The Ultimate Lake Como, Italy Travel Guide

Spectacularly set in the foothills of the Northern Italian Alps is a beautiful blue lake surrounded by palatial villas, blooming bougainvillea & colorful cobblestone towns. A place where the rich & famous go to escape the hustle & bustle of the everyday; trading in the real world for the calming still of the lake and the big city for the elegant, sleepy charm of Italian villages.

Bongiorno & welcome to your new favorite escape:

Lake Como.

A timeless destination, this lakeside paradise has been a popular elite destination since as far back as the ancient Romans. These days, it’s George Clooney’s famous escape – he owns a gorgeous lakeside villa & is often seen riding his motorcycle around town, shopping in the local markets, or george-ing around on the water in his classy wooden Reva boat.

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The Best Luxury Hotels in Lake Como

Lake Como has no shortage of beautiful hotels, but a few stand out as truly iconic. These are the properties that combine spectacular lake views, unforgettable design, and that unmistakable Italian dolce far niente energy. If you’re planning a Lake Como trip and want the very best experience, these three hotels are consistently at the top of my list.

And the best part? When you book through me as your travel advisor, you’ll receive preferred partner perks like complimentary breakfast, room upgrades when available, resort credits, and VIP recognition at the property.

Passalacqua

If you want the most magical and intimate hotel experience on Lake Como, Passalacqua is it. This stunning 18th-century villa sits above the lake in the village of Moltrasio and feels more like staying in a spectacular private estate than a traditional hotel. The property has just 24 rooms spread across three historic buildings surrounded by terraced gardens that cascade down toward the water.

Inside, expect frescoed ceilings, Murano glass chandeliers, antique mirrors, and rooms that feel like they belong to Italian aristocracy. The vibe is glamorous yet relaxed, and the service is famously warm and personal. Passalacqua has quickly become one of the most celebrated hotels in the world and was even named the World’s Best Hotel in 2023, which tells you everything you need to know about how special it is.

For travelers looking for a romantic, ultra-luxury stay that feels truly unique to Lake Como, this is my top recommendation.

How to Get FREE Complimentary Jetset Perks When Booking Passalacqua:

Passalacqua is one of the most coveted hotels on Lake Como – and when you book through Jetset Christina Travel, you’ll unlock exclusive perks you simply can’t get booking on your own:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests, served in the restaurant
$100 USD resort or hotel credit to use during your stay
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

These perks are complimentary — at no extra cost to you — and are available exclusively when you book through me. Rates are the same as booking direct, so there’s truly no reason not to!

👉 Ready to plan your Lake Como escape? Reach out at [email protected] and let’s make it happen.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Grand Hotel Tremezzo is one of the most iconic addresses on Lake Como. This historic Art Nouveau palace sits directly across the lake from Bellagio and has been welcoming glamorous travelers for more than a century. The property is famous for its dramatic lake views, beautiful gardens, and its legendary floating swimming pool set directly on the water.

The atmosphere here feels like classic Italian glamour: aperitivo on the terrace, vintage wooden boats pulling up to the private dock, and evenings overlooking the lake as the mountains turn pink at sunset. The hotel also offers multiple restaurants, a beautiful spa, and several pools, including the famous “Water on the Water” floating pool that has become one of the most photographed spots on Lake Como.

If you want that quintessential Lake Como experience with a lively atmosphere and timeless elegance, Grand Hotel Tremezzo is hard to beat.

Photo via Grand Hotel Tremezzo

How to Get FREE Complimentary Jetset Perks When Booking Grand Tremezzo (or any hotel on this list):

These perks are complimentary — at no extra cost to you! Rates are the same or often better than booking direct, but with added perks!

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests, served in the restaurant
$100 USD resort or hotel credit to use during your stay
Early check-in / late check-out, subject to availability

👉 Ready to plan your Lake Como escape? Reach out at [email protected] and let’s make it happen.

Il Sereno

For travelers who prefer modern luxury and incredible design, Il Sereno is one of the most stylish hotels on Lake Como. Located in the quiet village of Torno, this property stretches along the shoreline and offers panoramic lake views from nearly every corner of the hotel.

Designed by renowned architect Patricia Urquiola, Il Sereno feels sleek, contemporary, and effortlessly cool. Every suite has floor-to-ceiling windows and lake-view terraces, and the property is known for its minimalist architecture, exceptional service, and its Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the water.

Il Sereno is the perfect choice for travelers who want the beauty of Lake Como with a more modern, design-forward aesthetic.

