Hotels in Como: Where to Stay on Lake Como
Updated 12 September 2026 · 393 real hotels
The historic city center of Como is the most convenient base, with easy access to ferry piers, restaurants, and the main sights. For a quieter, more scenic experience, Cernobbio just north of Como offers lakeside charm without the crowds. Budget travelers can find solid options in the suburban areas along the rail corridor.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Cruise ★★★★ | Montano Lucino | ★ 4.4 | 102 €/nuit |
| Starhotels Grand Milan ★★★★ | Como : à 21,1 km | ★ 4.5 | 107 €/nuit |
| ibis Como ★★★ | Grandate | ★ 4.2 | 120 €/nuit |
| Gaglian's suites Lake Como | Como | ★ 4.4 | 125 €/nuit |
| B&B HOTEL Como Baradello | Como | ★ 4.3 | 127 €/nuit |
| Barzy Urban Country House | Como | ★ 5 | 135 €/nuit |
| Domus in Como by Rent all Como | Centre-ville de Côme | ★ 4.3 | 136 €/nuit |
| Residence Diaz | Centre-ville de Côme | ★ 4.3 | 149 €/nuit |
| Le Stanze del Lago Suites & Pool | Como | ★ 4.8 | 152 €/nuit |
Why Stay in Como
Como sits at the southern tip of Lake Como, one of the deepest and most scenically dramatic lakes in Europe. The city combines a compact Roman street grid, a Gothic-Renaissance cathedral, and a working waterfront where ferries depart for villages that cling to steep, forested slopes. Staying here puts you within walking distance of the lake, the funicular up to Brunate, and the main train station with direct connections to Milan in under an hour.
What Como Feels Like
Como is a real city first and a resort destination second. Morning espresso at a bar on Via Plinio, afternoon light on the silk-trade facades along the old town lanes, and early-evening aperitivo facing the water: this is the everyday rhythm. It is more grounded than the villages farther up the lake, which makes it a practical anchor for day trips to Bellagio, Varenna, and Tremezzo, while still delivering the scenery that draws visitors in the first place.
Which area to stay in Côme?
- Como city center (historic core): Best for first-time visitors who want walkability. The cathedral, silk museum, and main ferry terminal are all within a ten-minute walk. Most cafes, restaurants, and shops are concentrated here.
- Como lakefront (Lungo Lario): For travelers who want the water immediately in front of them. The promenade runs along the basin and connects the two ferry piers. Hotels here tend to be positioned for lake views and proximity to boat departures.
- Cernobbio: A small town a few kilometers north of Como, accessible by bus or boat. Calmer pace, a well-preserved historic center, and a strong sense of local life. A good choice for couples or travelers who want to avoid the busiest summer crowds.
- Grandate and the suburban rail corridor: Practical rather than scenic. Located near the motorway and a regional rail stop, this area suits business travelers or those arriving by car. Prices are noticeably lower than the lakefront.
- Brunate (hillside above Como): Reached by funicular from the city center. Very quiet, with panoramic views over the lake and almost no tourist infrastructure. Suited to travelers who do not mind commuting down into Como each day.
- Lago di Como villages (Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo area, ~21 km north): Staying further up the lake in a high-end property gives direct access to the most photographed stretches of shoreline. The trade-off is distance from Como itself and dependence on ferries or a car.
Good to know
- Book early for summer (June to August): Lake Como is one of Italy's most popular destinations and accommodation fills up months in advance during peak season. April, May, and September offer nearly the same weather with more availability and softer pricing.
- Use the ferry network: The public ferries run by Navigazione Laghi connect Como with Cernobbio, Bellagio, Varenna, Tremezzo, and dozens of other stops. A day pass is cost-effective if you plan multiple village visits.
- Arrive by train if possible: Como has two main stations. Como San Giovanni connects to Milan Centrale via fast regional trains (around 40 minutes). Como Nord Lago connects to Milan Cadorna via the Trenord commuter line. Check which station is closer to your hotel before booking tickets.
- Parking in the city center is limited: The historic core has restricted traffic zones (ZTL). If you are driving, confirm in advance whether your hotel has private parking or can direct you to the nearest public car park.
- Shoulder season is ideal for budget travelers: October to early November brings cooler temperatures and much lower rates, while the lake views remain spectacular with autumn foliage on the surrounding slopes.
What to know about hotels in Côme?
What is the best area to stay in Como for first-time visitors?+
The historic city center gives you the most convenient base: the cathedral, the main ferry pier, restaurants, and the funicular to Brunate are all walkable. If you want immediate lake views and a slightly more residential feel, the lakefront strip just east of the center is equally well-connected.
When is the best time to visit Lake Como?+
Late April through early June and the whole of September are widely considered the best periods. The weather is warm and settled, the lake is navigable, and the crowds are a fraction of those in July and August. October is beautiful for foliage but some ferry routes and restaurants begin to reduce their hours.
What is the average nightly hotel rate in Como?+
Based on current availability, budget options near the city start around 105 euros per night, mid-range properties in the center run from roughly 139 to 258 euros, and four-star lakeside hotels range from 383 euros upward. Luxury five-star properties on the lake can exceed 500 to 800 euros per night depending on the season.
How do you get from Milan airports to Como?+
From Milan Malpensa (MXP), the most practical route is a direct bus (Autostradale or FlixBus services run this corridor) or a combination of the Malpensa Express train to Milan Cadorna followed by a Trenord train to Como Nord. From Milan Linate (LIN), take a city bus or taxi to Milan Centrale and then a direct regional train to Como San Giovanni. Total travel time is typically 60 to 90 minutes from either airport.
Is it better to stay in Como city or in one of the lake villages like Bellagio?+
Como city is better if you want flexibility, easy transport links to Milan, and a wider range of dining and shopping. Bellagio or Varenna are better if the scenery and a slower pace are your priority and you plan to stay mostly on the lake. Keep in mind that staying in a village makes day trips to other parts of the lake more time-consuming, since you depend on ferry schedules.
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