Hotels in Lake Como

Staying in Lake Como

North from Como the lake runs in the shape of an inverted Y, with mountains on either side. Como town fills the south-western tip, with a lakefront, a cathedral and a funicular up to Brunate. Lecco sits at the end of the other southern branch. Up the lake, Bellagio occupies the point where the branches meet, and Varenna and Menaggio face it from opposite shores. Boats cross between the towns, and the roads around the lake are narrow and slow in summer. Milan Malpensa Airport lies north-west of Milan, on the same side of the city as the lake, which is why the transfer route on this page goes straight there rather than through the centre. A private car makes sense if you are staying anywhere beyond Como town, since the last stretch by train and boat involves changes with luggage. The train from Milan reaches Como itself, and that is enough if your hotel is in town. Pick by shore and by purpose. Como town is practical for a brief stay and for day trips back to Milan. The mid-lake towns are where the classic views are, and they need a car or boat for everything. Lakeside rooms are priced for the view; decide how much the window matters.