Passalacqua
Nestled in the foothills of the Italian Alps, the dramatic Lake Como has inspired artists, poets and writers for centuries. Alfred Hitchcock, for example, filmed scenes at the famed Villa d’Este for his very first movie, The Pleasure Garden. Artists Giovanni Segantini and Charles Warren Eaton, among others, found inspiration in the light and reflections of the water, while literary figures have consistently resonated with the tranquillity and grandeur of Como as a symbol of peace and introspection.
For travellers, the stunning mountain scenery, charming towns and deep blue waters enchant and delight, drawing upwards of 1.4 million visitors yearly. So much so that talks of a daily visitor fee have circulated for years.
But why visit for a day when you can spend three or four frolicking through historic churches and narrow streets, or luxuriate beside the deep blue waters? There’s also so much local and regional cuisine to try, especially as harvest season blooms around September.
Staying in a luxury hotel at Lake Como – whether the newly opened Lake Como EDITION, or the intimate and historic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with its Belle Époque elegance and private beach – means waking up to breathtaking Alpine views, enjoying world-class service and immersing yourself in the same gilded lifestyle that has attracted European aristocracy and Hollywood royalty for generations.
So, whether you’re an artist seeking peace and solitude or a traveller after an extra bit of grandeur, below are the best and most luxurious hotels in Lake Como for you to explore this cinematic playground.
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GT‘s picks for Lake Como hotels for 2026
- Best new hotel: The Lake Como EDITION
- Best for couples: Il Sereno Lago di Como
- Best for families: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
- Best for wellness: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
- Best for honeymooners: Passalacqua
- Best for location: Villa Làrio Lake Como
Best luxury hotels in Lake Como
Best new hotel opening
The Lake Como EDITION officially opened in March of 2026 and has quickly become an unparalleled visionary of lakeside luxury. Its reimagining of the historic 19th-century palazzo with a contemporary twist is reflected in each of the 148 rooms, including 25 suites and two penthouses. A private dock welcomes arrivals by boat, while a floating pool extends over the lake. For dining, Three-Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco oversees four venues; from Cetino, an ingredient-forward signature restaurant to Renzo; an all-day terrace spot rooted in the chefs Italian family recipes. The Lake Como EDITION is also home to the second Longevity Spa in Italy with biohacking treatments, a herbal sauna, Turkish bath and more.
Address: Via Regina, 41, 22011 Cadenabbia CO, Italy
Best boutique hotel
Taking the top spot on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list in its inaugural year, Passalacqua takes pleasure in the Italian art of dolce far niente. The property offers 24 magnificent suites across three distinct buildings, including villas by the waterfront. Their dining offers are just as relaxed, with Chef Viviana Varese leading a home-style kitchen where guests can wander in and out with ease. Take respite by the secluded outdoor pool in the gardens for a restorative escape.
Address: Via Besana, 59, 22010 Moltrasio CO, Italy
Best for families
Passalacqua’s sister property, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, fuses history, tradition and glamour in one iconic stay. The first true luxury hotels on the lake – opening in 1910 – offers 77 rooms and suites overlooking the lake and nestled within a centuries-old park. Every corner is welcome for exploration; from the spectacular array of pools, including one on the water, to the private beach, a tennis court and jogging paths. The culinary offering are just as special, randing from the refined La Terrazza Gualtiero Marchesi and Escale Trattoria & Wine Bar to a wood-fired pizzeria set within the park.
Address: Via Statale, 5401, 22019 Tremezzina CO, Italy
Best for wellness
Imagine your days floating on a 40-metre infinity pool right on the lake – one of the largest in the world, designed by Herzog & de Meuron – or wandering the lush lakefront botanical gardens after a day exploring the town. That’s a reality here at Mandarin Oriental, which underwent an extensive renovation of the former CastaDiva Resort & Spa in 2023. The new spa features six treatment rooms including two private Spa Suites, a zen garden and a redesigned wet area with whirlpool, ice pool, Finnish sauna and steam bath. Set in Blevio, you’re just five kilometres from Como’s central.
Address: Via E. Caronti, 69, 22020 Blevio CO, Italy
Best for dining and families
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni is the only five-star luxury hotel in Bellagio, a well-known village around Lake Como, offering comfort and contemporary indulgence far from the crowds. Guests have access to a large outdoor lakeside swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, private beach, tennis courts, squash courts, as well as the Baci Da Bellagio beach club. Also housed on-site is the Luce del Lago, the biggest wellness facility on Lake Como, measuring more than 16,000 square feet. Royal-level suites with gilded artworks and antique furniture throughout offer their own storied 150-year history within the halls of the hotel.
Address: Via Teresio Olivelli, 1, 22021 Bellagio CO, Italy
Best for lakefront terraces
A much smaller and intimate ultra-luxury hotel, Il Sereno Lago di Como offers a more relaxed interpretation of glamour. The all-suite hotel features 30 oversized suites, all with their own furnished terraces and lake views in a palette of soft greens and blues inspired by the lake. Enjoy a variety of local dishes at Michelin-starred Il Sereno Al Lago, overseen by chef Raffaele Lenzi. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Il Sereno Lago di Como is stylish and private sanctuary unparalleled to any other stay.
Address: Via Torrazza, 10, 22020 Torno CO, Italy
Best for seclusion
A perfect mix of classic and contemporary, Villa Làrio Lake Como is nestled away from the crowds in a private, serene location in Pognana Lario; featuring exceptional eastern sunset views across the water. 18 suites are spread across four distinct structures that extend over two acres of private gardens directly on Lake Como. Enjoy the panoramic infinity pool, a private pontoon and direct access to the lake, plus a one-of-a-kind suspended botanical bar carved into the rock at the water’s edge.
Address: Via Matteotti, 27, 22020 Pognana Lario CO, Italy
Bellagio is the classic choice for its central location and charm, Varenna for a quieter, romantic atmosphere and Como town for easy train access from Milan. For luxury, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo or Passalacqua are our recommendations for an iconic stay.
We recommend enjoying at least three to four days in Lake Como. This gives you enough time to explore the picturesque lakeside towns, tour historic villas, and enjoy the region’s relaxing pace without feeling rushed. For those who desire to venture further, add an extra day or two to hike above the lake, day-trip to Lugano, or to further explore nearby Milan, which is roughly a 30-minute drive away.
May and June are the best months to visit Lake Como while the weather is warm, the flowers are in bloom, and the crowds haven’t yet hit peak summer levels. September is a close runner-up, with fewer tourists, harvest-season menus and still-lovely weather.
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