidebook.
Our Picks
6 hotels · Updated February 2026
Varenna
A small, family-run hotel on the Varenna waterfront with a terrace restaurant hovering literally over the lake surface, offering some of the most coveted lunch tables on Como and rooms of unpretentious comfort at below-average prices for the quality.
Bellagio
Bellagio's defining five-star, occupying a 19th-century villa at the tip of the central peninsula with two pools, a full spa, and rooms whose terrace views across both arms of the lake towards the snow-capped Alps are among the most extraordinary in Europe.
Cernobbio
The most legendary hotel in Italy — a 16th-century cardinal's villa set in 25 acres of Baroque terraced gardens on the western shore, with a floating outdoor pool on the lake, 10 restaurants, and a spa in a former Turkish bath. Opened as a hotel in 1873 and has lost none of its imperial grandeur.
Torno
A boldly contemporary design hotel on the eastern Como arm designed by Patricia Urquiola, with glass-and-steel cantilevered over the water, minimal luxury interiors, and an infinity lap pool. The most architecturally significant hotel on the lake and an extraordinary contrast to the villa tradition.
Tremezzo
A stunning 1910 Liberty-style palace on the mid-lake western shore with three pools including a floating platform pool on the lake, a historic car collection in the garage, and rooms of romantic grandeur facing the Villa Carlotta gardens across the water. One of Europe's great classic hotel experiences.
Moltrasio
Named one of the world's best hotels, Passalacqua is an 18th-century villa on a private lakeside estate above Moltrasio — 24 rooms and a private beach, with Bellini's grand piano in the salon and a kitchen garden supplying a genuinely exceptional restaurant. The most intimate and perfect small luxury hotel on the lake.
Keep Exploring
Common Questions
Not all rooms in waterfront hotels face the water. Request a water-view room when booking, and consider upgrading if the standard room doesn't include it.
Waterfront hotels tend to be centrally located near major attractions, restaurants, and transport links, making them excellent bases for exploring.
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Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
View All Lake Como Hotels