Are you stumped on the best areas to stay in Lake Como and hoping for some guidance?

If you’ve started to go down the research rabbit hole, then you already know that Lake Como isn’t a singular place, but rather a resort area with many towns (of varying personalities)!

And before you can sort out your itinerary, you’ll first need to decide where to base yourself so you can figure out where you can feasibly travel to, whether you’ll need a car in Lake Como, etc..

Fortunately, I’m here to simplify everything. I’ve broken down the top lakeside towns to consider, the pros of each town on an individual level (and as a base), and the top-rated accommodations in a variety of price ranges.

Let’s dive in and hash out where to stay in Lake Como!

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First things first, let’s break down what and where Lake Como actually is.

As I mentioned, Lake Como isn’t a town; it’s a resort area. So saying that you’re “staying in Lake Como” is similar to telling someone you’re “staying in Tuscany” – it’s pretty vague.

Lake Como, located within Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, is shaped like an upside-down “Y” with three main branches – the Colico branch (to the north), the Como branch (to the southwest), and the Lecco branch (to the southeast).  Off of each branch, you’ll find a variety of individual and unique towns.

Not to be overly dramatic, but determining your home base in Lake Como can make or break your trip. That’s because the town you choose will determine what other towns you can feasibly visit, especially if you have limited time.

For instance, if you have your heart set on Bellagio (in the lake center), it won’t make a whole lot of sense to visit Como (the last town on the southwestern branch) if you only have two days.

Personally, I’m a big believer in selecting one of the three “Golden Triangle” towns – Bellagio, Menaggio, or Varenna – as a base for your first trip. These towns are all extremely accessible to one another by ferry, yet each offers its own vibe.

Staying in any one of these towns will give you a good introduction to Lake Como, particularly if you’re only staying for two to three nights.

That said, your base becomes less critical for longer trips (say five days or more), as you’ll have more time to bounce around.

But if you’re planning on a quick trip (like most first-timers are), choosing your town isn’t just about your travel personality and preferences – it should actually be a strategic move.

Here’s a look at the best areas to stay in Lake Como in each of the separate branches.

• Desirable Golden Triangle town (along with Bellagio & Menaggio)
• Less commercialized than other lake towns
• Train station offers regional connections to Milan & local connections to other Eastern-branch towns
• Charming accommodations & intimate restaurants
• Castello de Vizio (wonderful for hiking)
• Two stunning villas (Villa Monastero & Villa Cipressi)

If you want easy access to the other two Golden Triangle towns of Bellagio and Menaggio, serene Varenna makes an ideal home base.

This idyllic fishing village is the only one of the three with its own train station. As such, Varenna offers the best of both worlds – a relaxed atmosphere and travel convenience.

Although Varenna has caught on in popularity, it’s still one of the most tranquil and romantic towns in the evening when the day-trippers have gone – something you can only truly experience by staying here.

Villa Monti is a wonderful Art-Nouveau property in Varenna that has it all – panoramic views, spacious rooms, and a beautiful outdoor swimming pool.

Plus, at only three minutes on foot from Villa Monastero – Varenna’s most iconic villa – the location cannot be beat.

Each of the six, self-catering apartments include a kitchen with a microwave and dishwasher for added convenience.

Wonderful View made an ideal home base in Varenna for my family of three.

This 2-bedroom apartment is suitable for traveling with a toddler, and I’d suggest it for anyone visiting Lake Como with kids who wishes to make Varenna their home base.

The highlight of this modern and minimalistic apartment is its spacious balcony overlooking the region’s iconic cypress trees with a glimpse of the lake in the background.

In addition, the location cannot be beat – it’s literally just across the street from Villa Cipressi, my favorite villa in Varenna!

Note: The apartment is a walk-up (like many in Italy) and will require you to climb several flights of stairs. That said, you can park a stroller at the bottom of the steps, as the entrance remains locked.

*I’ve omitted budget options, as there either aren’t any accommodations in the lower price range or I don’t feel comfortable promoting one of the few options available.

• Smaller town with a local feel
• Train station offering regional and local lake connections
• More budget-friendly accommodation options than other towns
• Home to one of Lake Como’s best beaches, Lido di Bellano

Bellano offers visitors a refreshing slice of local life in Lake Como. This charming-but-unassuming town can be a welcome alternative to the more touristy towns such as Bellagio.

Despite its under-the-radar status as compared to other towns in the region, Bellano has a lot to offer nature enthusiasts, including the Orrido di Bellano, a dramatic glacial gorge with a manmade walkway.

Plus, if you’re traveling on a budget, you’re likely to find more accommodations in your price range.

Since Bellano tends to offer more affordable accommodations, you can enjoy the perks of a “luxury” stay without the prohibitive price tag!

The gorgeous boutique property of Hotel Meridiana offers an enviable location directly on the lake – and the majority of rooms feature lakefront balconies for soaking it all in.

In terms of hotel cuisine, a delicious breakfast is included daily for guests and the lakefront terrace is open for meals during summertime.

