Where to stay on Lake Como: choosing your shore

On Lake Como, choosing where to stay is really choosing which lake you want. The same body of water feels very different from Cernobbio, near the Como end, than from Bellagio in the middle or Varenna on the eastern shore. Choose by how you intend to spend your days, then choose the hotel.

Cernobbio: grandeur, close to Como

Cernobbio sits at the southern end of the western shore, a short drive from Como town and about an hour from Milan's airports. It suits travellers who want an easy arrival, a morning in Como for its architecture, and the lake's most storied hotel.

That hotel is Villa d'Este, a historic villa in extensive gardens at the water's edge. For a first visit to the lake, or an occasion, it is the classic choice.

The Tremezzina: the view across the water

Tremezzo, Lenno and the villages between them look straight across to Bellagio. It is the postcard view, and justly famous. Stay here for the gardens of Villa Carlotta, boat days to Villa del Balbianello, and sunsets over the middle of the lake. Grand lakeside hotels line the shore road, so ask for a room on the lake side, away from traffic noise.

Bellagio: the centre of everything

Bellagio sits on the point where the lake's three arms meet, so ferries leave in every direction. It is the most convenient base without a car, and the busiest in summer. Stay here if you want to walk out of the door to lunch and take a different boat every day.

Varenna: the quieter shore

Across the water, Varenna is smaller and gentler, with a lakeside walkway and the gardens of Villa Monastero. It suits a second visit, a longer stay, or anyone arriving by train from Milan.

What to look for in any lake hotel

• A private landing stage saves time and turns every outing into an arrival.
• Lake-view rooms facing away from the road, because the lakeside roads can be busy.
• Seasonal opening dates. Many hotels close from roughly November to March.
• A pool or lido. The lake is swimmable in summer, but not everywhere.

We have not stayed at these hotels for this guide. It is based on research, and details change, so confirm rates, opening dates and room types with the hotel or your booking partner. How we choose a stay explains our approach.