The TOP 6 Lake Como Hotels to visit this year

Few destinations in Europe evoke the same cinematic beauty and timeless charm as Lake Como. With its glacial waters, pastel-hued villages, and verdant hills rising steeply from the shoreline, this Italian jewel continues to capture the hearts of discerning travellers year after year. But while the views are universally spectacular, the experience of Lake Como is often defined by where you choose to stay – whether that’s a centuries-old palazzo or a sleek, design-forward retreat.

In 2025, these six standout hotels showcase the full spectrum of what Lake Como has to offer, from historic grandeur to contemporary serenity. Each one brings something entirely unique to the table, blending location, style, and soul into a memorable lakeside escape.

GRAND HOTEL TREMEZZO

Perched on the western shore of Lake Como with panoramic views across to Bellagio, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of Italy’s most iconic properties. Dating back to 1910, the hotel has long been a symbol of Belle Époque opulence, with its distinctive orange façade, lush private park, and direct access to the lake via a floating pool. Situated next to Villa Carlotta’s famed botanical gardens, it offers guests a historic vantage point steeped in aristocratic legacy and lakeside charm.

Inside, the 90 rooms and suites exude timeless elegance, with silk-covered walls, Art Nouveau detailing, and lake-view balconies that frame postcard-worthy scenes. The estate features three swimming pools, a lavish lakeside spa, a private beach club, and an array of fine dining options, including the Michelin-starred La Terrazza. Every element, from floral arrangements to butler service, reflects the property’s commitment to gracious, old-world hospitality.

PASSALACQUA

A more recent but no less dazzling addition to Lake Como’s luxury hotel scene, Passalacqua occupies an 18th-century villa just outside Moltrasio. Immersed in terraced gardens and olive groves, the estate was once home to composer Vincenzo Bellini and now welcomes guests into a restored palazzo that feels both regal and intimate. Its elevated hillside setting offers panoramic lake views and a secluded, romantic atmosphere unmatched in scale and elegance.

Rather than follow a standard template, each of the 24 suites channels its own personality – adorned with original frescoes, curated antiques, and handcrafted linens. Outdoor cinema nights, a hidden amphitheatre, garden yoga, and a subterranean spa offer a rare mix of seclusion and spectacle. Whether you’re reading under a lemon tree or arriving by boat to a candlelit dinner, Passalacqua invites you into a real life fairytale.

IL SERENO

Set in contrast to its more classical neighbours, Il Sereno brings a contemporary edge to the shores of Lake Como. Designed by Patricia Urquiola, the hotel is a minimalist masterpiece carved into the cliffs near Torno. Its architectural lines and floor-to-ceiling glass create a seamless blend with the natural surroundings, offering guests a calm and design-driven escape rooted in simplicity and style.

The 30 open-plan suites are havens of modern luxury, dressed in neutral palettes, custom-made furnishings, and expansive terraces that overlook the water. Guests are treated to amenities like a cantilevered infinity pool, a boutique spa with Valmont treatments, and a fleet of vintage Riva boats for lake excursions. Refined yet relaxed, the Michelin-starred Il Sereno Al Lago adds a culinary edge to the sleek serenity.

VILLA D’ESTE

PALAZZO ALBRICCI PEREGRINI

Tucked away in the heart of Como’s historic centre, Palazzo Albricci Peregrini offers a quietly luxurious alternative to the grand lakefront resorts. Housed in a 15th-century palace, this family-run boutique hotel blends romantic charm with understated elegance. Located within walking distance of the Duomo and the city’s lakefront promenade, it offers guests a base rich in culture and authenticity.

With just nine suites, the atmosphere is intimate and design-forward, combining ancient stone walls and restored frescoes with curated artworks and artisan-made furnishings. Breakfast is organic and locally sourced, served al fresco in the courtyard or brought to your suite, while personalised itineraries and in-room wellness treatments make each stay feel completely bespoke.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAKE COMO