Another wonderful lakefront option in Bellano is Gli Oleandri, a recently renovated apartment with beachfront access and a private balcony.

The apartment includes a kitchenette for food preparation as well as a dining area.

Beyond the apartment itself, guests can take advantage of the property’s sun terrace or relax in the on-site garden area.

If you’re looking to spread out with two bedrooms and some additional square footage but prefer sticking to a modest budget, Lucy’s House may be the perfect fit.

This private home overlooks the lake and even offers an outdoor dining area for soaking up the view.

Inside, guests have access to a kitchenette as well as a washing machine.

• Large inventory of upscale accommodations
• Impressive collection of luxury shops
• Wide array of restaurants & eateries
• Iconic “Instagrammable” street of Salita Serbelloni
• Home to two iconic villas (Villa Melzi & Villa Serbelloni)

Bellagio offers a prime location in the center of the lake region. In fact, it sits right at the fork in the lake, splitting the southern region into two branches – the Como branch to the west and the Lecco branch to the east.

Elegant Bellagio is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no wonder it’s beloved among the wealthy and famous.

But not to worry; you don’t have to be a celebrity to appreciate the beauty of – or base yourself in – the “Pearl of Lake Como”, as it’s famously known. If you love to shop till you drop or simply relish the finer things in life, Bellagio just may be your perfect home base.

For the ultimate luxury stay in Bellagio, you’ll simply swoon over the unique beauty of Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

This incomparable 5-star offers the works – frescoed ceilings, chandeliers, both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, tennis/squash courts, and its very own Michelin-starred restaurant.

A fabulous breakfast buffet (offering a variety of international options) is served each day.

Keep in mind that some rooms are adults-only and you’ll need to select from a handful of lakeview rooms if you want one.

A more modest – but still ridiculously beautiful – hotel in Bellagio is the iconic Hotel Bellagio.

This boutique property is ideally located within the vibrant city center, making it perfect for those traveling without a car. The hotel offers sweeping views over Lake Como and many of the 29 rooms include lake views.

A continental breakfast is included and served each morning.

It’s tricky to find a true budget option in Bellagio, but Miralago B&B and Apartments is still cost-effective as compared to the rest of the town. 

Although the apartments don’t include kitchenettes, breakfast is available upon advance request. 

While these apartments are slightly removed from the busy city center, you can reach the central town within just 10 minutes on foot. In addition, some units come with free parking, so be sure to inquire about that when booking if you’re planning to arrive by car.

• Large inventory of accommodations offer more bang for your buck
• Flatter landscapes make getting around on foot easier
• Home to Lido di Menaggio/Victoria Beach (beach club with a restaurant, lake access, and pools)
• Lively central plaza of Piazza Giuseppi Garibaldi
• Minigolf Menaggio with beautiful lake views

Located north of Bellagio, Menaggio offers a relaxing home base with a stunning lakefront promenade.

Notably flatter than some neighboring towns, Menaggio is the ideal home base for families traveling to Lake Como with kids as well as for older adults. It’s also less touristed and crowded than bustling Bellagio, so it’s ideal for a slow-travel experience.

Despite Menaggio’s laidback exterior, the town has a wealth of things to offer, from fabulous waterfront dining (like La Grolla Menaggio), to plentiful shops, to a wide swath of accommodations in a variety of price ranges.

The most iconic hotel in all of Menaggio, Grand Hotel Victoria is in a league of its own.

There are so many things to love about this striking Neoclassical property, but above all is its prime location – on the lake and just steps from the city center. On the property grounds, you’ll find a swimming pool and expansive and lush gardens.

There are 81 rooms inside this famous hotel, some of which feature a private balcony.

Grand Hotel Victoria also features an à la carte restaurant as well as a lakefront terrace for dining.

Another beautiful lakefront property in Menaggio, Hotel Bellavista is conveniently located just steps from the ferry pier.

Its 40 rooms range from attic-style, to ensuite, to lakeview suites with balconies.

The property’s veranda-clad restaurant offers a combination of international cuisine and seafood delicacies. There’s also a bar with an impressive terrace view.

For a budget-friendly stay with a mountain view, consider Hotel Sonenga. Perched on the hills that overlook Menaggio, guests can enjoy a spectacular vantage point.

The spacious rooms offer a variety of views, depending on preference and budget.

There’s also an outdoor swimming pool with sunbeds, a rarity in this price range and location.

• Historic architecture
• Wide range of dining options from casual eateries to upscale restaurants
• Home to the most famous villa on Lake Como, Villa Carlotta, as well as Villa del Balbianello

Facing Bellagio on the western side of the lake, Tremezzo is similar to the Pearl of Lake Como in terms of its luxury feel, but it offers a quieter sophistication. Tremezzo is part of the municipality of Tremezzina, which also includes Lenno, Ossuccio, and Mezzegra.

This refined town offers the charm of cobbled streets and a beautiful, yet relaxed central town.