Villa d’ Este

Villa d’Este is hands down the most luxe hotel I have ever stepped foot in. The “floating pool” overlooking the lake, the ornate Italian architecture and attention to detail at every corner, combined with the 25 acres of immaculately landscaped gardens, make this hotel one of the very best in the world. A popular hotel for such celebrities as Mark Twain and Alfred Hitchcock, everything about Villa d’Este embodies sophisticated glamour. This is the ultimate in luxury in Lake Como – You won’t ever want to leave. You should definitely stop by for a lunch even if you’re not staying here, it’s not cheap but seeing the property is well worth it.

( Villa d’Este, Tremezzo )

Planning a Trip to Lake Como ?

If you’re considering a trip to Lake Como and want help choosing the right hotel, designing your itinerary, or booking with VIP perks, I’d love to help. When you book through me as your travel advisor, you’ll receive preferred partner benefits like complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, potential room upgrades, and special VIP treatment throughout your stay.

I offer complimentary hotel bookings with free perks at no cost to you. Or I can offer more in-depth travel planning. You can reach out anytime at [email protected] to start planning your Lake Como getaway.

Mandarin Oriental

This Mandarin Oriental Lake Como is what dreams are made of. This 18th-century lakeside estate has stunning gardens and epic views. You enter the hotel via its own lake frontage, in a private enclave that most guests never want to leave, except maybe to explore nearby Bellagio and Cernobbio. This is where I would stay if I were honeymooning in Lake Como

Hotel Belvedere, Bellagio

In Italian, Belvedere means “beautiful view,”- a perfect descriptor for this enchanting hotel. The Belvedere hotel has been in the Martinelli-Manoni family since 1880, and the unbroken tradition of service makes it one of the best places to stay in town. The restaurant is delicious and there are beautiful terraced gardens surrounding the house, and there’s an infinty pool with lake views… so yeah, it’s perfect.

( Belvedere, Bellagio )

Must sees in Lake Como

Villa Carlotta

A beautiful villa built in the 17th Century, the elaborate gardens and impressive architecture of Villa Carlotta make it a must-see. Located in Tremezzo. ( Villa Carlotta )

Villa del Balbianello

Located on a steep edge of the lake, this 18th Century villa’s main access route used to be a steep staircase straight from the water, accessible only by boat. With a panoramic view opening up to the heart of Lake Como and a stunning terraced garden, the Villa del Balbianello is what Italian villa dreams are made of. If it looks familiar, that’s probably because James Bond made the villa his home in Casino Royale, as well as Queen Amidala & Anakin Skywalker, who retreated to the lakeside villa in Star Wars Episode II. ( Villa del Balbianello )

Bellagio

The “Pearl” of Italy, no trip to Lake Como would be complete without a visit to Bellagio. Lakeside villas, stunning vistas, & charming alleys filled with boutiques, restaurants and “enotecas” (which I quickly learned means ‘wine bar’), Bellagio is Italian charm & elegance embodied. Sta

Olive Oil Tasting in Lenno

You can find mom-and-pop olive oil shops all over Lenno, but the most famous is the Vanini olive oil factory, where the Vanini family has been making olive oil since 1850, racking up numerous international awards along the way. I loved going here to taste but also to buy lots of gifts to bring back home- Olive oil makes a fantastic gift to bring back to your friends & coworkers! ( Vanini Olive Oil )

Where to eat

Terazza Barchetta, Bellagio

Oh my god. Terazza Barchetta, you are one of my favorite restaurants in the world. Located just steps away from the Hotel Du Lac up the cobblestone streets of Bellagio, this beautiful lush terrace is the perfect dinner spot in Lake Como. Fresh seafood, amazing Italian wines, and the best, freshest, carbonara pasta I have ever had in my life.

Cantina Folie, Tremezzina

Looking for more of a wine bar & appetizers vibe? Look no further than the charming caves of Cantina Folie in Tremezzo. Their food is delicious (order the meat & cheese board) and their wine selection is so good, you may end up stumbling out of this place 🙂

Locanda La Tirlindana

Authentic Italian served in a homey atmosphere lakeside. Order the lemon ravioli – yum!

How to get to Lake Como & getting around the lake

Lake Como is only about an hour train ride from Milan. You can take the train to either Como or further down the lake mapcomo

to Varenna, a beautiful mid-lake town across from Bellagio. Or you can hire a private driver from Milan to take you door to door (my preferred way of doing it, for ease!!!!)

Once you’re on Lake Como, the Ferry is definitely the easiest way to get around. Find ferry schedules & locations here .

Guide to Lake Como by jetsetchristina.com

George is that you???

The Best time of Year to Visit Lake Como

The best time to visit Lake Como is the summertime. Because of its location near the Alps, the lake is largely deserted outside of late April-early October. I visited in August and it was just perfect. Not too crowded, warm, with light summer showers every so often (very common on Lake Como).