With a name so apropos, Ville Mirage may just make you feel like you’re imagining it! This highly-rated, sophisticated villa looks like something off of a movie set.

It offers an outdoor terrace, a large swimming pool, and lovely lakeside views. Guests can take advantage of a spacious, 3-bedroom interior as well as a kitchen with an oven, a dishwasher, a microwave, and a washing machine.

In addition, free parking is available on site.

Located in a tranquil location of Tremezzo, Hotel La Perla is perfect for those looking to escape the tourist crowds.

However, at only 15 minutes on foot from the central town, this lovely property is separate enough to feel private, yet close enough for convenience.

(That said, many guests recommend traveling here with a car, as the road to town is steep.)

The hotel includes an intimate outdoor pool and most rooms offer a balcony for guests to enjoy the wonderful views.

A delicious breakfast is included each morning.

The highly-rated, budget-friendly apartment at Casa del Net – Tremezzo is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Tremezzo without breaking the bank.

This lakeside property will require a car, but can serve as the perfect retreat for those keen to drive.

Guests can enjoy access to a fully-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and a patio.

• Less touristy & glam than neighboring towns
• Train station serves as a main hub in Lombardy region
• Plentiful hiking opportunities
• A dramatic landscape of steep mountain backdrops
• Lido Orsa Maggiore (popular public swimming area)

The second-largest city in Lake Como after Como (and the largest in the southeastern branch), Lecco is as authentically “blue collar” as it is large. This charming town has solid industrial roots, ranging from manufacturing to metalworking.

Here, you can enjoy a taste of local-Italian-working-class life away from the throngs of tourists that are typical in this resort area.

While Lecco is easily the most laidback of the Lake Como towns on this list, it still offers a reliable transportation system (consisting of a train station and several bus lines) and stunning alpine views.

Lakefront Luxury Suites Ropocom offers a comfortable stay with gorgeous views and an impressive array of amenities.

Each modern room offers a balcony or terrace with a lake view, so all guests will have direct access to the beauty of Lecco.

The property’s restaurant specializes in Italian food for lunch and dinner, and also offers a wonderful à la carte breakfast.

In addition to more standard offerings such as a fitness room, Luxury Suites Ropocom also offers yoga classes, high tea, and even an electric-vehicle charging station.

Conveniently located in the center of Lecco and an easy walk from the train station, Hotel Alberi offers lovely gulf views.

All rooms are spacious and offer either mountain or water views.

A tasty breakfast is provided each morning.

*I’ve omitted luxury options, as there either aren’t any accommodations in the upper price range or I don’t feel comfortable promoting one of the few options available.

• Highly-accessible with a train station, busses, and ferries
• Vast array of hotels & restaurants
• Energetic urban environment
• Numerous squares
• Blend of tourists & locals

The largest city along Lake Como, Como Town is most unlike all the other towns on this list in that it doesn’t exude that quintessential lakeside charm.

Instead, the city of Como can be quite polarizing – travelers either embrace it for its big-box convenience, accessibility, and amenities, or skip it in favor of the more postcard-perfect towns.

That said, Como undoubtedly has plenty to offer, from its historic old town (with fortress walls!) to its modern, urban conveniences. It can certainly serve as an ideal base if convenience and amenities trump small-town charm for you.

If you’re looking for a property with historic features and modern-day conveniences, you’ll love carefully-restored Hotel Villa Flori.

Originally founded in the 19th century, this elegant villa features 53 rooms with special details of a bygone era, including marble bathrooms and Venetian stucco.

As if this isn’t romantic enough, the hotel is also set amongst fragrant citrus groves, a tantalizing atmosphere for the senses.

The hotel’s on-site restaurant offers panoramic lake views and a buffet breakfast is served daily in the lovely dining room.

For a unique stay with an unmatched view of Como Cathedral, look no further than Dome’s Charm.

In addition to the private (and striking!) balcony view of the cathedral, guests can enjoy easy access to central Como – without having to sacrifice proximity to the surrounding mountains.

Though breakfast is not offered here, guests will be able to prepare meals in the in-room kitchenettes.

Another perk – a true rarity in historic Italian towns – is the elevator!

For a modern, budget-friendly stay, consider Case Vacanza Villa Crispi.

This recently-renovated property features garden access as well as apartments with a balcony (and a classic rooftop view)!

In addition, guests can take advantage of elevator access as well as private parking for added convenience.

I hope this neighborhood guide has given you clarity on the best areas to stay in Lake Como – and where to book a memorable stay!

If you have any questions regarding the Lake Como neighborhoods or any of these accommodations, let me know in the comments below!

Ready to book a stay in Lake Como and explore further? Check out my other guides:

• Varenna or Bellagio: Which Stunning Lake Como Town Should Be Your Base?
• Do You Need a Car in Lake Como? Essential Guide to How to Get Around Lake Como
• Lake Como with Kids: Toddler Travel Tips & Family-Friendly Attractions
• Lake Como in May: Guide to a Magical Springtime Visit